Nigerian Senate today observed a minute silence in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, and former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala.
This follow presentatio by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North and Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin of Oyo Central Senatorial district.
Senator Teslim Folarin cites Order 42 to inform the Senate on the demise of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetun
Senator Buhari narrated how the ex-Governor started his elementary education in Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso before proceeding to Kamina Barracks Middle School, Tamale, Ghana and later to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
Mr President, Distinguished colleagues ” Akala had a stint as a classroom Teacher at Baptist Day Modern School, Ogbomoso before enlisting in the Nigeria Police as a Cadet Inspector in June 1974″ He attended the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja for his training; the Metropolitan Police Training, Pell Center, Hende, London among others” He recalled
He informed the Senate that Otunba Akala was a detribalised Police Officer who used his position to establish relationships across the country and served in various capacities which included Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Area Commander, Staff Officer, Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, Personal Assistant as well as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to an Inspector-Genaral of Police and retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995.
Senator Buhari recollected that Akala joined politics after retirement and was first elected as the Executive Chairman, Ogbomoso North Local Government before serving as Deputy Governor to Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja and was later elected as the Governor of Oyo State between 2007-2011.
He concluded by praying the Senate to observe a minute silence, send a delegation to visit and condole the Family, Government and People of Oyo State as well as urging the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalise the late Ogbomoso-born politician.
While commenting, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan called for the observation of one minute silence in honour of late Adebayo Alao-Akala.