On the 12th of January, 2022, a heavy wave of sorrow swept through Ogbomoso, Oyo state . It marked the passing of one of the city’s strongest pillars—Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala. Today, he would have been 75 years old.
Otunba Akala, a former Governor of Oyo State, was many things to many people: a seasoned politician, a grassroots mobilizer, a philanthropist, and above all, a passionate son of Ogbomosoland. His generosity and unwavering dedication to the progress of his hometown and the entire state are remembered with deep admiration.
Like his late father, Otunba Akala did everything within his power to uplift Ogbomoso. From his early career as a police officer to his roles as local government chairman, deputy governor, and eventually governor, he consistently used his influence to initiate transformational development projects that touched lives
During his tenure as governor, Oyo State witnessed an unprecedented level of progress. One of his defining legacies was the deliberate empowerment of local contractors. This policy ensured that government projects not only delivered infrastructure but also stimulated the local economy by putting money directly into the hands of the people. Akala’s administration brought about real financial circulation, making him a people’s governor in every sense of the word.
Among his numerous achievements, a few stand out distinctly. He founded the Oyo State College of Agriculture in Igboora and made significant efforts to secure full ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for Oyo State. Sadly, that ambition was cut short due to political shifts in Osun State, which stalled what was nearly a concluded process.
Perhaps the most symbolic of his unfinished dreams is the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso. Otunba Akala envisioned a medical institution that would rival other Teaching hospitals in Africa With state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment, he built the teaching hospital to serve as a beacon of advanced healthcare and medical training.
However, his failure to win re-election left that dream hanging. Successive administrations did little to continue his vision. Though the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde has made some efforts, a lot still remains undone. Several structures at the hospital remain incomplete. Roofs are deteriorating and at risk of being blown off. Water and electricity supply remain unreliable, and essential items like beds, beddings, and medical supplies are insufficient.
It is heartbreaking that patients from LAUTECH Teaching Hospital still have to be referred to other hospitals for critical some diagnostic procedures because of lack of facilities for such operation.This has been the reality for years—an unfortunate departure from the vision Akala had for his people.
The Oyo State Government should boost staff morale at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital by urgently addressing the deteriorating facilities. In addition, there is a pressing need to recruit more qualified personnel to strengthen the institution and ensure it fulfills its mandate as a center of excellence in healthcare and medical education.
As we remember and celebrate the legacy of the “Oyato Governor,” now more than ever, it is time to breathe life back into his dream. It would be a worthy tribute to initiate a concerted effort—by both the government and private individuals, especially those who once benefited from his milk of kindness—to complete the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Let us not allow this vital legacy to wither in neglect. Reviving this project is not just about honoring a past leader—it is about investing in the future of healthcare, education, and prosperity in Oyo State.
Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala may be gone, but his dreams do not have to die with him
