A public administrator in National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Prof. Tunji Olaopa says Nigeria is urgently in need of motivated politicians such as the late former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Olaopa, also a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, made the assertions on Monday in Ibadan at an event organised by the political class to celebrate the life of the late Alao-Akala.
Recall that the late Alao-Akala died on January 12 in Ogbomoso, his home town.
Olaopa, in a lecture entitled: ‘Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala: The Lifetime of a Humane Politician”, said the politician represented a legacy that could serve as pathway for progressive politics.
“Nigeria urgently needs politicians who are simply not mere jobbers, but those who are motivated, as Alao-Akala was by his background and existential deprivation.
“Whatever motivates anyone running for office, the critical matter is that such a person must be ready to do whatever it takes to make life more abundantly richer than what exists before they get there.
“This is what it means to make politics the act of the possible and Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala was our exemplar,” he said.
Olaopa said that the late Alao-Akala was such a pragmatic politician who deeply understood what it means to be a politician that makes things happen.
Also, Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South), described the late Alao-Akala as a man of courage in leadership.
“Gov. Alao-Akala was a courage in leadership. He was a typical example in native wisdom and these are critical elements you need, if you are going to succeed in governing a state like Oyo State,” Balogun said.
In his remarks, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North), described the late Alao-Akala as an epitome of everything ranging from politics to social life.
“He is an epitome of everything political, social and so many others. He has come, he has seen and he has conquered. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Buhari said.
Commenting, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, a former Minister of Youths and Sports, described the late Alao-Akala as a good man.
Adedoja recalled the good relationship that existed between him and the late Alao-Akala, praying God to grant him eternal rest.
A co-Chairman of the event, Chief Wale Ohu, said that Alao-Akala’s demise was a rude shock to the political class in the state and Nigeria.
“Alao-Akala was a political titan, a man of exceeding generosity and epitome of politics without bitterness. He traversed different political platforms.
“A trajectory that subjected him to relating with all prominent political actors in Oyo State and Nigeria at large, thereby creating an uncommon experience of a man with a large heart,” Ohu said.
He said the death of Alao-Akala and its aftermath that gave birth to the event had given them a better understanding that politicians could be united, even in diversity.
Ohu said that expectations of the organisers was to organise “Alao-Akala Day of Political Unity” to be celebrated annually to bring together the political class, irrespective of political parties.
“Also, to foster the practice of politics without bitterness in which Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala stood for.
“Politicians shall come together to talk and ruminate on a subject matter that will improve the political class,” he said.
Among other dignataries who spoke glowingly about the late former governor were Elder Wole Oyelese; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); Isaac Omodewu; Segun Odebunmi; Dr Fola Akinosun, Alhaja Bose Adedibu among others.
NAN
