Ogbomoso kidnap saga forces family to put off Akala’s posthumous birthday
KEHINDE AKINPELU,ILORIN
The family of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has announced the indefinite postponement of his posthumous birthday celebration and the planned unveiling of the Alao-Akala Transformation Movement (ATM), following the recent kidnapping and killing of some teachers and children in Ogbomoso.
The event, which was scheduled to hold on June 3, 2026, in Ogbomoso, was suspended over what the organisers described as the painful security situation in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
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In a statement signed by Chairperson of the movement, Chief Mrs. Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, the organisers said it would be insensitive to proceed with celebrations while families of kidnapped victims remain in distress.
“A man who loved his people cannot celebrate when his people weep,” the statement read.
According to the organisers, some of the abducted victims are still in captivity despite ongoing security efforts, noting that the development has thrown affected communities and the state into mourning.
“It is with heavy hearts but clear consciences that we take this decision,” the statement added.
The ATM leadership said the late former governor was widely known for his commitment to the welfare of the people and would never support festivities during a period of grief and uncertainty.
“Dead or alive, Alao-Akala would never approve of holding a celebration while children and teachers are in captivity, while families cannot sleep, while security agencies are still searching for the missing,” the statement noted.
The family further stressed that the postponement affects the posthumous birthday celebration, the official unveiling of the ATM, and all activities associated with the event.
They assured supporters that a new date would be announced when the security situation improves and when it becomes appropriate to hold public gatherings.
The movement also appealed to its members across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State and other supporters to pray for the safe return of those still in captivity, support affected families, and cooperate with security agencies.
“We refuse to be a movement that celebrates while our people suffer. We refuse to dishonour Alao-Akala’s memory by ignoring the pain of the very people he served,” the statement added.
The organisers maintained that the ideals of service and transformation associated with the late former governor remain intact, insisting that “service sometimes means waiting, mourning, and standing with the afflicted before standing for any unveiling.”
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 25TH 2026)
