Prominent Nigerians from across the country on Thursday converged on the University of Ibadan for the 2026 Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture, marking 60 years after the assassination of the late Premier of the former Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA).
They described the late nationalist as a bridge-builder, patriot, and visionary whose ideals remain relevant to Nigeria’s unity and development also that Akintola’s commitment to cooperation across ethnic and political lines, his belief in fairness, and his passion for education remain enduring lessons for contemporary Nigeria.
“Celebrating Akintola is not about reopening old wounds from the First Republic but about drawing inspiration from a life dedicated to service, unity, and national progress.
said the speakers”
Some of the Dignitaries at event include, Representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo state govern, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, Secretary General of the Federation George Akume, Minister of Power Oloye Bayo Adelabu, Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja , Special Adviser to the president on media Chief Sunday Dare, Representative of Lagos state Government, Chief Justice of Oyo state, Mrs Iyabo Yerima, former Military administrator of the state , Oladayo Popoola Representative of Lagos state,
Others include the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye represented by Ashipa of Ogbomosoland Chief Olusegun Adekunle , the Olugbon of Ile Igbon Oba Francis Olusola Alao who also represented Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Oloye Lekan Alabi, Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, members of the benches, State commissioners Speaker Oyo state House of Assembly Hon Debo Ogundoyin, Oloye Lekan Alabi (Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland), Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Majority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly) and Lagos State Government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by Chief Bayo Adelabu said beyond regarding late SL Akintola, a number of things he does today were borrowed from Chief SL Akintola including courage and National Network his political sagacity and contribution to the political development of Nigeria this are legacies that will remain in our memories forever.
He believed in politics without bitterness and advocated for equitable distribution of national wealth.
Akintola’s policies, such as regional development initiatives, aimed to promote unity and inclusiveness. He also emphasized the importance of education and infrastructure development, as seen in his contributions to establishing institutions like the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the Cocoa House.
Some key aspects of Akintola’s approach to nation-building include:
Promoting regional development and inclusiveness, Emphasizing education and infrastructure development
-Advocating for equitable distribution of national wealth
Th Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said Akintola was a man of many parts — teacher, journalist, legal mind, and politician — whose politics of cooperation and commitment to national unity distinguished him in Nigeria’s First Republic.
Akume, who was a keynote address speaker at the event said the President assured Nigerians that the sacrifices of leaders like Akintola would not be in vain, noting that current reforms are aimed at building a more inclusive, united, and prosperous nation.
“Chief Akintola believed deeply in a united Nigeria and in equitable distribution of national resources. His doctrine of ‘fair share’ and politics without bitterness are lessons Nigeria must continue to embrace,” Akume said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state said, as we celebrate the 60th remembrance of slaa Akintola et us also be mindful of our actions political parties will come and go, individuals will come and go but our state will remain in what ever we do don’t let us do politics that will damage our state and individuals
He Appreciated Akintola’s family for thenpr presentation of the house to Oyo state and LAUTECH by donating the ogbomoso house to the institute of African studies.
He however implore people who are endowed with wealth to always remember people
let us serve people with dinigent and honesty
Also speaking, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, described Akintola as an enigma, poet, and thoroughbred Yoruba man whose influence cut across generations.
Oba Ladoja revealed that he personally benefited from Akintola’s free education programme. “I would not have been educated but for Akintola’s scholarship. I gained admission into Olivet Heights in 1964 through his support. Today, we are not mourning him; we are celebrating him because of the legacies he left behind,” the monarch said.
He added that Nigeria’s history cannot be told without reference to Akintola, stressing that the late premier remained a committed nationalist who died in pursuit of Nigeria’s unity.
The Soun of Ogbomosoland also described Akintola as a hero every indigene of Ogbomoso is proud of, noting that a sizeable population of Nigerians still cherish his ideals.
In her welcome address, Dr. Bimbo Akintola, daughter of the late statesman, said her father’s favourite Bible passage was “The Lord is my Shepherd,” noting that God indeed shepherded his life till the end.
She appealed to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to either properly maintain the Akintola family house currently in its custody or return it to the family, lamenting that the property had not been given the value and preservation it deserved.
Some personalitied including Professor Jide Osuntokun , Prof Rotimi Animasahun, Prof Olu Obafemi , Prof Akinjide Osuntokun, Pro Late Alex Ekwueme, Prince Dotun Oyelade
Late Omololu olunloyo, Prof Obc Nwolise and others were honoured with an award for their contributions to promoting of Ladoke Akintola’s ideology, life and time .
