The Real Otunba Christopher Alao Akala
The Real Otunba Christopher Alao Akala
Oyewale Oyelola
Political opponents and third columnists over the years have painted Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala in bad light to reduce his popularity among people of Oyo state. They called him different names to describe Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala who ruled Oyo state from 2007-2011 under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Many said he is corrupt police officer; this is big lie, Nigerian Police Force record is available for public verification. Alao-Akala served Nigerian Police Force with zeal and passion to make the society safe for Nigerians. He retired from police force without any blemish. Any detractors with contrary facts and figures should come up their facts, people of Oyo state are wisers and can differentiate truth from propaganda.
Some opine that he act like a thug. It is laughable because the man-Alao Akala is disciplined and courteous person which can be trace to his family background and career in Police. I guess you are thug when you command large followership among civil servants, artisans, students, market men/women, farmers, transport unions members and other section of the society. To put the record straight, He is a grassroots politician with large support base in all the 33 local government areas of the state.
May be Akala is not like every other power drunk politician who normally neglect their supporters and live like emperor as elected public officers.
Some third columnists in their bias opinion to please their paymasters alleged that Christopher Alao-Akala mismanaged state fund during his tenure as governor with providing evidences. The last time I checked, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) who is currently investigating Akala has not find evidences to indict him despite different petition submitted to the body by political opponents. The court has never find the Ogbomoso born guilty of any corruption cases, hearsay does not make him corrupt.
The real Christopher Alao-Akala that we know is friendly and accommodating as against badbelle ‘rude’ character attributed to him. During his days as deputy governor before God elevated him to position of Executive governor, the gate of Alao-Akala’s residence in Ibadan and Ogbomoso is always open to all. He believe power belong to the people and always want to connect with the people. As governor of Oyo state, despite his busy schedules would attend function of both rich and poor to make them feel important.
Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala derives joy in making people happy. He always directs anybody working with his government to give contract to people of host communities. I think this is a better way to impact of people lives. Many who have benefitted from this kind gesture can know differentiate for peoples’ governor and governor of the elites.
