Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has joined fellow Nigerians in mourning the passing of Pa Williams Akintola, a revered figure in the accounting profession, who passed away on Monday in Lagos at the remarkable age of 104.
Amosun expressed his deep sense of loss upon hearing the news of Pa Akintola Williams’ transition. He described the late icon as a father figure who provided invaluable advice and encouragement.
In a personally signed statement released on Tuesday, Senator Amosun extended his condolences to the Akintola Williams family, especially the children, and everyone in the accounting profession. He paid tribute to Pa Akintola Williams, highlighting his many pioneering achievements.
“Pa Akintola Williams was the doyen of the accountancy profession in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, who recorded many firsts,” Amosun noted. “He was the first Chartered Accountant in Nigeria, a pioneer member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and its first president.”
The former governor praised Pa Akintola Williams for establishing the first indigenous firm of professional accountants in Nigeria, which eventually became the largest firm of Chartered Accountants in the country. He also acknowledged Pa Akintola Williams’ role as a founding member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Pa Akintola Williams’ legacy extends beyond the field of accounting. He was renowned and respected for his passion for music, arts, the environment, and charitable causes. Amosun recalled the significant support the late icon provided during his administration from 2011 to 2019, including attending annual budget presentations at the Ogun State House of Assembly and contributing to the establishment of the Elderly Home Hostel in Abeokuta.
Senator Amosun concluded his statement by bidding farewell to a great son of Ogun State and one of the pioneers of the Ogun Standard. He prayed that the Almighty God would grant Pa Williams Akintola eternal rest and offer strength to his family to bear this irreplaceable loss.
