By Solomon Odeniyi
People from various walks of life, including Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, serving and former governors, politician across political divides as well as captains of industries have continued to extol the virtues of Chief Bisi Akande as he turned 80.
They all spoke at the 80th birthday colloquium in honour of the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), themed “Achieving National Unity Through Peaceful Restructuring” in Ibadan on Wednesday
The octogenarian was the former secretary to the state government, and later deputy governor of the Old Oyo in 1979 as well as the second civilian governor of Osun state between 1999 and 2003.
The vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo described the celebrant as a statesman who contributed his quota to the greater good of the nation and an example of what the next generation of politician should be.
Speaking on the issue of restructuring, the Vice president noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was not opposed to the restructuring being clamoured for, but pointed out that what should be of concern was how it could be done, what the arms of government must do and the devolution of more power and right to states.
The host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi described the celebrant as a politician of the century and the very last of the old brigade.
The governor, who said Akande spent most of his political career in Oyo state, added that words were insufficient to capture the uniqueness and vibrancy of a political trailblazer and progenitor of political and economic prudence in Osun.
According to him, the selflessness and sacrifices of Chief Akande have played vital roles in ensuring the survival of progressive democratic forces and principles in the polity.
He said, “Our dear Baba has also remained a rallying point for progressive politicians, having comfortably filled the vacuum left by the likes of Chief Abraham Adesanya and Chief Bola Ige, has remained unbending, unwavering and uncompromising in his commitment to the progressive ideals of the late sage and leader of the Yoruba political nation, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The former governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said Chief Akande integrity and views is that power should be an instrument for public service and this stands him out among his peers.
The national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu noted that without the celebrant, the APC would not have wrestled power from PDP.
He said, “He is a founding father of the APC and it is an unprecedented electoral victory in 2015. As the interim chairman of the party, he showed extraordinary expertise and patience in bridging differences and molding our new party into a progressive force.
“Without him, the APC might never have come into existence and it certainly would not have experienced the quick success it encountered. He helped laid a solid foundation for the party and did so selflessly, with impartiality and good word towards all.”
