Gospel music maestro and founder, Fresh FM Nigeria, Yinka Ayefele MON has described the death former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, as a big personal loss to him and his family.

In a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen, Ayefele said Alao-Akala was one of his destiny helpers and God’s great gift to Oyo State, Nigeria and the world in general.

The Ekiti State-born artiste recalled with thankfulness, how the late former governor facilitated his playing for the high and mighty as well as in the presidency, particularly for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among many others.

“There is no way I will write the story of my life and I will not devote ample space to documenting the various acts of benefaction of Otunba Alao-Akala towards me. He was indeed one of my destiny helpers.

“He was one of the individuals that God greatly used for me. He facilitated how I became the darling musician for Aso Rock during which time I became close to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. I have since then been doing musical performances for the Atiku family when they have social functions.

“As part of the unique attributes that stood the former governor out, he was genuinely interested in the progress of other people. He was generous to a fault and never begrudged anyone. Those who wronged him, he forgave easily.

“I am still in shock. I have been unable to accept the reality that Otunba Alao-Akala has left this world to join the saints-triumphant who have been recalled from their earthly labours.

“My prayers and thoughts are with the family he left behind. Yes, they are grieving over the loss of their patriarch whom they would have loved God spared for probably a decade or two more. They should, however, be consoled by the good legacy of their father, a good man who wrote his name in gold.

“Let the family and those of us on whom he made great impacts sink our grief in the golden words of Thomas Campbell who once said ‘To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die’. Otunba Alao-Akala will forever live in our hearts,” Ayefele said.

The former governor died on 12 January 12, 2022 at the age of 71.

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