Opinion
What Akintola said about late Governor Alao-Akala
‘Uncle Bayo’ – Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, was such a wonderful jolly fellow who had been known to me since the mid 80s when he was the OC in charge of the Area Command of the NPF. We were together with Egbon Brigadier Brimo three Saturdays ago at the wedding of Alhaji Kayode Adanla’s daughter on Ring Road and he was his ebullient self.
Jovial in his best elements. By my own reckoning, he stood amongst the pack of past and present Governors of my state as the best Governor with human relations. Though I had my differences with him which dated back to the impeachment of our revered father Governor Rasheed Ladoja which I questioned through the courts and got reversed, he never directly attacked or intimidated me in anyway unlike some of his supporters that unleashed so much violence and harassment including assassination attempts on me that led to my exile in Lagos for 14 months at the expense of Asiwaju Tinubu with the support of the then Governor Fashola and Chief Ladoja himself. God bless them all .
They bore the expenses of my 14 months exile in Lagos and resettled me professionally during the 14 months of locusts. Uncle Bayo would be present when my “twin brother “ his lawyer and one of the best that ply our trade, Prince Abdul Lateef Fagbemi SAN, FCIArb would be sending money and clothing materials to me in exile but would not discourage him. My twin brother Fagbemi would collect money from him and sent part of same to me in Lagos .
On two occasions ‘Uncle Bayo’ was with my brother Lateef at Next and Mark And Spencers , some popular shopping malls in London when he asked Lateef to pick up some materials for himself and the latter was busy picking same in doubles. He asked AbdulLateef “why are you picking materials in double of the same stuff” and Lateef replied unapologetically, the other pairs are for “Niyi. We wear the same sizes of everything, trousers, Shirts, suits, caps , Shoes etc. Despite my stiff opposition to his emergence as Governor and I did everything to correct the wrong I thought he committed ( both real and imagined).
‘Uncle Bayo’ still went ahead to pay for the stuffs on the two occasions as narrated to me by my friend Prince Fagbemi SAN without thinking of my disposition towards him. He tried and did everything to woo me to his side but I remained recalcitrant and hostile towards his political positions. He often joked about it in his fantastic human relations manner “Ema Dawon Lohun, Ohun ati Orere Lateef, asokanna ni wonowo, bata kanna , wonowa Wasi court wonoma pariwo morawon ninu case wa. Ti orere bagba owo yo fun ‘Niyi nibe,yio tun raso fun ninure, Sugbon ‘Niyi ani afitonba yomi nipo.” Literally meaning, mind the two of them not, they wear the same clothes, same shoes, same caps and stay together like glues. Lateef and ‘Niyi would come to Court, engaged each other in a shouting match over my case. ‘Niyi insisted on getting me out of office. He succeeded on the impeach and Lateef succeeded in the Election Petition proper. Lateef would spend my money on the two of them in my presence but I do not bother. Reason? ‘Niyi and Lateef are very honest. They are thorough professionals. I did everything to Court his friendship including usage of carrots but he would not budge and his friend too never compromised me in anyway on the platform of relationship etc”.
This last statement was made in Uncle Bayo’s house in the presence of Egbon Gbola Adetunji, Alhaji Audu Marafa and Chief Ohu during the march on to the primaries of APC in 2018. So many other revelations concerning my stiff opposition to the impeachment saga and the roles played by some notable individuals both noble and ignoble were brought to the fore on that day in the full glare of everyone present.
Again when our party started the Macabre dance of ignominy in 2021, Uncle Bayo Akala convened a meeting in his house as the constitutionally recognised leader of our party. I had earlier made it known to all and sundry that like him or not , Uncle Bayo being the most senior Elected Past Party official of our party , a former Governor still alive, he is the leader of the party by the Article of our party constitution in the absence of a serving Governor who is a member of the party.
Many may not like to hear this, but it is the truth. The party constitution says so and it does not matter whether he just joined the party. had left the party before now or in spite of any excess baggage on his part. At the meeting in his house, he looked across the sprawling lawn of his house and sighted me and looked again in the direction of a fellow who played despicable roles in the saga of the ALGON members case and he retorted “Niyi mabinuoo. Gbogbo awon onimadaru, obati Bawa pari ejoo ALGON sugbon toripe wonnbinu ori , wink Oba awon enieleni. Wontiwa pada sodore bayio. Sugbon bawonseeo. Okuku sese made ejo fun egbe laigba kobo. Jowo aburomi mabinu.”I was touched by his sense of appreciation, understanding and sense of gratitudes. Unknown to many, Mrs Kemi Akala is my “Aburo” of the Baptist stock.
We were together in Babaoko, First Baptist Church, Ilorin in the Choir. She in the junior Choir and I in the Senior. When I got the Satanic news of Uncle Bayo’s death, it was too devastating to my ears. I put a called through to ‘Kemi to verify the news and amidst tears , she confirmed the news. The next person of importance to me on the news was my “ twin brother “ his much beloved lawyer Prince Fagbemi SAN , FCIArb who in far away USA was also struggling to get across to me and on reaching each other, we broke down in tears on Phone.
Uncle Bayo was a grateful soul till his death. He acknowledged till death the role of Fagbemi SAN in his political successes. Just 4 Saturday ago at Mav 21 Events Centre during the wedding ceremonies of Alhaji Adanla’s daughter, Uncle Bayo, myself and General Brimo sat together at the reception. We were specially treated and entertained together and inspite of our differences over party state Congress, Uncle Bayo said to me, “‘Niyi ojeunni? Wajeyan nao” . I immediately took a tap of pounded yam and followed his example by lacing same with Ewedu and stock fish and Uncle Bayo went on “ Sotibami dupe Lowo ekeji re dada? Oyomi puro ninu itiju aureate. To which I replied that I had several times over. That was probably the fifth time, Uncle Bayo would Appeal to me to thank my twin brother over the issue of his over dramatised EFCC case. So this morning, I assuage the feelings of my brother Lateef Fagbemi SAN that he should take consolace in the fact that God Almighty had used him to give joy and comfort to his friend, Uncle Bayo Alao Akala in his hour of needs and used his knowledge and goodwills to save Uncle Bayo name from eternal blemish.
We thereafter reviewed life and see the futility of the earthly world. We saw the futility and stupidity of making unearned enemies, the stupidity of taking panadol for other people’s headache. I was still dumbfoundedly sunk into the Sofa in my office, forgetting that I had a flight to Catch in Lagos, confused and seriously disturbed when my eyes caught the write up of one of my highly respected compatriots who rarely flattered nor suffer fools gladly, Chief Soji Eniade comments.
I was touched again and again and moved to tears. Soji was right and correct. When we were attacked at the Court of Appeal Ibadan as counsel to Governor Ladoja and my “twin brother “ Fagbemi as counsel to Akala had to personally drove my leader in the Legal team Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN and I to the Ibadan end Of the toll gate to pave way for our escape from Ibadan, Upon being told of our predicaments , Unce Bayo still called me through Fagbemi SAN to offer apologies for the behaviour of the political thugs and when my better half was denied her rights at her work place , Uncle Bayo still called to disassociate himself from the despicable act, saying to me at the 70th birthday party of our political leader Chief Michael Koleoso by the swimming pool side of Premier Hotel “Niyi miolowo ninu gbogbontiwonse funee atiyawooeo. Isere lonse, Iyawore kosewa. Mabinu, masa kakirimo, kosontiyoseo..” Of course I came to Ibadan for the birthday party under heavy security of 12 mobile Policemen from Lagos , my abode of exile courtesy of Asiwaju and on seeing him, I made move to leave the venue immediately but he stopped me .
Uncle Bayo was a beautiful soul and very pleasant personality with a golden heart. While some of my own kinsmen in the then Government were after my life and threatened my family welfare, Asiwaju, Fagbemi , Gov Akeredolu,
Uncle Bayo and his Deputy Gbolarumi would remain my hero of Liberty for they aided my escape several times from the hooligans and men of a patron of political thugs called Johnson or Jonathan. He was the Police Commissioner unleashed on the hapless people of Oyo State during turbulent time.
The demise of Uncle Bayo is a great loss not only to Mrs Kemi Akala his beloved wife, Olamiju his dear son and all his siblings, extended family members, his blossom friend and confidant Fagbemi SAN, my humble self, members of the political class in Oyo state of both divides, the Baptist community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria and indeed all his friends and colleagues all over Nigeria and in diaspora, but all lovers of freedom, good life, human relations .
May God give all of us, particularly the people of Ogbomosoland and the political class of Oyo state the fortitude to bear the loss. We shall surely miss him.
Adieu, Uncle ‘ B’.
Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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