Tributes as Fashola’s father buried

Last rite- Fashola performs the dust to dust rite at the graveside for his father

The father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Alhaji Ademola Fashola, who died on Monday, has been buried.

The deceased, 80, was buried on Tuesday at the Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi, a private cemetery in the state.

The governor’s father began his final journey at his residence on Ladipo Labinjo Street, Surulere, Lagos, where eminent Nigerians had gathered to bid him farewell.

His corpse arrived from the mortuary at 11.55am, while lying-in-state was held in his honour at Surulere Senior Secondary School.

The entourage then moved to the Central Mosque, Obalende, where prayers were offered.

Fashola was accompanied by his siblings and close family members to the mosque.

The interment took place at a marble-carved tomb in the cemetery.

Islamic clerics from the Lagos Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Akinola Garuba, offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed, while his remains were interred.

Fashola, who spoke shortly after his father’s burial, said, “Our father was first and foremost our friend, our best friend and we will miss him.

“He was a loving father, who allowed us to be the best we could. He allowed us, guiding and nudging without forcing anything.

“That is why he has children that are Christians and Muslims. He has children who are married across the nation.

“I learnt so many things from him. I hope I can be as rounded in integrity, humble in attitude and as fully committed in all situations as he was.’’

The governor commended Lagosians and President Goodluck Jonathan, whom, he said, had not ceased to call and condole with him on his loss.

At the funeral with Fashola, were his counterparts from Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi; Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi; and Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun.

Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, represented Jonathan at the burial.

Amosun extolled the legacy of the deceased, which he said, was evident in the achievements of Gov. Fashola.

He said, “I think the good work BRF is doing in Lagos is a clear testimony that he came from a good home.

Fayemi, in his tribute, said, “Pa Fashola lived an exemplary life and if we could, we would have loved him to continue with us.”

At the home of the deceased, many continued to pay their last respect.

“Senator Gbenga Ashafa in his tribute, said, “Pa Fashola was always there at the point of need for all those who needed his assistance, especially his younger friends and members of the family – home and abroad.’’

Rotimi Williams, SAN, wrote in the register, “Illustrious father of an illustrious son, fare thee well. Rest in Perfect Peace.’’

Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, Umar Manko, Brig.-Gen. A. Oyebade with other security chiefs wrote, “On condolence visit to His Excellency, Gov. Babatunde Fashola to commisserate with him on the death of his father. May he rest in perfect peace. Amen.’’

Lagos State Commissioner for Transport Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said, “I have known Baba even before coming into government. He encouraged me to learn to take time off work and relax, cool my brain and refresh. He’s a symbol of contentment.’’

PUNCH NIGERIA