Tinubu pays special tribute to Chief Bisi Akande, eulogises elder statesman at 87

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a special tribute to Chief Adebisi Akande on his 87th Birthday describes the elderstatesman as ‘a mentor and leader for his integrity, honesty, uprightness and consistent belief in the values that ennoble Nigeria’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman, former Governor of Osun State and first Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, remains a mentor and leader for his integrity, honesty, uprightness and consistent belief in the values that ennoble Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this in a special tribute he personally signed and issued to Chief Akande on his 87th Birthday Friday, January 16, 2026.

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The President described Baba Akande as a Nigerian who has contributed a lot to the growth and development of Nigeria, and to the emergence and institutionalisation of democracy in the West African country.

Tinubu also recalled the elderstatesman, fired by Awolowo’s political vision and ideology, began life as an accountant, working for British Petroleum.

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The Nigerian leader stated: “He soon took a leave of absence and delved into public service, from which he never looked back.

“Because he distinguished himself, it was no surprise that, after serving as the Secretary to the State Government in the old Oyo State in 1979, he later became the Deputy Governor in the same state in the Second Republic, and much later, the Osun Governor from 1999 to 2003.”

He wrote: “As Interim Chairman of APC, Baba laid the building blocks for a political edifice that, for the first time in Nigeria’s political history, unseated an incumbent in the centre in 2015.

“We must thank Baba for his leadership, industry, hard work, wisdom and labour of love for our party and country.”

The President further noted: “We must thank him for his contributions to his state and nation. We must thank him for his contributions to the progressive movement.

“Baba remains a mentor and leader for his integrity, honesty, uprightness and consistent belief in the values that ennoble the nation.

“I must again express my gratitude to Baba Akande for his inspiration, advice and encouragement, which greatly helped me in my political career and my journey to the presidency.”

President Tinubu as well recalled that Chief Akande’s support for our administration, and for the continued implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda is also worthy of note.

“Having Baba Akande in my corner as a partner and ally has proved tremendously helpful.

“Even at 87, Baba Akande has shown no signs of weakness or relentlessness. He remains a strident advocate, supporter, and fighter for the ideals of democracy, social justice, and good governance.

“As he marks his 87th Birthday, I pray for good health and renewed strength for Chief Akande,” Tinubu stated.

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