APC Aspirant Pledges Support for Late Governor’s Legacy, Says ‘Service Knows No Party’
Efforts to immortalize the legacy of former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, received a major boost on Wednesday with the inauguration of the Alao-Akala Transformation Movement (ATM) in Ogbomoso, with top political leaders including APC governorship aspirant, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, in attendance.
The event, held in the hometown of the late governor, was chaired by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, as part of activities marking the posthumous celebration of the former governor who died in 2022.
Engr. Oyedele Alao, an APC Governorship Aspirant for the 2027 Oyo State election, attended the inauguration alongside his aides. He was warmly received by members of the Alao-Akala family and party chieftains.
Speaking at the event, Chief Oluwakemi said ATM was established to translate Alao-Akala’s philosophy of “service, compassion, integrity and grassroots development” into sustainable programmes for communities across Oyo State.
“This is not merely the inauguration of an organisation; it is the birth of a movement inspired by service, compassion, integrity and selfless leadership,” she said.
She stressed that ATM is non-partisan and open to all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion. “Service to humanity knows no political boundary,” she declared.
The chairperson disclosed that the movement already has members across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, other parts of Nigeria and the Diaspora. Key priorities include youth empowerment, education support, healthcare, community development, and expansion of Alao-Akala’s philanthropic interventions for widows and vulnerable families.
The presence of Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao added political weight to the event. The APC chieftain, who was accompanied by his aides, joined other dignitaries to pay tribute to the late governor.
While goodwill messages were delivered, sources at the event said the aspirant used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the ideals of good governance, grassroots development and continuity that Alao-Akala stood for.
Other prominent attendees included Senator Sharafadeen Alli, APC governorship candidate for 2027, his running mate Hon. Michael Adesoye, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
Oluwakemi explained that the inauguration, originally scheduled for June 3, 2026, was postponed following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Yawota and Esin Ele communities in Oriire LGA.
“We considered it inappropriate to celebrate while families were in distress,” she said.
She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies including the Armed Forces, Police, DSS and NSCDC for securing the release of the victims, while paying tribute to security personnel who died during the rescue.
Ahead of the inauguration, ATM members visited the Adebayo Alao-Akala College of Health Sciences in Ogbomoso and the Adebayo Alao-Akala Comprehensive Health Centre in Yaku Community.
Born June 3, 1950, Alao-Akala served as Chairman of Ogbomoso North LG, Deputy Governor and later Governor of Oyo State. His administration was known for roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.
The event featured a documentary titled “Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala: A Legacy of Service”. The vision and mission of ATM were presented by Mr. Ademola Alao-Akala, while Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, MHR, delivered the vote of thanks.
In her closing remarks, Oluwakemi urged Nigerians to support ATM.
“The Alao-Akala Transformation Movement belongs to everyone who believes in compassionate leadership, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. Together, we shall preserve a worthy legacy and transform lives for generations yet unborn,” she said, before leading the chant: “Akala Ni Joo, ATM! Akala Ni Jare, ATM! Ise Rere ’O Dura.”