Senator Kola Balogun has described late former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, as a good leader and a brother who is worthy of being celebrated on his post-humous 75th birthday.
Balogun, who represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the ninth Senate, stated this in a statement to congratulate the entire Alao-Akala Family on the occasion of the 75th post-humous birthday of the late former governor.
The Ogbomoso-born politician and the first and only governor produced outside of Ibadan -apart from the late Chief Bola Ige, a non-Ibadan, who was governor of old Oyo State- died in January 2022, some months to his 72nd birthday.
Felicitating with the family, Senator Balogun described the late Alao-Akala as a good man with a large heart and a wonderful boss who was pleasantly well disposed to his followers and subordinates.
Senator Kola Balogun was a favourite of the late governor and members of his cabinet when he held sway as the governor of the Oyo State, first between January and December, 2006.
The former lawmaker was the Commissioner for Works and Transport during the 11 months administration of the late governor from January to December 2006.
Thereafter he was appointed the Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives from 2007 to 2011 in the Alao-Akala administration and was also the Director General of the Alao-Akala Governorship Campaign in the 2015 elections.
Recollecting his moments with the late Alao-Akala, Senator Balogun described him as a good-spirited who gave his all to good governance when he was the governor of the state.
“My wife, Mrs Gbonjubola Kola-Balogun and I rejoice with the entire family on this auspicious occasion of the 75th post-humous birthday of my late oga, Otunba Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.
“He was about the best governor Oyo State has ever produced in terms of good human relations, grassroots politicking and development. He spread good governance along the nooks and crannies of the state.
“My late oga was a jolly good fellow and a cheerful giver who related very well with everyone that came his way, regardless of race, creed and age.
“On a personal note, the late Chief Alao-Akala was a trusting boss who I saw and regarded as my leader, my brother and my friend.
“One cannot but be wondering how it could have been if oga was alive today to witness the celebration of his 75th birthday.
“God knows the best and he has the best plan for every human. We are happy that oga lived a good life and he still remains a reference point in good governance, 14 year after he took his exit from the seat of governance.
“It is heartwarming to know that the family is carrying on the light of Otunba Alao-Akala and the beautiful memories he left behind.
“As the Alao-Akala Family celebrate the 75th post-humous of a great man today, my family and I join you to celebrate a political icon on this joyous occasion.
“My prayer is that God will continue to grant his soul a peaceful rest as He also guide the entire family on a continued path of progress and self-attainment,” Senator Kola Balogun added in the statement.
