Alao-Akala, a former police officer, served as deputy governor before becoming governor of Oyo State.

He was confirmed dead on Wednesday at the age of 71.

Makinde, in a statement, said the deceased took infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan, the capital. have directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of Governor Alao-Akala, our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State. His Excellency will be remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as Governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan.”

To honour Alao-Akala, Makinde said he had ordered flags to fly at half-mast.

He said, “I join the good people of Oyo State to mourn the passing of a former governor of our dear state, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, which sad event took place today. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.I have directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of Governor Alao-Akala, our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State.His Excellency will be remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as Governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan.”

Details of his death remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

But the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Dr Olatunde Abdluazeez, told our correspondent that “the news of his death is out.”

He said, “The news of his death is out. He did his best for the state. May his soul rest in peace.”

Alao-Akala was a former police officer and a former Deputy Governor to Chief Rashidi Ladoja. He became governor when Ladoja was impeached. He was a candidate of the ADP in the 2019 governorship election in Oyo State before defecting to the APC.