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.’’
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