President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, among others, paid glowing tributes to the former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande, on Tuesday, as he clocked 85.

The event took place at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan and also featured the unveiling of the Adebisi Akande Foundation and a lecture titled ‘The Leadership Question: Prospects for Nigeria. Tinubu, who was Guest of Honour, was represented by Sanwo-Olu at the occasion while Shettima, the Guest Speaker, was represented by the Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State.

The event was equally attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), traditional and religious leaders, among others. Speaking at the event, Tinubu described Akande as “one of the moving forces of progressive movement in Nigeria.” The President disclosed that Akande has been a close friend, ally and advisor to him through the years, noting that, perhaps, he would not be where he is today as President of this country without the help and support Akande has given.

“Many countless other people will also affirm that he has had the same positive effect in their lives as he has in mine,” he declared. “Baba Akande’s turning 85 is a landmark achievement that calls for celebration. We must also be thankful to God for his life and for giving the nation an eminent leader like him. He remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Nigeria who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our country for effective governance.

“I have benefited immensely from Baba Akande’s good knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect Nigeria and the Western part of the country. “Beyond his sagely contributions to our national development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspect of his enviable life is his forthrightness, integrity, reliability and spartan life which he imbibed from his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “All these attributes have served him well in all the positions he had the rare honour to occupy in his illustrious life. “A committed democrat, die-hard progressive, and prudent yet compassionate leader of men, Chief Akande has done much for this country and for the progressive family.

He has been a prominent architect of our nation’s progressive political parties. “He is one of the few leaders still around who can be called a true disciple of Chief Awolowo. Like Chief Awolowo, Baba Akande has devoted his public life to engendering a truly democratic, just, and egalitarian society where all people are given the opportunity to attain a happy and prosperous life.

“Just as Chief Awolowo did for him, Chief Akande has been a father figure and a mentor to younger politicians across the country, particularly in the Southwest. He is a consummate teacher, tolerant and cosmopolitan in outlook, and an excellent human being. He is charitable and equally helpful to all who come in contact with him no matter their station in life.” Speaking in his personal capacity, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Akande is a teacher, leader, and cosmopolitan man.

He said: “I have the rare privilege to call you my father. I appreciate those little moments when you have called, advised, admonished, encouraged, and corrected me as a person, father, and leader of people. I want to thank you for who you are and for what you have been to many of us. “He is a man that all of us will continue to drink from his wealth of experience. You are a teacher and leader, but you are also a cosmopolitan man. You are a man who understands the reality of today because even from your age, you have the sense to put together the reality of today.”