An influential socio-political group, Providence Coalition, has described the death of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as loss of a political titan, both in Oyo State and the country.
The chairman of the group, Prince Niran Adeyoju, said this in a message to condole with the family, the state government, the people of the state and Nigerians over the death of the former governor.
The group described the late Alao-Akala as a large-hearted political titan who reached out to both friends and opposition elements in the political circle.
Prince Adeyoju said the late Chief Alao-Akala remained relevant in the politics of the state, more than a decade after he left office as the governor of Oyo State.
“The nature once again played a fast game on us with the passage, today, of a former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
“Chief Alao-Akala was a great political titan who ran a good race, both as a politician and as an individual. His tenure as governor heralded development in the state.
“The late former governor was a man with a big and forgiving heart. He was blunt and unpretentious in handling the affairs of the state and its people.
“Chief Alao-Akala was a unique politician who reached out to friends and political goes alike, irrespective of party affiliations. Indeed, many people will attest to his kind-hearted need.
“He made a big positive impact on the political landscape of Oyo State and he remained a great force to reckon with, more than 10 years after he left office.
“While we mourn his sad loss, we at Providence Coalition will take solace in the fact that Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala led an impactful life, positively touching all facets of life when he was here with us.
“We hereby express our condolences to the family of the departed, the government and people of Oyo State and entire Nigerians.
“We pray that God will grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose,” Adeyoju said in the statement.