To commemorate the 25 years of his father’s demise, a chieftain of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon Akinwole Akinwale, has doled out cash gift and pilgrimage slots to Mecca and Jesuralem.
Wolekanle, as Akinwale is popularly known, lost his father, Emmanuel Akinsami Akinwale, a chief magistrate, in 1995.
The young Akinwole, who is also the promoter of Ajilete Carnival and proprietor of Ogbomoso United, explained that the decision to hold a low-key remembrance for his late father was buoyed by the need to obey social distancing occasioned by COVID-19.
“My Dad meant a lot to me and I will continue to celebrate him. Despite his short time on earth, his impacts and contributions to humanity cannot be erased and we, the children, have vowed to continue to uphold his legacies.”
At the prayer session at the late Akinwumi Akinwole’s grave, Wolekanle said “My father was a principled man but he took delight in making people happy, he was a cheerful giver who did not discriminate or attach conditions before giving, all these we are trying to emulate.”
“Though he died 25 year ago but his memory still lingers and we will forever remember him for the eventful and impactful life he lived and contribution to the legal world especially in Oyo state and Nigeria in particular.
“We are relaunching a foundation in his name very soon and the Non Governmental Organization will cater for the less-privileged and aged people in the society. Part of the program will also include educational support programme for the youths and others.
“To commemorate the demise of my dad, Alfa Sakariyau Issa Alijafariya of Ward 3 Aguodo Masifa will go to the Holy Land of Mecca for Pilgrimage (Hajj) while Alagba Gokus of Osupa Ward 9 will also go to Jerusalem for Prilgrimage’.
Mr Sayo Alagbe, the first clerk that worked with the late magistrate, in his tribute said: “Today is exactly 25 years that my former boss, late Emmanuel Akínsanmí Akínwálé, a lawyer, notary public, magistrate and bonafide father of a culture personified, football enthusiast and unsparing giver, Akínwálé Akínwálé, shed off the toga of immortality for mortality’.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace while l pray that God Almighty continue to uphold and bless Wolekanle and other children he left behind.”
