Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba
Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, on Tuesday received the news of the death of rights
activist and unionists, Comrade Ayodele Akele, with shock, saying the death was
a colossal loss to the entire nation.
"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 missed his radicalism, "he said.
Comrade
Akele in his life 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 alot 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.
