Adebayo Alao-Akala was a Nigerian politician, retired police officer, and businessman best known for serving as the Governor of Oyo State. His life journey—from a humble background in Ogbomoso to the political center of power in Nigeria—was filled with dedication, service, and impact.

Early Life and Education

Alao-Akala was born on June 3, 1950, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He attended Ogbomoso High School before joining the Nigeria Police Force in 1974. While in service, he pursued multiple academic courses, earning a Diploma in Business Administration, and receiving honorary doctorate degrees from various institutions.

Police Career

Alao-Akala served in the Nigeria Police Force for over 20 years, rising through the ranks to become an Assistant Commissioner of Police. During his service, he received commendations for integrity, discipline, and leadership. He retired in 1995 to begin a new journey in politics.

Political Career

Local Government Chairman (1999–2002)

After his retirement from the police, Alao-Akala was elected as the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Governmentunder the platform of the PDP. His performance at the grassroots level earned him state-wide recognition.

Deputy Governor of Oyo State (2003–2006)

In 2003, he became Deputy Governor of Oyo State under Governor Rashidi Ladoja. When Ladoja was impeached in 2006, Alao-Akala took over as Acting Governor.

Governor of Oyo State (2007–2011)

In the 2007 general elections, Alao-Akala was elected as Governor of Oyo State. During his tenure, he prioritized:

• Road construction and rehabilitation

• Youth and women empowerment programs

• Expansion of education and healthcare access

• Promotion of community development initiatives

He served until May 2011.

Business Ventures

Outside politics, Alao-Akala was involved in the private sector:

• He founded Parrot FM, a popular radio station in Ogbomoso.

• He chaired TDB Global Ventures, a company with interests in logistics, real estate, and media.

His ventures contributed to employment and media development in Oyo State.

Legal Controversy & Acquittal

In 2011, the EFCC charged him with misappropriating ₦11.5 billion during his time as governor. However, in December 2021, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, clearing his name officially.

Net Worth (Estimated)

While no official record exists of his net worth, online sources and political estimates suggested that Alao-Akala was worth between $50 million and $60 million, considering his properties, businesses, and political influence. He was regarded as one of the wealthiest politicians in Oyo State.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When did Alao-Akala serve as Governor of Oyo State?
He served from 2007 to 2011, and briefly in 2006 as acting governor.

Q2: What was his profession before politics?
He was a senior officer in the Nigeria Police Force, retiring as Assistant Commissioner.

Q3: Was he convicted of any crime?
No. Though he faced corruption allegations, he was acquitted in 2021.

Q4: What political parties did he belong to?
He was originally in the PDP, later moved to the Labour Party, and eventually joined the APC.

Q5: When did he pass away?
Adebayo Alao-Akala died on January 12, 2022, at the age of 71.

Conclusion

Adebayo Alao-Akala was a man of many talents—a law enforcement officer, a grassroots politician, a state governor, and a media entrepreneur. He is remembered for his focus on infrastructure, grassroots empowerment, and political resilience. His legacy lives on in Oyo State, especially in his hometown of Ogbomoso, where his influence is still deeply felt.

Though gone, his story continues to inspire new generations of Nigerian leaders and public servants.