+How His Burial Shut Down OGBOMOSO
February 12th, 2022 was a black Wednesday in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. It was the day indigenes and residents of the town received the news of the death of an Oyo State former governor, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala. The loss put the state and the entire Ogbomoso town in a mourning mood as an icon in the person of Alao-Akala, an illustrious son of the land was lost to the cold hands of death.
Those who travelled down to Ogbomoso to witness the week-long burial ceremony in honour of the deceased would notice that the ancient town was flooded with varieties of billboards sponsored by different individuals, groups and bodies, all paying tributes to the late Otunba Alao-Akala. Every junction, bus stop, street and house had billboards or posters that said something good about the deceased. The message on each of them was clear and resoundingly eulogizing the deceased.
Indeed, the entire Ogbomosho town and its environs witnessed an influx of guests like never before. Each of the programmes marking the one-week long burial ceremony was greeted by an unprecedented large turn-out of people. Some of whom came from other parts of Nigeria and abroad to honour and pay their last respect to the late former Governor. All the venues that were used for the burial ceremony were filled to their capacity. Some people remarked that the burial ceremony was so massive that even a sitting governor and president could not get the kind of honour Otuna Alao-Akala was given.
The reception party was held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club located along Ilorin road in Ogbomoso. The field was a beehive of activity. Aside from the main marquee mounted to receive dignitaries, there were about 15 different tents erected by the people of Ogbomoso and each tent had a live music band entertaining the people. The reception could be likened to a carnival. King of Juju music, the legendary, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly called KSA, was on stage for hours entertaining guests. Another bobbling tent at the venue was that of Madam Esther Bamidele Magbagbeola, a cousin of the late Alao-Akala. The guests sitting under the tents were top socialites from home and abroad.
A further enquiry into why the people of Ogbomoso so much love Otunba Alao-Akala revealed that was not even because the former Governor hailed from Ogbomoso, but because he touched the lives of many Ogbomoso people in so many ways. They described the late politician as a philanthropist extraordinaire. They said his level of generosity was unrivalled in the entire Ogbomoso town.
Akala as many of them would say was a compassionate giver. They recollected how the town has witnessed massive development thanks to the input of the late Otunba Alao-Akala. His legacies are purely humanitarian and beneficial to the people of his home town. They are worthy of emulation. There is a popular assertion among the people of Ogbomoso that says: “no matter your state of mind when you meet Otunba Alao-Akala, you would always leave with a smile on your face. He was fun to be with and never discriminated against along ethnic or religious lines.
There is nobody in the entire Ogbomoso whom the former governor had not touched his/her life either directly or indirectly. Alao-Akala as a political figure had helped many politicians in the town to achieve greatness in politics. He had built quite a number of politicians, who are doing well in politics.
Indeed, the death of Akala was a huge loss that had befallen the town, people of Ogbomoso, and it is only God that can console his household and the town as they look forward to God to raise someone as “O Yato” in their midst, who would fill the vacuum created by his death. Otunba Alao-Akala was a great politician, who came, saw and, indeed, conquered. No doubt, he had made an impact on lives and he had made an indelible mark of honour for the people to emulate. The people of Ogbomoso will forever be grateful to God for the gift of Alao-Akala in Ogbomoso.
HOW OTUNBA ALAO AKALA’S BURIAL SHUT DOWN OGBOMOSO
The death of Otunba Alao-Akala, the former governor of Oyo State, still remains a shock and a devastating big blow on the people of Ogbomoso. Many of them were yet to recover from the sad news as it was the last thing they were expecting to happen to their leader and icon of the town. Otunba Alao-Akala has a great politician and till death was a formidable force in the politics of Oyo State. His life and time were exemplary and worthy of note. His sphere of influence went beyond politics as he touched all aspects of humanity. The burial ceremony held for him was massive as expected. Otunba Alao-Akala was a man of the people and deserved whatever honour was given to his body. Below are the details of how the burial of the late Akala’s burial went.
ABOUT ALAO-AKALA, MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala was truly a man of the people. Born on the 3rd of June, 1950 in Ogbomoso, Alao-Akala started his early career as a Police Officer. He rose to the enviable rank of the Assistant Commissioner of Police before he retired from the force in 1995 to join mainstream politics. He actively participated in politics and this got him far. His brand of politics was unique and people-oriented. This was a total departure from what was practised by many politicians in Nigeria today. Otunba Alao-Akala had a successful career in politics. In 1998, he contested and won the Chairmanship seat of the Ogbomoso North Local Government. He later served as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2006.
When his boss was impeached he became the governor till the impeachment was reversed by the court.
He contested and won the gubernatorial election in 2007 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party where he served as the Governor of Oyo State for a full term. During his tenure as the Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala’s administration focused on even distribution of dividends of democracy to all zones in the state, making sure every zone of Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ogbomoso got fair shares of infrastructure. His love for the downtrodden and style of mass-oriented leadership earned him the title “O yato”, which many fondly call him till death. The late Alao-Akala later joined the All Progressive Congress (APC). He was a dedicated member of the party. He became a leader and force to reckon with in the party. He was a prime mover and the rallying point for all and sundry. Otunba Alao-Akala was a socialite to the core. He attended and supported numerous celebrations and social engagements. His presence at events always adds glamour to such occasions as the aural surrounding him caught the attention of people at the party.
IT WAS A WEEK LONG BURIAL PROGRAMME
The late Otunba Alao-Akala was given a heroic burial. It was a well-planned event, which was held for 5-working days of the week starting from Monday 14th February, to Friday 18th February 2022. The Monday was set aside as a Day of tributes in Ibadan by the Oyo State political class. There, lots were said about the late Alao-Akala and his uniqueness as a politician. On Tuesday evening, the residence of the deceased, the Opaoyin Akala’s Lodge in Ogbomoso played host to Praise Night. On Wednesday, the body of the former governor was brought for the Lying-in-State at the Oyo State Government Secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan. Afterwards, the hearse departed Ibadan to Ogbomoso, the town of the late Alao-Akala where concluding activities of the burial would take place.
AT THE WAKE/SERVICE OF SONGS IN HONOUR OF THE LATE AKALA
Earlier in the day of the Wake Service of Songs which were held on Thursday 17th February 2022, a cultural display and parade were held in the Ogbomoso Township. It was an esthetic display and a performance that gladdened the heart. The Wake and Service of Songs came up later in the day, precisely at 4 pm. It was an Interdenominational Wake and Songs of Service. It was held at the spacious field of Ogbomoso High School. As of 4 pm, the scheduled time for the day’s service, the venue was already, crowded with distinguished guests, government functionaries, family members, friends and associates not leaving out the people of Ogbomoso. They all came in their large numbers to celebrate the departure of an icon and the former Governor of the state. The stage was already set and many people kept trooping-in in their large numbers as the programme unfolded. The service was conducted under the watch of high-powered officiating ministers and men of God led by The National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), The Rev. Dr. Supo Ayokunle. The service went smoothly as expected. Hymns were sung, prayer sessions were held and lessons were taken from the Bible for people to reflect on. When it was time for tributes and testimonies to be given about the man, the late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala, fewer than 16 persons mounted the podium to do so. They cut across the family members of the deceased, friends, the Parapo group, staff, political class, traditional rulers, church members and members of the Ogbomoso High School Old Students’ Association. They spoke a lot about their relationship with the deceased and how knowing him had an impact on well being. It was, indeed, a moment to deeply reflect on life and what it is all about. Later on, Special Rendition was given by members of the immediate family of the late icon after which the choir from First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso took to the stage and gave its special rendition. President of CAN, The Rev. Supo Ayokunle mounted the podium to preach to the large audience. He spoke on how the late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala had made an impact on the Christian Faith in Nigeria and what they would miss about him. He, however, charged the children of the deceased, family members, guests and the entire congregation to imbibe the legacy of the late Akala in the service of God and humanity. As the service was being concluded, the late Otunba Alao-Akala’s Farewell Clip was played and it drew much emotion from everyone present at the venue. The clip showed the deceased addressing a gathering and singing a farewell song, which says: “Aopade Lese Jesu…” meaning “we shall meet at the feet of Jesus Christ…” To many people, it was as if Otunba Alao-Akala was in their midst addressing them and bidding them farewell. At this point, the reality that the man of the people was gone dawned on the people. Gracing the service were great people from all walks of life. Notable among them are the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Debo Ogundoyin and all the entire Lawmakers of the House; PDP South-West Chairman, Honourable Taofeeq Arapaja; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Hon. Shina Alabi, wife of late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Bose Adedibu; Hon. Ige, renowned Industrialist, Rasaq Akanni Okoya and wife Shade Okoya; top Nollywood actress, Toyin Adegbola and many others.
CANDLE LIGHTING SESSION FOR ALAO-AKALA
Also at the venue, a Candle Lightning Session was held in honour of the late Alao-Akala. This was anchored by the Reverend Dr. Edward Alabi. From a humble beginning, a bit about the life and time of the deceased was read, while the Hymn was Sung at intervals. Indeed, the late Otunba Alao-Akala was a man of the people who has left a footprint behind for people to emulate and be great. All were then set for the burial of the late icon the following day.
ON THE DAY OF THE BURIAL
The burial of the late Alao-Akala took place on Friday, 18th February 2022. The burial service was held at the Beulah Baptist Conference Ground, behind Baptist High School in Ogbomoso. Prior to the arrival of the corpse, the place was already filled to capacity. The premises and all the roads that lead to the venue of the burial service were also thronged by vehicles. Security personnel and traffic wardens had a hectic time controlling traffic and maintaining orderliness on the roads. As at 9.30 am, the hearse was already on the way, heading to the Baptist Conference Ground. As it got closer to the venue, the elegant casket carrying the deceased was put on a chariot. The late Alao-Akala’s body was brought to the premises of the conference ground with the chariot rode by his son, Honourable Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, while a long convoy drove along to accompany it. Undertakers and the brigade bands were fully in action as they performed and danced while the chariot was approaching the conference ground. There was heavy traffic along the way as the people trooped out to see the long convoy.
AT THE BURIAL SERVICE
At the auditorium, the people were all seated when the casket in which Alao-Akala was lying was brought into the hall. Joining the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the host governor, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde; to receive the body at the entrance of the auditorium were top dignitaries and government functionaries such as; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Debo Ogundoyin; Deputy Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Raphael Adetiba and not leaving out Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. They all accompanied the corpse inside, while the entire congregation rose to their feet to honour the body of the late Akala as he was being brought into the hall. The burial service was a lengthy one. It featured prayers, hymns and scripture reading, divine message, presentations, general and special thanksgiving as well as benediction.
OYOPOLITICIANS FLOOD AKALA’S BURIAL SERVICE
Politicians in Oyo State put aside their party differences as they flooded the burial service held for the man of the people, late Otunba Christopher Alao Akala. Seats reserved for every one of them were occupied. Chieftains from the All Progressive’s Congress in Oyo State were fully on ground to pay their last respect to the departed leader of the party. They all came in their numbers to be part of the burial service. They were led by the Oyo State APC Chairman, Honourable Isaac Omodewu; members of the Oyo State APC Advisory Council, HE Iyiola Oladokun; Dr. Isiaka Kolawole, Chief (Mrs.) Adebayo Olayinka, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Engineer Idris Adeoye. Also present at the service were top politicians like Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Musiliyu Akinremi (Jagaban); Honourable Bimbo Kolade, Honourable Akeem Olatunji, Hon. Zack Adelabu, the APC governorship candidate in the 2019 general elections, Adebayo Adelabu Penkelemesi and a host of others.
WHERE AKALA WAS BURIED
Following the burial service, the remains of the iconic leader, Alao-Akala were taken to his residence, the Opadoyin Akala’s Lodge located at Randle in Ogbomoso for interment. A mausoleum was built in the compound and this was the final resting place for the patriarch and former governor of the state. The service at the graveside was conducted by 4 highly revered men of God; Reverend Seun Odusanya, Reverend Dr. Olusegun Ige, Reverend Dr. Victor Oyelowo and Reverend Dr. Edward K. Alabi. They alongside the family members guided the body of the deceased into the mother earth while they gave dust to dust and ashes to ashes.
MEET THE LOVING CHILDREN OF THE DECEASED
The late Otunba Alao-Akala didn’t only succeed as a professional and politician, he was also a family man to the core. He is, however, survived by 7 lovely children. They include; Oluwatoyin Arike Aderinto, Asabi, Olamiposi Quadri, Olamiju, Oluwabukola Abiola Alao, Tabita, and Olamikunle. They would miss their father a lot as they continue to cherish the moments they spent with him which were always fun.
HOW THE RECEPTION WENT
The reception party was an avenue for the hosts and their guests to cool off the rigour of the day and catch some fun after the burial service. The reception party was held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club. The club premises were so large that they accommodated the huge crowd that trooped in to celebrate with the children and family members of the deceased. There were about 15 different canopies mounted beside the main marquee which was put in place to receive dignitaries and guests of the immediate family members of Akala. The reception party was nothing short of a carnival. Juju music sensation, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, widely known as KSA and his bands were the entertainers at the hall. Other canopies featured at least a music band playing to entertain the guests.
AT MADAMDELE MAGBAGBEOLA’S CORNER
Madam Esther Bamidele Magbagbela is a closer relation of late Otunba Alao-Akala. She is a cousin to the former Governor and would forever miss him. As she celebrated her cousin for a life well spent, she set up a special canopy for that purpose. Her retinue of guests was so rich that many of them came from the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Topping the list of them are Superior Prophet Olumide Lawson of the Celestial Church of Christ, London Parish; Mr. and Mrs. Aliu; Mrs. Esther Oduberu; Mrs. Ronke Thomas; Honourable Grace Adefisoye; Madam Funke Areo; Mr. Tunde Otunba; Mr. and Mrs.Bamidele Memud; Prince Adeniji; Prince Dipo Abina; Mrs. Grace; Mrs. Shade AlaoBrown; Mrs. Faderera Akande; Mrs. Bolanle Akinwunmi; Mrs. Lara Akanji and manyothers. They all had fun, as popular music veteran, Sir Shina Peters, was at his best entertaining and making the day remarkable. All these were pointing to the fact that Otunba Alao-Akala was loved by the people of his hometown.
AT MADAM DELE MAGBAGBEOLA’S CORNER
Madam Esther Bamidele Magbagbela is a close relative of late Otunba Alao-Akala. She is a cousin to the former governor and would forever miss him. As she celebrated her cousin for a life well spent, she set up a special canopy for that purpose. Her retinue of guests was so rich that many of them came from the United States and the UK. Topping the list of them are Lady of style, Duchess Adeyinka Obat, Superior Prophet Olumide Lawson of the Celestial Church of Christ, London Parish; Mr. and Mrs. Aliu; Mrs. Esther Oduberu; Mrs. Ronke Thomas; Honourable Grace Adefisoye; Madam Funke Areo; Mr. Tunde Otunba; Mr. and Mrs. Bamidele Memud; Prince Adeniji; Prince Dipo Abina; Mrs. Grace; Mrs. Shade Alao Brown; Mrs. Faderera Akande; Mrs. Bolanle Akinwunmi; Mrs. Lara Akanji and many others. They all had fun, as popular music veteran,Sir Shina Peters was at his best entertaining and making the day remarkable. All these are pointing to the fact that Otunba Alao-Akala is loved by the people of his hometown.
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