Olubadan Leads Tributes as Nation Celebrates Akintola’s Legacy 60 Years On

Top government officials, traditional rulers, and political leaders converged in Ibadan on Thursday to honour the memory of the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, marking the 60th anniversary of his assassination. The commemorative event, held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, was chaired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who set the tone for the gathering by declaring it a celebration of an impactful life rather than a somber mourning of a tragic end.

In his opening remarks, Oba Ladoja emphasized that six decades after the events of January 15, 1966, the focus should shift from the pain of loss to the enduring contributions Akintola made to the region and the country. "Today, we are not mourning Akintola. We are celebrating him," the monarch stated. He noted that although Akintola's life was cut short before he could complete his vision, he left behind a formidable legacy and a generation capable of building upon his foundations. The Olubadan described the late Premier as a courageous leader whose foresight continues to be a reference point for governance in the South-West.

The event attracted a high-profile delegation from the federal government, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu. Other notable attendees included the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare; and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin. The judiciary was represented by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, while the diplomatic and academic communities were represented by former Ambassador to Germany, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun.

Family members, including the late Premier’s children—Chief Abayomi Akintola, Dr. Abimbola Akintola, and Justice Ladiran Akintola—were present to receive the outpouring of goodwill. Speakers at the event extolled Akintola’s virtues as a nationalist, a brilliant orator, and a strategic administrator who played a pivotal role in the developmental strides of the First Republic. They highlighted his contributions to the establishment of key institutions such as the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the Cocoa House, which remain monuments to his administration's foresight.

The 60th remembrance served as a platform for reflection on Nigeria's political history and the need to preserve the legacies of its founding fathers. By reframing the anniversary as a celebration, the leaders present underscored the timeless relevance of Akintola’s ideas on federalism and regional development, urging contemporary leaders to emulate his dedication to public service.