Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says he used to collect pocket money from former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo, describing him as a generous, kindhearted and decent man.

“Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, the current commissioner for justice in Oyo state, was our link to him. If we needed little pocket money, we found a way of getting to our dear uncle. This was even long before he became governor of Oyo state,” explained the vice president.

Mr Osinbajo disclosed this during a condolence visit to the family of Mr Alao-Akala in Ogbomoso. The ex-governor, an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Oyo, died on January 12.

“We have profound memories of him, a man who was exceedingly generous. He was a titan in politics. He was a very generous, kindhearted and decent man,” he added. “Long before I became a professor of Law, I had known our dear uncle Adebayo Alao- Akala. Any time I think about him, I smile because he was a very special being.”

Mr Osinbajo recalled how generous Mr Alao-Akala was with advice, time and resources. According to him, in 2015, when he was nominated as the APC vice presidential candidate, one of the people he consulted was Mr Alao-Akala.

“It was Prof. Oyewo, my friend, who arranged a meeting between us in Ikoyi, and he gave me advice. He said, ‘Professor, the vice-president’s seat is not a child’s play’, Mr Osinbajo recounted. “He was so generous. He gave me much advice and much support.”

The vice president commiserated with the family, praying that Mr Alao-Akala’s legacy would endure.

“No one can know the extent of your pain and sadness. Only God can comfort you and keep you,” he said.

Mr Osinbajo also prayed that Mr Alao-Akala’s children would be greater than he was.

(NAN)