Gospel musician Yinka Ayefele on Thursday penned down an emotional tribute to former policeman and ex-governor of Oyo State Christopher Alao-Akala who died at the age of 71.
In a statement released on Instagram, the singer stated that he has lost one of his destiny helpers.
Part of the statement read: “There is no way I will write the story of my life and I will not devote ample space to documenting the various acts of benefaction of Otunba Alao-Akala towards me. He was indeed one of my destiny helpers.
“He was one of the individuals that God greatly used for me. He facilitated how I became the darling musician for Aso Rock during which time I became close to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. I have since then been doing musical performances for the Atiku family when they have social functions.
“As part of the unique attributes that set the former governor apart, he was genuinely interested in the progress of other people. He was generous to a fault and never begrudged anyone. Those who wronged him, he forgave easily.
“I am still in shock. I have been unable to accept the reality that Otunba Alao-Akala has left this world to join the saints-triumphant who have been recalled from their earthly labours.”
Alao-Akala founded the Ogbomoso Unity Forum, a political association that later joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government from 1999 to 2002.
He served as the deputy governor of Oyo State from May 2003 to January 2006. Following the impeachment of then-incumbent governor Rashidi Ladoja, Alao-Akala was sworn into office in January 2006 and served for 11 months. In December 2006, the impeachment was overturned by the Supreme Court, and Ladoja was reinstated.
Alao-Akala later contested and won the governorship election in 2007 under the platform of the PDP and became the governor of Oyo State, serving a full term till May 2011.
