75th posthumous birthday: Soun eulogizes Akala, partners family on PHC at Yaku
Yinka ADETUNJI
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Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III Tuesday laid the foundation of a Comprehensive Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Yaku community in Ogbomoso South local government area of Oyo state.
The project which is a component of the 25 year – development plan of the monarch packaged by the health and medical committee, is in partnership with the late Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala family, being executed to mark his 75th posthumous birthday.
The former Oyo state governor who died on January 12, 2022, would have clocked 75 years today June 3, were he to be alive. He celebrated his 70th birthday in an elaborate manner in 2020 commemorated with the public presentation of his autobiography – “Amazing Grace.”
Oniyaku of Yaku Oba Sunday Oyeniyi Ojewumi donated the land free for the multi-million naira project.
In his remark, Oba Olaoye expressed joy, while lauding the Oniyaku and the entire Yaku royal family for donating land for the project.
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The Soun who just returned from a visit to Nasarawa state to converse with Ogbomoso sons and daughters in the north central state in how to move Ogbomoso forward, equally appreciated the Akala family for the partnership speaking glowingly about what he described as the late Bobagunwa of Ogbomoso’s sterling qualities.
He said though his path never crossed late Akala’s but that he had heard a lot about him and would like to learn from his life.
He described him as “a giant, a patriot and a legend.”
The Oba added, “On what would have been his 75th birthday, we are honouring his life and legacy, a true son of Ogbomosoland who led with heart, vision, and unmatched dedication.
“This isn’t just a remembrance; it’s a celebration of purpose. Ogbomosoland remembers a man who carried this land in his heart and on his shoulders. Today, his name continues to inspire progress.”
The paramount ruler assured he won’t be distracted by the “naysayers who believed nothing worthwhile could be achieved with the 25 year – development plan.”
“When we set up several committees, some people were murmuring that they were hungry and Soun is talking about setting up committees. But l always face where l am going to and never got distracted. We will change the narrative of Ogbomoso.”
Many who spoke at the event appreciated Oba Olaoye for the vision and the readiness of the Akala family to fund the project.
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Ogbomoso Insight gathered that the Professor O.A. Ladipo-led medical and health committee of the 25 year – development plan in line with the Kabiyesi’s vision of ensuring the availability of primary health care centre in every ward of Ogbomoso zone, sought locations. This paid off as free land was acquired from the Oniyaku, and the committee decided to approach the Akala family for the execution of the project in memory of their beloved patriarch, a proposal they cheerfully accepted.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the son of the late governor Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala representing Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire federal constituency and who stood in for the family, Alajaawa of Ajaawa HRM Oba Thompson Oyetunji Adeyeye and Senator Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North senatorial district.
