By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Aare ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has expressed deep shock at the news of the death of rights activist Comrade Ayodele Akele, who died on Tuesday.
Gani Adams described the death as a colossal loss to the entire nation.
Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, described Comrade Akele as a reliable and trusted ally that made remarkable impact in the world of social activism, devoting all his life and energy to freedom fighting.
“I am saddened to hear the news of Akele’s death, it was a loss too many to bear. The late Comrade Akele’s foothold in social activism was indelible and we will certainly miss his radicalism, “he said.
Comrade Akele in his lifetime of remained a frontline freedom fighter and one of the strong man to be trusted in the struggle, especially, during the dark era of the military. He had suffered a lot of injustice and yet remained steadfast in the struggle for justice and social reforms.
“The unionists’ relationship with the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) family was cordial till date. He was nicknamed “Itu” and his popular saying was “Keu, Keu”, which had been his signpost among other Comrades”.
“I could remember some of the memorable moments we shared together and it reminded me of a brother, colleague and great man of high intelligence and integrity.
Comrade Akele would never compromise on his principles and ideals, and he was at the forefront of the struggle for my release during my days in the prison”
“He was one of the few men that had earned my respect,he also participated and showed unrivaled bravery during the campaign by a group-” Free Otunba Gani Adams (FOGAC) that actually led to my release from detention.
Adams, while describing the late Akele as a hero, even in death, charged other comrades and social activists not to relent from the struggle for true federalism, said:”The only way the death of our heroes past could not be in vain is to continue the struggle for which heroes like Comrade Akele lived and died for and also demonstrate unrelenting zeal for social justice.”
He, however, prayed God to strengthen the family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
As reliably gathered from Comrade Alex Omotehinse the National President Center for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), the late Comrade Akele has been indisposed for months due to partial stroke.
“Comrade Ayodele Akele,months back suffered partial stroke and had to be off the radar for some time with a bid to fight for his health,until he was suddenly disclosed dead today .
“He will be sourly missed by many comrades in the vanguard of true democratic tenet.” Said Omotehinse.
The fiery labour activist was the former Lagos State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress,fondly called ‘iturity’.
Akele was sacked for his labour activities by the former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,but he refused to bulge to harsh measures, echoing his voice on matters that affects the state of the nation and even join the political fray on the National Conscience Party’s NCP platform.
