The family of the former Premier of defunct Western Nigeria, Samuel Ladoke Akintola over the weekend immortalised him by unveiling status of the late nationalist erected at Takie junction, Ogbomosho, home town of the late sage as part of activities for this year’s Samuel Ladoke Akintola memorial lecture.
This year’s lecture titled: “That the efforts of our hero past shall not be in vain” according to Akintola’s family, was to remember the late sage who contributed immensely to Nigeria politics and development of the nation when alive.
Recall that Akintola, a Nigerian politician, lawyer, aristocrat and orator was born in Ogbomoso of then Western Region on July 6, 1910 and died on January 15, 1966.
He was one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria, in his lifetime, and was elevated to the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland in recognition of his political contribution to the emancipation of his people.
Speaking at the event, one of the grand son of the late nationalist, Akinwunmi Akintola noted that his grand father sacrificed his life for Western Region and Nigeria as a whole, urging government at all levels not to be selfish but should always think about the people.
“People need good government, Nigeria is blessed with everything but it turned to be waste because we have leadership that didn’t know how to make use of them”.
Prof. Rotimi Animashahun in his lecture, said the late Akintola and other nationalists really suffered for Nigeria particularly fight for independent.
“They pull resources together to ensured the independent, and their motive was for better Nigeria, but unfortunately, many of them died prematurely”.
“Many politicians today we’re opportunists and that was why they are syphoning what our heroes have laboured for and this makes corruption to be everywhere”.
