Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the death of his predecessor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, as shocking even as he lamented that the state has lost her most experienced politician in the deceased.
Alao-Akala died on Wednesday.
He recounted his recent interaction where the late Ogbomoso political stalwart gave him his word to flag off the Ogbomoso-Iseyin road project.
The governor spoke during a condolence visit to Alao-Akala’s family at his Opadoyin Lodge residence, Randa area, in Ogbomoso.
Addressing the widows, family and political associates of the late former Governor, Makinde described him as a leader, brother, mentor and grassroots man.
Makinde said that the late ex-governor was a lover of Ogbomoso and Oyo State who did his best as Governor.
He said: “I still spoke to him four, five days back. I was arguing with somebody that I wanted to ask the former governor to come and flag off the Ogbomoso-Iseyin road project and the person objected that Alao-Akala would deal with it politically and not accept.
“So, I put the call across and he said he would be there to flag it off. He only requested to be given 48 hours notice once I choose the date and I was looking forward to it. But, who are we to question God?
“Sometimes, it is not how long but how well. In this house, I can see people across all political leanings in Oyo State.
“It is not how long but how well and I will explain it to you. Here, we have my brother, Senator Teslim Folarin. I can also see Hon. Segun Odebunmi (Bunvic) and almost all the political leanings in Oyo State are here.
“Not only Ogbomoso but the entire Oyo State has lost perhaps the most experienced politician that this state has ever produced.
“He is a grassroots man from being a local government chairman to deputy governor, acting governor and governor. Who else has that credentials in this state? Even in the moment of our grief, we must remember that God was gracious unto him.
“He mentored some of us. On the outside, we might be talking politics.
“During my birthday last December, the two of us sat here sharing drinks. People may think that politically we are not together but in terms of love for our state, we were together.
“He loved this state so much and he did his best for this state as the governor.
“There are others who may not love the state by their actions and decisions. He once told me that if we commit a mistake, it must be a mistake from the head not from the heart.
“When I became governor and said I may make mistake. It was in taking a cue from him.
“The loss is not just for the family but for the entire Oyo state. I pray God should uphold the left behind.
“There are few things that the two of us agreed to do and those found still relevant will be done.”
