Felicitating Omo - Oba Felix Akande @ 71

Felicitating Omo – Oba Felix Akande @ 71

Femi OGUNLANA

“Psalms 90:12 says, ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’ I thank you Lord for granting me another year of life, and I’m grateful for the gift of wisdom that comes with age. Forever you’ll be my guiding light, amen and amen. Happy 71st Birthday Omo-Oba Felix Adebayo Akande, may this milestone mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with purpose and fulfillment. Omo Òsèkun sayinrin, omo asè dudu abè oge. Igba Odun, Odun kan ni.”

The succinct message above represents the feeling of Prince Adebayo Felix Akande on his 71st birthday anniversary today, November 26. He had put it in his Facebook wall. Expectedly, it has generated lots of congratulatory comments and reactions, all wishing him well.

Prince Akande deserves all the accolades. This is because he has lived an impactful life. As a politician he created lots of enduring legacies. His years as Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South local government were outstanding, no doubt, he would eternally be remembered for expanding road network in the council area, and remarkably, he built an event centre, inspiringly patronised today, becoming a source of revenue and inspiration.

An historian, writer and former politician, Hon Adewuyi Adegbite, wrote of him in a tribute last year when he clocked 70, “He (Akande) was highly civilized and well educated. He brought his experience as a banker to bear in the affairs of the local government and managed the finance of the local government prudently. As a matter of fact … Akande impacted Ogbomoso South Local Government positively in his time. Aside many roads in the Mikky and Oke Alapata areas and many other places constructed by Akande, the Lagbami Osekun Hall at the Ogbomoso South Secretariat will stand in memory of Akande for ages. In a sanner clime, the like of Akande ought to have occupied key political positions where best minds are needed, however, this is a different clime where dogs are determining the fate of lions.”

His association with the late Oyo state governor Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala was noteworthy and it was the later who saw his quality and threw his weight behind him to emerge council boss. He proved his loyalty till the demise of the “Tiger.” He has remained an iconic individual contributing in different areas to the advancement of Ogbomoso and humanity in general. He makes these contributions mainly through his active participation in various socio-cultural organisations devoted to the growth and development of Ogbomosoland.

Prince Felix Akande, born and raised in Ghana (formerly Gold Coast), rose to become a successful banker. No wonder, he is prudent, calculating, methodical, keen, farsighted, cool and calm.

A great father and husband, his is a life of service. As he celebrates his birthday today and ages gracefully, one can only wish him greater achievements, long life, sound health and more abundant blessings and prosperity.

Happy birthday Omo-Oba Felix Akande.