Ola Ajayi
4 June 2008
Lagos — THE Ibadan popular politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, yesterday organised a rally to mark the 58th birthday of Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State.
The rally which took off from his Molete residence had thousands of the loyalists of the governor and the PDP chieftain. They marched through the major streets in Ibadan metropolis. They went through Beere, Oje, and Agodi Gate with security operatives keeping vigilance.
Also as part of the ceremony, a book titled: "Akala: Destiny at Work," which was written the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Communications, Prince Dotun Oyelade was launched.
The chief launcher of the book, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao; used the opportunity to caution politicians in the state to eschew bitterness which is capable of causing unhealthy rivalry among them.
Instead, he urged them to use politics as a unifying force and not to allow it to sow ember of discord.
He stressed: "I urge you politicians not to use politics to separate us in Oyo State. Let's live with one another with love. All the people that settled in Ibadan came from another places. Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa are one."
Going down the memory lane, he said, "I, as one of the prominent indigenes of Ibadan , my own grandfather came from Efon-Alaye in Ekiti State, on 'Ifa' traditional religion expeditions. Basorun Ibikunle of Ibadan came from Ogbomoso to settle in Ibadan and he became Ibadan . I have no concern with politics. I am a businessman but you politicians are wicked." Over N15 million was realised at the book launch.
Earlier, at a church service at the State Government Chapel, Governor Alao-Akala was full of thanks to God Almighty for His favour and mercy on him.
Said the governor, "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. I thank the people of Oyo State for allowing me to serve them. I repeat as I always say that I will serve with the fear of God. Though, I turn 58 years, I still feel like 38.
At the book launch, were the the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao; Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Dibu Ojerinde; former Inspector-General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi; President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Wale Okediran; ex-governor of the state, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo and Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun among others.
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