The Governor of Lagos State, on Wednesday, said the death of a late former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo, Alao-Akala was a great loss to Oyo State and the people of Ogbomoso in particular.

Alao-Akala, a former police officer, served as deputy governor before becoming governor of Oyo State. He was confirmed dead on Wednesday at the age of 71.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile also sympathised with the deceased’s family and urged them to take heart.

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

“The passage of Otunba Alao-Akala hurts me because of the critical role he is playing in Oyo APC before his demise. My heart was filled with grief when I was informed about his death.

“Otunba Alao-Akala was more than a politician. He was a man of many parts, whose managerial skills and experience are required at this critical period in our national life, especially in our party, APC ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“He served Oyo State passionately first as a Deputy Governor and later as Governor. He did his best in contributing his quota to the growth and development of Ogbomoso as council chairman as well as Oyo State as a Governor. He also made his mark in the Nigerian Police where he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995 before venturing into politics.”

Addressing the family, Sanwo-Olu said, “I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and grant the family and the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Source: Punch