IILG Celebrates An Iconic Unionist and Administrator, Barrister Ayodele Aluko.

IILG Celebrates An Iconic Unionist and Administrator, Barrister Ayodele Aluko.

By Asubiojo G. O.

The atmosphere in Igede-Ekiti, the headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG),on Thursday became deeply reflective, emotionally charged, and socially vibrant as staff, political stakeholders, labour leaders, and top administrators gathered to celebrate the outgoing executive secretary,who just got promoted as permanent secretary,for his final F&GPC meeting in  IILG  — an astute, trailblazing administrator and a versatile unionist of uncommon courage and vision.

The event was coloured with melodious drums, joyous gyrations, heartfelt eulogies, and overwhelming social excitement as workers and admirers paid glowing tributes to a man widely acknowledged for his creativity, objectivity, administrative dexterity, and labour activism.

Barrister Aluko’s remarkable records as former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State chapter, Public Relations Secretary of Ekiti State NULGE, among other strategic leadership positions, were celebrated as symbols of his enduring commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional progress.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, who was away on official assignment, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Honourable Olatunji Sule, expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing permanent Secretary. 

He noted that Barrister Ayodele Aluko’s sincerity, transparent leadership style, administrative brilliance, and pragmatic coordination made governance within the Local Government remarkably seamless, productive, and progressive.

Dr. Olatunji Sule further appreciated the presence and support of administrative gladiators, labour veterans, political heavyweights, and distinguished stakeholders who stood solidly behind the Permanent Secretary throughout his impactful and achievement-filled tenure. According to him, Barrister Aluko’s brief stewardship remained loaded with positive landmark reference points capable of sustaining the institution for years to come.

At a point during the ceremony, official activities temporarily came to a halt as emotions, memories, and heartfelt tributes overwhelmed the gathering.

Speaking further on the personality of the outgoing Executive Secretary, now permanent secretary,the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Faluyi, described Barrister Ayodele Aluko as a man he had known “time immemorial” — a pragmatic and proactive administrator whose visionary leadership, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to sustainable goals distinguished him among his contemporaries. He described him as “a shining reference point within the Local Government system.”

In her emotional remarks, the Director of Community and Social Development, Mrs. Adeniyi, offered heartfelt prayers for Barrister Aluko and passionately enjoined him never to relent in sustaining the noble virtues, admirable character, and exemplary lifestyle that have positively inspired countless workers and associates within the system.

Also reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the outgoing permanent Secretary, the Director of Finance, Mr. Subair Hassan-Taiwo, described him as an objective, courageous, and principled personality who always stood firmly by his convictions irrespective of who occupied the corridors of power. He applauded Barrister Aluko’s uncommon boldness, integrity, and administrative sincerity.

In an emotionally poetic tribute, the Head of Local Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede, appreciated the Almighty Trinity for preserving and uplifting Barrister Ayodele Aluko throughout his demanding years of service, as permanent Secretary, She acknowledged that although the journey was not entirely smooth, destiny had ordained him to emerge victorious, resilient, and unconquerable.

She emotionally revealed that Barrister Aluko remained a formidable pillar of support to her both in administrative responsibilities and within the realities and struggles of unionism under the umbrella of NULGE. According to her, God elevated him because of the countless lives he positively impacted and the vibrant achievements he recorded while in office.

 She maintained that his legacy would continue to resonate meaningfully across the Local Government system for generations to come.

Responding to the torrents of eulogies, Barrister Ayodele Aluko gave all glory, honour, and adoration to the Almighty Trinity for granting him the grace to complete thirty-five remarkable years of service unblemished and fulfilled. He emphatically stated that having served in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government twice, he never regretted his stewardship within the Local Government system.

Reflecting philosophically on the “good, the bad, and the ugly” sides of the Local Government system and labour unionism, he explained that every challenge and experience eventually became stepping stones toward his academic and professional accomplishments, culminating in his qualification as a Barrister-at-Law, all to the glory of God.

In a deeply emotional and labour-conscious submission, Barrister Aluko reiterated that the Local Government system made him who he is today, stressing that the system collectively belongs to all workers and stakeholders. 

He therefore passionately warned against destructive tendencies, unhealthy rivalries, internal sabotage, and “pull-him-down” syndromes capable of crippling institutional growth and workplace harmony.

He encouraged workers and labour leaders alike to approach their responsibilities with passion, sincerity, dedication, and vigour, affirming that true glory and lasting honour will always speak for diligent and selfless service rendered with integrity.

In his concluding remarks, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Honourable Olatunji Sule, passionately charged workers to understand the realities confronting the present Local Government system, metaphorically describing it as “a system dancing on an edge.” Drawing from his wealth of experience as a labour leader, he emphasized that visionary leadership, pragmatic strategies, and proactive achievements remain the only pathways toward meaningful development and institutional survival.

He challenged workers, administrators, and labour leaders to become more resilient, visionary, and purposeful by turning present challenges into stepping stones toward fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. He particularly urged labour leaders to remain courageous, upright, and formidable in defending the genuine interests, welfare, and aspirations of the workers they represent.

Dr. Olatunji Sule concluded with a strong admonition to staff members to desist from destructive criticism, internal sabotage, negative pull-down attitudes, and unnecessary hostility against colleagues, subordinates, and the government of the day.

He stressed that unity, mutual support, administrative discipline, and collective progress remain the strongest pillars for sustaining the dignity, stability, and future of the Local Government system.