The late Christoper Adebayo Alao Akala: A man of amazing lifestyle

THE late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala, a public servant, dynamic politician, gentleman police officer, community leader, grassroots mobiliser and family man, with manifest devotion to families and friends was born on June 3, 1950 in Ogbomoso in Ogbomoso North LGA of Oyo State in Nigeria.

Like the biblical saying, there is a time to be born, to grow, to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, aka “Oyato” had the privilege of living for 71 years. In his earthly journey, he made a mark as a cheerful giver, bridge and peace builder, represented his people very well, delivered dividends of democracy to nooks and crannies of Oyo State, enabled the vulnerable to feel the impact of government as a governor, even when he was out of office, Opadoyin Villa (his private residence) in Ogbomoso played host to many people who came to seek favours, help, assistance or support of any kind.

January 12, 2022 when the ebullient Ogbomoso born, quiet philanthropist breathed his last was a painful exit as exhibited by many that visited his residence. Otunba Alao Akala lived a life of passion to the uplift of the downtrodden and many that came across him in the course of his sojourn on earth. There are testimonies after his demise. An officer and gentleman, politician, quintessential statesman, highly detribalised and distinguished Nigerian, philanthropist and humanist who bestrode our political landscape like a colossus and leaves an incredible footprints in our state, region and national consciousness. What a man!

A richly endowed elder statesman, God’s enviable gift to humanity, very objective in decision making; Alao-Akala was enlisted as Cadet Inspector of Police in June 1974 at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja. He was recommended for overseas training at the Hendon Police College, in London. He has also attended the Administrative Staff College, Topo, Badagry; the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos; Police Staff College, Jos; Command and Staff College, Jaji. Otunba Alao-Akala has participated as a Nigerian delegate at two Interpol conferences in Nice, France and in Malaga, Spain.

From the position of Station Officer in the Nigeria Police, he became the Administrative Officer, Federal Operations at the Force Headquarters, Lagos, he later rose to the position of Operations Officer; FEDOPS in Lagos. He became the Personal Assistant to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and subsequently the ADC to the Inspector-General of Police.

Alao Akala held several command positions in the Police Force. He was O/C Advanced Training Wing, Police College, Ikeja; Divisional Police Officer; Bode Thomas, Lagos; Divisional Police Officer; Iponri Police Station, Lagos; Railway Divisional Police Officer, Nigeria Railways, Ebutte Meta, Lagos; Area Commander, Western District, Nigeria Railway Police, Ibadan; CSP Admin, Gongola State Command in Yola; CSP Admin. Kwara State Command, Ilorin; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Agodi Area Command, Ibadan, Oyo State Police Command, Ibadan. In September 1995, Otunba (Dr) Adebayo retired from the Nigeria Police as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan.

A gallant police officer gentleman and crime buster with remarkable feats who dared daunting challenges where many contemporaries could not tackle and was lucky to attend several courses at home and abroad that prepared him well for police duties and postings.

His political life remains phenomenal in all ramifications going by his demeanor and other natural attributes, one of which is his ability to maintain a large network of followers, writers who have continued to hold him in high esteem years after leaving office. Adebayo Alao-Akala maintained a respectable carriage and comportment out of power. He doesn’t pour vitriol on his successors. He has always been cautious of when to speak and when to keep silent – a smart strategist and realist who takes responsibilities for all actions, while in government. He believes the buck stops on his table. As Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North LGA, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Acting Governor and later, Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala played politics centered around the masses with people’s oriented policies and programmes. He initiated and completed the laudable projects in areas of infrastructural development, healthcare system, education and electrification. The late Alao-Akala is a selfless leader with clear vision, a constant source of inspiration and most importantly a team player.

This is a mark of a great leader of our time. (2nd Timothy, 7 – 8) I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith.

This journalist doffs his hat to a man of amazing lifestyle who has completely dedicated his life to the service of Nigerian State as a Police Officer, a dedicated Nigerian who lived a simple and unassuming life to the uplift of the downtrodden, imparted positively in so many people and is variously recognised for his philanthropic activities and large heart. He was never too busy to make time of each of his children and wives.

I believe that the life profile of Alao-Akala, so far, serves as a lesson on how determination, discipline, hardwork, devotion, competitiveness, intelligence and dedication can make a man triumph over any kind of limitation in life, Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso Land, the Otun of the Source in Ile-Ife, Bobajiro of Owu Kingdom and Maiyegun of Okeho are among the Chieftaincy titles bestowed on him.

In a telephone interview with Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, member Federal House of Representatives, representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola and Iwajowa Federal Constituency of Oyo State, the amiable politician said “The demise of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala is a big blow to all of us (politicians in the country). There is no doubt that the Maiyegun of Okeho, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala is a blessing to our generation. To his detractors he may be bad, but to his million of admirers, particularly whose lives he has touched, he remains a blessing, an outstanding achiever. He made enormous contributions to the development of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general, a shining star in the firmament of Nigeria politics who threw everything in cause he believed in, would be greatly missed. I pray that his children will be greater in life and God will provide courage to his families to bear the irreparable loss.”

As the Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso-land, friend of the masses who had penchant for dressing well return to mother earth on Friday, February 19, 2022 amidst tears, love, sober reflections and fanfare, I pray that Almighty God will protect and guard his families and provide them courage to bear the huge loss.

Indeed, it is an amazing lifestyle of an uncommon philanthropist, committed public servant and God’s enviable gift to humanity, the late Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala rest on Baba Olamiju.

Goodnight!!!

Ayangbayi JP, a journalist and media consultant, sent this piece from Ilorin, Kwara State.