Osogbo, Jan. 16, 2026 (NAN) Pastor Adebayo Temitope, a former spokesperson to the late Afenifere leader, Sen. Ayo Fasanmi, on Friday paid glowing tribute to Chief Adebisi Akande as he marked his 87th birthday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akande, a former governor of Osun and founding Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was born on Jan. 16, 1939, in Ila-Orangun, Osun.
In a congratulatory message made available to newsmen in Osogbo, Temitope described Akande as a towering figure in Nigeria’s progressive politics, whose integrity and principled leadership had continued to inspire generations.
He said that Akande played a pivotal role in the historic merger of progressive political parties that led to the formation of the APC in 2013, noting that his wisdom, discipline and moral authority helped to stabilise the coalition at a critical period.
According to him, akande’s leadership style, marked by fiscal prudence and quiet integrity has transform the APC into a formidable political platform that ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16-year rule at the centre in 2015.
” Akande’s political journey reflected the long-held progressive vision of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who had predicted the emergence of a strong opposition capable of taking over power at the federal level.
” Also, his record of service as secretary to the government of old Oyo State, Deputy Governor under Chief Bola Ige, and governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003 is worthy of emulation,” he said .
He further said Akande’s simple lifestyle while in public office stood in sharp contrast to the prevailing culture of materialism in governance, describing his administration in Osun as a model of accountability and discipline.
He added that Akande remained a mentor to many within the progressives fold, and would continue to offer wise counsel to national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, with whom he shared a long political history dated back to the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era.
He recalled that the late Fasanmi held Akande in high esteem for his dedication to service and humanity, describing him as a man whose impact far outweighed his late entry into the Awolowo political tradition.
Temitope ,however , said that even at 87, Akande remained committed to national unity, offering prayers for the country and guidance to younger politicians.(NAN)
