It was an emotional evening of love and solidarity as Ogbomoso youths came out en masse to demonstrated their love for the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala on Wednesday in a candlelight procession around the town.
Adorned in colour branded tops, the train moved from Opadoyin Akala Lodge, Randa Area at 4 p.m. to Takie Square, Apake, Star Light, Oke-Ado Akintola, Orita Naira, Oja’agbo, Ijeru, Aromole, Maternity Adeoye, Ologbon, Akande Market, Caretaker, Seminary, and back to the deceased residence at Randa, around 7 p.m.
The event which was to show respect to Alao Akala for his love for Ogbomoso had people across political and ethnic divides coming together to mourn the Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso.
Prominent artiste sang his cognomen and dirge while banners with various inscriptions were displayed.
Akinwole Akinwale, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP who was at the candlelight procession said “This is not just an honour, it is a show of love and reward for our late kinsman, father and benefactor.
“It’s a personal loss to many of us from Ogbomoso not just because he was a governor but because doesn’t joke with anything that has to do with his hometown and kinsmen. He lived a heroic life and died a hero and he would be greatly missed ”
“Nobody saw his death happening in many years to come but when God said its time nobody can stop nor query Him. We are only praying that God grant all of us the fortitude to bear the loss and grant him eternal rest.”