Bisi Akande: clocks 78

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has felicitated with the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, for weathering the political storm that culminated in the defeat of then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, as he clocks 78 on Monday.

The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, said that Akande would continue to be venerated for proving the bookmakers wrong by leading the APC to dislodge the PDP from the centre, against all odds.

At 78, Ajimobi said that Akande remained a quintessential politician whose main aim of venturing into politics was to advance the course of the poorest of the poor in the society right from his days as a councillor for Isedo Ward I, in Ila Local Government Council in 1976.

Ajimobi said, “To Baba Akande, whom we gleefully refer to as Baba awon omo keekeke, ostentatious and lavish lifestyle should be an anathema for public office holders. Little wonder that he embraced frugality in his public life right from his days as governor of Osun State. He has consistently preached and worked against prebendalism, a political system where elected officials and government workers feel they have a right to a share of government revenues, and use them to feather the nest of their supporters and members of their ethnic group. He is an example in modesty, even in his dressing. Baba stands tall among leaders and will continue to be venerated by all of us in a society where those leading by example are few and far between. Baba speaks truth to power at all times without minding whose ox is gored and at the risk of his safety, liberty and well-being. Baba occupies a preeminent position among patriotic compatriots who fought for the entrenchment of democracy”.

The governor said that Akande’s sagacity and frugal management of public resources was evident in the gigantic structures that dotted the Osun State landscape, including an archetype expansive modern secretariat complex during his tenure as governor.

According to him, Akande had etched his name in gold, with a visible imprint in the sand of life as a dogged fighter for democracy, a consistent progressive, a bridge-builder, a torchbearer and statesman of immense stature.
As Akande gradually inches towards the elite club of the octogenarians, Ajimobi wished him healthier, longer and more fulfilling years ahead in service to God and humanity.

The governor congratulated Akande, his immediate family members and the APC family on the occasion of his 78th birthday.