Chief Ladoke Akintola Was a Great Nigerian- Hon. Wumi Oladeji

Fifty years after the death of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, his name is still ringing bell in the ear of many Nigerians.

Son, family members, friends and politicians gathered on Saturday at the University of Ibadan to celebrate the lifetime and death of Chief Akintola commonly called SLA in his life time.

The programme which had in attendance Justice Ladiran Akintola, the son of the late political sage, Chief Judge of Ibadan, Justice Muktar Ambimbola, Senator Monsurat Sumonu representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarin, among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, a lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North state Constituency, Hon. Wumi Oladeji, described Chief Akintola as a man of honour who lived a fulfilled life in the service of his nation.

Hon. Oladeji stated that Chief Akintola was still in the news 50 years after his death because of his “valuable contribution” to the development of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

The lawmaker stated that Chief Akintola would be forever remembered for his good work and legacy he left behind.

Hon. Wumi Oladeji

She said: The late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola was a good and great politician. He was a real man of honour; he was a polyglot. He was able to bring the Yoruba race into the mainstream of Nigerian politics during the late Tafawa Balewa’s government.

“Chief Akintola was the founder of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He has contributed immensely towards the growth of Nigeria. The history of Nigerian independence would not be completed without mentioning the contribution of Chief Akintola.”