The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday led top dignitaries to the 60th remembrance of the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, in Ibadan.

Other dignitaries at the memorial included the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun; as well as traditional rulers, jurists, political leaders, and members of the Akintola family.

The event marked six decades since the assassination of Akintola during Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966 and served as a platform for reflection on his leadership, legacy, and contributions to the development of the old Western Region and Nigeria.

Speaking as chairman of the occasion, the Olubadan said the gathering was not meant for mourning, but for celebrating a life of service and sacrifice.

“Today, we are not mourning Akintola. We are celebrating him. What he wanted to do, he could not finish, but he left behind people who can do even more,” Ladoja said.

He described the late premier as a courageous and visionary leader whose commitment to governance and development continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

Other speakers also paid glowing tributes, describing Akintola as a statesman, nationalist, and a major pillar of the old Western Region, whose political and socio-economic impact remains evident across the South-West and the country at large.