Prominent Nigerians from across the country on Thursday converged on the University of Ibadan (UI) for the 2026 Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture, marking 60 years since the assassination of the late Premier of the former Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
At the well-attended event, speakers described the late nationalist as a bridge-builder, patriot, and visionary leader whose ideals of unity, fairness, and inclusive governance remain relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary challenges. They stressed that Akintola’s commitment to cooperation across ethnic and political divides, his belief in equitable distribution of resources, and his passion for education offer enduring lessons for national development.
According to them, celebrating Akintola was not about reopening the wounds of the First Republic, but about drawing inspiration from a life dedicated to service, unity, and national progress.
Dignitaries at the lecture included representatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Government; Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Special Adviser to the President on Media, Chief Sunday Dare; Chief Justice of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and a former Military Administrator of the state, Oladayo Popoola.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, represented by the Ashipa of Ogbomosoland, Chief Olusegun Adekunle; the Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, who also represented the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Others were Oloye Lekan Alabi (Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland), members of the judiciary, state commissioners, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bayo Adelabu said many of the President’s political values—particularly courage, national networking, and political sagacity—were inspired by Chief Akintola. He noted that Akintola’s advocacy for politics without bitterness and equitable distribution of national wealth remains a timeless legacy.
Adelabu recalled Akintola’s emphasis on education, infrastructure, and regional development, citing landmark achievements such as the establishment of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the Cocoa House in Ibadan.
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described Akintola as a man of many parts—teacher, journalist, legal mind, and politician—whose politics of cooperation and national unity distinguished him during Nigeria’s First Republic. He assured Nigerians that the sacrifices of leaders like Akintola would not be in vain, noting that ongoing reforms are geared towards building a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in his remarks, urged political leaders to be mindful of their actions, stressing that while political parties and individuals may come and go, the state remains. He warned against engaging in politics that could damage the state or its people. The governor also commended the Akintola family for donating the late premier’s Ogbomosho residence to Oyo State and LAUTECH for use by the Institute of African Studies, while urging wealthy Nigerians to serve the people with diligence and honesty.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, described Akintola as an enigma, poet, and thoroughbred Yoruba leader whose influence spanned generations. He revealed that he personally benefited from Akintola’s free education programme, describing the late premier as a committed nationalist whose legacy remains indelible in Nigeria’s history.
In her welcome address, Dr. Bimbo Akintola, daughter of the late statesman, reflected on her father’s deep faith and lifelong service. She appealed to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) to either properly maintain the family house currently in its custody or return it, lamenting the neglect of the historic property.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to several distinguished personalities—both living and deceased—for their contributions to promoting the ideology, life, and times of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. Honourees included Professor Jide Osuntokun, Professor Rotimi Animasahun, Professor Olu Obafemi, Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, and Professor OBC Nwolise, among others.
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