I benefitted most from late IGP Adewusi — Alao Akala

A former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, on Tuesday in Ogbomoso said that he benefitted most from late IGP Sunday Adewusi.

Alao-Akala spoke at a programme, “A Day of Tribute,’’ organised by the Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF) in honour of the late Adewusi.

“The principle of leadership, courage and dedication to duty, which I learnt from him, provided the sure ladder that made me to accomplish much in life.

“He was a rare gem, a quintessential police officer, bold and fearless with an exceptionally `can do it spirit’. He was also an incurable optimist,’’ he said.

The former governor said that Adewusi solved many criminal cases and earned the nickname “Super Cop.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Adewusi died on Jan. 26 at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.

NAN also reports that Adewusi, the late Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, was the youngest IGP in the history of the Nigeria Police.

Alao-Akala said that Adewusi did a lot for the police that it became the envy of other security agencies.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, retired Justice Afolabi Adeniran, said Adewusi lived a life of modesty and was a dedicated police officer.

AIG Helen Kalafite from Zone 11, who represented IGP Solomon Aranse, said that she owed Adewusi much gratitude though she did not meet him in service.

Kalafite said that Adewusi gave her the application form which she filled in joining the police, adding that she did not meet him when she joined the service.

Dr Saka Balogun, a former Chief of Staff to Alao-Akala, described Adewusi as a thorough-bred police officer.

“Adewusi was an abundant blessing and a special and rare gift of God to Ogbomoso and the nation at large.

“The people had allowed propaganda to keep him away from the community before 1981,”he said.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Adewusi as a distinguished and accomplished police officer who tremendously contributed to policing and national security.

The monarch described Adewusi as a role model in and out of office, adding that the Ilorin community would forever remember him for his humility and contributions to the community.

Retired Maj. Gen. Oladayo Popoola, on his part, said that it was difficult for him to talk about a man he so much respected.

“Our dear leader left us, his followers, with historic legacy of hard work, honesty of purpose, bravery and devotion to the service of God and humanity,’’ he said.

Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, a former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, said that Adewusi was a patriotic and courageous officer who rose to the rank of IGP through hard work and sheer diligence.

Sen. Ayo Fasanmi described Adewusi as a good friend and a dedicated police officer.

The event featured dirge and cultural dance by various cultural groups in Ogbomoso and its environs.

NAN reports that the event was attended by retired Maj. Gen. Raji Rasak, Sen. Brimoh Yusuff, Sen.Ayoade Adeseun, a former Minister of Communications, Mr Olawale Ige, and Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin.

Others were the wife of the deceased, Aminat, and first son, Remi.