4-Year Remembrance: Ogbomoso South Assembly Hopeful, Hon. Olusayo Bibiire, Hails Akala’s Political Dexterity, Enduring Impact
On this solemn occasion marking four years since the passing of the revered late former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Hon. Daniel Oyelola Olusayo — popularly known as Bibiire — has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late statesman, celebrating his political dexterity, transformative leadership, and the enduring imprint he left on Ogbomoso, Oyo State and beyond.
Hon. Bibiire, the House of Assembly hopeful for Ogbomoso South State Constituency, remembered Akala as a man who understood the pulse of the people — a leader whose commitment to progress was rooted in tangible service to his community. According to Bibiire, Akala’s approach to governance reflected deep political wisdom, strategic vision, and an unwavering focus on uplifting the lives of everyday citizens.
Otunba Alao-Akala’s political journey was one defined by humble beginnings and extraordinary reach. Before rising to the pinnacle of state leadership, he served his nation with distinction as a senior officer in the Nigeria Police Force, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner. Transitioning into public service and elective politics, Akala first made his mark at the grassroots as Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, where his leadership began to shape the future of his homeland. �
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In 2003, he became Deputy Governor of Oyo State and later assumed the mantle of Executive Governor from 2006 to 2011, a period many now recall as one of purposeful development and inclusive governance. Under his stewardship, the State witnessed significant infrastructural expansion — from road networks connecting rural and urban communities to the establishment and rehabilitation of health and educational institutions. He commissioned the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso and advanced plans for the LAUTECH College of Health Sciences, concrete investments in equitable access to quality healthcare and professional training. �
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Akala’s administration also introduced groundbreaking programmes designed to foster community participation in governance — notably the E pade Gomina initiative, which invited citizens to directly engage with their government’s decisions and priorities. � He was widely respected for empowering local entrepreneurs and contractors, boosting intra-state economic activities, and ensuring that development projects delivered real benefits to the people. �
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Beyond infrastructure, his governance reflected care for the most vulnerable: welfare programmes supported physically challenged persons, bursaries and scholarships were distributed promptly, and social empowerment schemes like the Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP) advanced poverty reduction efforts throughout the state. �
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Hon. Bibiire also underscored Alao-Akala’s political dexterity — his ability to navigate complex political landscapes with poise, engage diverse stakeholders, and build bridges across party lines. This acumen made him not just a governor, but a unifying figure whose counsel was sought by leaders across generations. �
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“As we reflect on the legacy of Otunba Alao-Akala,” Bibiire said, “we remember a leader who put people first, whose love for Ogbomoso and Oyo State was evident in every project he initiated and every life he touched. His political dexterity was not an end, but a means — a means to foster progress, unity, and opportunity for all.”
Four years on, Akala’s memory remains a guiding light for many aspiring leaders in Oyo State, including Hon. Olusayo Bibiire, who continues to advocate for policies inspired by the late governor’s dedication to service, inclusivity, and people-centered progress.