Author: oduduwanews

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commiserated with Oyo State Government over the death of the ex-Oyo Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.

In a statement released by the Govenror via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, people of Oyo State, family, friends and political associates on the death of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

“Otunba Alao-Akala was more than a politician. He was a man of many parts who served Oyo State passionately, first as Deputy Governor and later Governor.

“He also did his best in contributing his quota to the growth and development of Ogbomoso as council chairman.

“Otunba Alao-Akala also made his mark in the NPF where he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995 before eventually venturing into politics.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with his soul, grant him eternal rest, and give his family, friends, and the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, as a rude shock.

Similarly, the Governor has also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Engineer Seyi Makinde, over the demise of his predecessor.

Otunba Alao-Akala who served as the governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011 died Wednesday morning at his country home of Ogbomoso.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Governor Oyetola said he was pained and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Oyo political leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Governor condoled Akala’s family, his political associates, government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.

He described Akala’s death as a personal loss because the deceased was “a good friend of Osun who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements.”

Oyetola recalled the laudable role Akala played during the resolution of the age-long battle between Oyo and Osun over the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and gracing the State’s 30th anniversary Banquet and Awards which held last year.

He stated that the late Ogbomoso-born politician was an unassuming elder statesman and a seasoned political leader whose reputation is worth emulating, adding that he would be remembered for his Administration’s strides in Oyo.

“On behalf of my family, government and people of Osun, I commiserate with the family of late Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, his political associates, friends as well as the governor and government and people of Oyo State.

“I pray that God grant him eternal rest and watch over the family and loved ones he left behind,” Oyetola said.

The uncertainty over who will be crowned the next Olubadan of Ibadan was laid to rest yesterday, as kingmakers ratified the choice of the Otun Olubadan, Sen. Lekan Balogun.

The kingmakers, who are high chiefs and top members of the Olubadan-in-Council, ratified Balogun’s choice at their meeting held at the Olubadan palace, Oja’ba, Mapo, yesterday.

The meeting was convened by the Ibadan South East Local Government, which is in charge of the Olubadan affairs. It organised the formal meeting through the Olubadan Advisory Council.

The meeting was attended by seven high chiefs – Balogun of Ibadan, Owolabi Olakulehin; Asipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Lateef Gbadamosi; Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola and Eekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye.

The Iyalode of Ibadan land, High Chief Theresa Oyekanmi, sent a letter endorsing Lekan Balogun. The Olubadan-elect and Sen. Rashidi Ladoja were absent. There is no Seriki at the moment.

Also in attendance was the Head of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mrs. Grace Aremu, who represented the local government.

A source told The Nation that kingmakers put calls to Ladoja to find out why he was the only one absent without an apology, but the calls did not go through. Lekan Balogun was not expected to attend because he was already nominated.

The Nation gathered that the kingmakers would transmit a letter notifying Governor Seyi Makinde of their decision today.

The letter will be submitted through the local government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The kingmakers declined interview with reporters after the meeting. Reporters were also barred from entering the palace.

Entrances leading to the palace were barricaded by policemen, to avoid breach of law and order.

Ladoja’s lawyer, Mr. Michael Lana, had written to Makinde warning him against approving Lekan Balogun’s choice as the new Olubadan, based on the two suits he said were pending in court over elevation of high chiefs by the late governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017.

The former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Also Akala is dead.

He died exactly one month after the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, joined his ancestors.

As at the time of filing this report details of his death yet to be unravelled, ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that he died in his sleep early hours of today.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

The Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, has said that Bola Tinubu has what it takes to be Nigeria’s president. Speaking with The Guardian in Ibadan, Olajide said Tinubu has given a full account of himself in politics and has widespread support base, which he said is an added advantage.

Olajide said: “He has given a full account of himself. He has a very widespread support across the entire country. He has been in politics for a long time and has done very well in politics. I don’t know why the Yoruba should not support him. Without being immodest, we are about the most sophisticated and liberal in the country.

“Other aspirants from the Southwest are likely to show up and then we have to look at the competence of each one of them, the capacity, character and ability to mobilise support. The Yoruba won’t want to support a failure. So, I think it is too premature now to say categorically what the Yoruba would do.”

Chuks Ibegbu, a former National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, should not run for President in 2023.

Ibegbu said Tinubu and Atiku should drop their ambition due to their age.

Speaking exclusively with journalists today, Ibegbu said Atiku, Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo should pick a credible presidential candidate from the Southeast.

He noted that the rigorous nature of the Presidency wouldn’t allow the likes of Tinubu and Atiku to perform optimally at their age.

“The Presidency we need should be a young, dynamic person with the energy to move around. Look at Buhari with all the killings in his State; he can’t move around because age is not on his side. He may be mentally sound, but he’s physically comatose.

“Tinubu did his bit in Lagos when he was governor; he was vibrant then, but age is not on his side now. Tinubu is almost 90 years old now; forget about what he is saying about his age. He should be about 80 something but claiming to be 60 something. Age is not on his side now.