How we went to Alao-Akala for pocket money – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State as a generous, kind-hearted and decent man.

Osinbajo made the remark during a condolence visit to the family of Alao-Akala in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Sunday.

Alao-Akala, an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Oyo State, died on Jan. 12.

The vice president was accompanied by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, some National Assembly members and others.

“We have profound memories of him, a man who was exceedingly generous.

“He was a titan in politics. He was a very generous, kind-hearted and decent man,” the vice president said.

Osinbajo recalled how he and Alao-Akala’s nephew, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, used to go to him for pocket money.

“Long before I became a Professor of Law, I had known our dear uncle Adebayo Alao- Akala.

“Any time I think about him, I smile because he was a very special being.

“Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, the current Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, was our link to him.

“If we needed little pocket money, we found a way of getting to our dear uncle. This was even long before he became Governor of Oyo State,” Osinbajo said.

He also recounted how generous Alao-Akala was with advice, time and resources.

According to him, in 2015 when he was nominated as the vice presidential candidate of APC, one of the people he consulted was Alao-Akala.

“It was Prof. Oyewo, my friend, who arranged a meeting between us in Ikoyi and he gave me advice.

“He said, ‘Professor, the vice-president’s seat is not a child’s play.’

“He was so generous, he gave me much advice and  much support,” he said.

Osinbajo commiserated with the family, praying that all that Alao-Akala left behind would prosper.

“No one can know the extent of your pain and sadness. Only God can comfort you and keep you,” he said.

He also prayed that Alao-Akala’s children would be greater than he was.

Others in Osinbajo’s entourage include Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Mr. Segun Odebunmi, some members of Osinbajo Grassroot Organization, and some APC chieftains in Oyo State.

TheStar