Akin Omoboriowo facts for kids

Akinwole Michael Omoboriowo (born January 12, 1932 – died April 10, 2012) was an important Nigerian lawyer and politician. He served as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Later, he changed political parties and ran for governor in the 1983 election in Ondo State. He was first announced as the winner. However, this result was challenged and later changed by a court before he could officially start his new role.

Early Political Life

Akinwole Omoboriowo became Deputy Governor of Ondo State in 1979. He was elected alongside Michael Adekunle Ajasin, who became the Governor. They both belonged to the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Omoboriowo believed he should have been the UPN candidate for governor. He felt he had won more votes than Ajasin in the party's primary elections. He claimed the party leaders had not been fair with the results.

During his time as Deputy Governor, he had disagreements with Governor Ajasin. For example, when Governor Ajasin was away, he refused to let Omoboriowo act as governor.

The 1983 Election

Because of these disagreements, Omoboriowo decided to leave the UPN. He joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In the 1983 elections, he ran for governor against his former boss, Governor Ajasin.

When the election results were announced on August 16, 1983, Omoboriowo was declared the winner. This announcement caused a lot of trouble and protests in Ondo State. Many people were upset by the result.

The election result was challenged in court. An appeals court later overturned Omoboriowo's victory. This meant that Governor Ajasin was put back in office instead.

After the Election

After a military coup in Nigeria on December 31, 1983, many former governors and their deputies were arrested. Omoboriowo was also jailed for a short time. However, he was released in less than 30 days without any charges. He later said that the military government was right to have arrested them at that time.

His Beliefs and Friends

Omoboriowo was a follower of the ideas of Obafemi Awolowo, a famous Nigerian leader. People called Awolowo "Baba Awo." Omoboriowo even wrote a book about Awolowo's ideas.

Even though they had political differences later, Baba Awo was fond of Omoboriowo. He often checked on him. Omoboriowo once said that Awolowo believed he was the only candidate in the 1979 elections who wasn't just seeking money.

When Omoboriowo joined the NPN, he became good friends with other important Nigerian politicians. One of his close friends was Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu. They remained friends until Ojukwu's death in 2011.

Later Life and Contributions

After the Second Republic ended, Chief Omoboriowo stopped being involved in party politics. However, he continued to contribute to Nigeria's political discussions. He was part of the 1996 constitutional conference. He also served on the 1997/98 National Reconciliation Committee.

Later in his life, he became the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the governing council for the University of Ado Ekiti. This is a very important role in a university. Most recently, he was the Chairman of Genesis Electricity, an electrical company in Abuja.

In his final years, Omoboriowo found comfort in his faith. He became a strong Christian. He often spoke about God and lived a quiet life serving his faith until he passed away.

Death

In early 2012, Akin Omoboriowo and his wife moved back to his home state, Ekiti. In April 2012, he became ill. He was taken to a hospital in Lagos for medical care. He died there on April 10, 2012. News of his death became public the next day.

Many people shared kind words about him after he died. Dele Momodu, a famous publisher, said "the elephant has fallen." The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, described him as a "politician who was not afraid to stand for his political beliefs."