Tribute to Chief Bisi Akande @ 78 By Adeboye Adebayo

Chief Bisi Akande

Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Akande is 78 years old on the surface of the earth today.

No doubt, 78 years as a Nigerian, living in Nigeria is a long year that has a lot of challenges of life in one part and of Nigeria in other part as a result of which the life expectancy of a Nigerian always vary from 45 to 53 depending on which International organization is stating it. Hence I give a special glory to Almighty God for the grace Baba received to have reached this age despite all odds and it is my prayer and hope that Baba will grow many years ahead.

Baba Bisi Akande aka Baba Omo Kekeke was a former Secretary to the State Government and later a former deputy governor in the Old Oyo state during the time of the Cicero of Esa Oke; Chief Bola Ige as the Governor of Old Oyo State.

In 1999, Baba Bisi Akande was elected as the Governor of the then Osun State under the platform of Alliance for Democracy; AD till 2003 after which the “do or die” PDP then rigged him out of office in a political tsunami that swept away all the AD governors except one in the Yoruba nation.

However, within the spate of that four years, Baba achieved tremendously in office as governor. He built the State Secretariat that housed all Ministries and agencies of goverment and a beffiting Governor’s office among other infrastructures that his administration built.

Baba then joined his friend and ally, another epitome of political struggle, an advocate of rule of law and better governance; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the only survived Governor then of Lagos State to install progressive minded politician back to office as governors in Yoruba nation then under the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria; ACN where Baba was the National Chairman.

Their efforts then yielded desired results not only in the Yoruba nation but also at the federal level where a progressive government was enthroned through Democratic means for the first time in the history of Nigeria.

Baba Bisi Akande was part of the national democratic struggle that led to the formation of the mega party; APC that wrestled power from Poverty Development Party and displaced an established incumbent government out of power and enthroned a progressive government at the centre for the first time in the history of Nigeria. It is worthy of note that Baba Bisi Akande was the pioneer Chairman of that great party; APC.

Baba Bisi Akande is different things to different people but to us; upcoming young politicians, Baba is a grand role model, a leader, a mentor, a teacher in politics, culture, family value, style and way of life and we will continue to emulate him as we are climbing the ladder of life.

Baba Bisi Akande is an epitome of democratic struggle, integrity, an advocate of rule of law and a defender of Yoruba nation & interest all time and everywhere.

Just last week, Baba conveyed a meeting of all Yoruba political leaders hosted by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State in Ibadan to chart a new course for Yoruba’s interest in the policies and programmes of the federal government so that our region will not be short changed in the scheme of things at the nation level and the meeting was a huge success as all expected leaders including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all APC governors, Ministers NASS members among other people from the region attended the meeting.

The commitments, sacrifices and contributions of Chief Adebisi Akande in the growth and development of Yoruba nation in particular and Nigeria in general cannot be over emphasised.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu once described Baba Akande as a trusted and patriotic man who believe and fight in democratic struggles for the betterment of all.

My mentor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola once remarked that Celebrating Baba Akande is a celebration of courage, loyalty, patriotism and selfless service.

Our pragmatic Governor Ambode once said that Chief Bisi Akande is a man that his way of life is worthy of emulation at all time.

What other witness do we need!!!!

Baba, as you clock 78 today, On behalf of all our political leaders, Sole Administrator, Executives, Members of our great party; APC, traditional council, the youths, women, students, artisans and the entire people of Orile Agege LCDA; I say Happy Birthday to you sir.

I pray Almighty God to continue to guide him, protect him, bless him and give him more wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that he will continue alongside Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other trusted allies and leaders in our political camp, to lead us well.

Baba, please accept my humble but hearty congratulations!!!!

*Adeboye Adebayo is a Chairmanship aspirant in the upcoming local government election in Orile Agege LCDA of Lagos State.*

Note: The accolade is published unedited