Ex-Commissioner, Gbola Adetunji, mourns Alao Akala, describes him as ‘man of the masses’

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Former Hon. Commissioner for Health and current Chairman of Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Otunba Dr. Gbola Adetunji, has expressed a deep shock on the news of the sudden death of Chief Adebayo Alao Akala, the former governor of Oyo state. 

In a statement personally signed on Friday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Otunba Adetunji described the former governor as a legend in friendship, a political colossus, a generous political leader and a man of the masses. 

According to him, Akala, until his death, served humanity with passion and to the best of his ability.

The statement read: “I received the news of the sudden death of former Governor of Oyo State with rude shock in the early hours of Wednesday. 

“My journey of friendship with the former governor started in 1999 when political fate brought us together during the regime of Late Alh Lam Adesina, as a result of conjugal relationship between the Ministry of Health and the Local Government health sector. 

“The political association became more cemented in 2008 when I joined him in PDP when he was the governor of the state. I was in his political camp till 2019, a journey of 10 years.

“Certainly, I can say He was a legend in friendship, a political colossus, a generous political leader, a man of the masses.  All of these qualities he possessed earn him the accolade.

“Akala, ‘the ATM’, an astute administrator and a very humble and respectable personality. 

“Our solace lies in the fact that he served humanity and God to the best of His ability and with passion.” 

He, however, prayed that God will repose his soul and comfort the family he left behind with divine comfort and mercy.