{"id":7881,"date":"2013-08-07T03:39:45","date_gmt":"2013-08-07T03:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disnaija.com\/nigerian-newspapers\/fasholas-father-laid-to-rest-govs-others-mourn\/"},"modified":"2013-08-07T03:39:45","modified_gmt":"2013-08-07T03:39:45","slug":"fasholas-father-laid-to-rest-govs-others-mourn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disnaija.com\/fasholas-father-laid-to-rest-govs-others-mourn\/","title":{"rendered":"Fashola\u2019s father laid to rest, govs, others mourn"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IT was end of a journey that spanned almost 80 years as the remains of Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, were buried yesterday.<\/p>\n

  Eminent Nigerians from all walks of life turned out to give the deceased a befitting burial, first at the Fashola\u2019s Surulere residence and later at the Lagos Central Mosque, near Idumota, all the way to the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos.<\/p>\n

  Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba Akinola, led the procession which comprised other clerics as well as representatives of traditional rulers. Politicians, captains of industries and other prominent dignitaries were present to offer support for Governor Fashola.<\/p>\n

 They included the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; Ogun and Ekiti states governors, Ibikunle Amosun and Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Senators Gbenga Ashafa and Babafemi Ojudu. Also at the burial were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Razak Okoya, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo and Alhaja Sherifah Andu.<\/p>\n

  Speaking to journalists after the burial, Governor Fashola, who cut short his lesser hajj (umrah) in Saudi Arabia on Monday, said his father would be happy dying during the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan and \u201cparticularly on the very day declared as the night of majesty\u201d.<\/p>\n

  Fashola was full of gratitude to those present, but specially thanked President Jonathan, whom he said called him severally until he got the chance to talk to him.<\/p>\n

  \u201cMy father was our (the children) best friend. He allowed us to be whatever we wanted to be, which is why some of his children are Christians and some married outside the Yoruba race. What\u2019s more, I learnt who I am and who I tried to be from him. And I wish I would be as humble as he was,\u201d Fashola said.<\/p>\n

  Also at the burial site were former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Ayo Akande, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, Otunba Alabi Mc-Coy, Alhaji Lateef Salako, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, Femi Okunnu, Segun Adesegun, members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly, members of the House of Representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.<\/p>\n

 Meanwhile, eminent Nigerians, including state governors, and groups have continued to condole with Governor Fashola.<\/p>\n

  The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) under the chairmanship of Babangida Aliyu (Niger State) described the death of Fashola\u2019s father as a big loss to the Lagos helmsman and the entire people of Lagos State, \u201cespecially that it came at a critical period when the advice and guidance of elders like the late Fashola are required to address myriad of problems confronting the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

  In a condolence message signed by Aliyu\u2019s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum urged Governor Fashola to be consoled by the fact that his late father lived a life of service to God and humanity.<\/p>\n

  Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi urged Fashola and his family to be strong as they go through this period of grief. \u201cThis is a most trying period and heartbreaking time for you. But be assured that God knows best. I pray that you find strength and comfort from within as you mourn your late father and patriarch.\u201d<\/p>\n

  Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, in a statement, said: \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear brother, at this very difficult moment. From accounts of your father\u2019s life and times, we learnt that he was a man of character and valour, a man with a keen sense of fairness, equity and justice to all that crossed his path.  It, therefore, needs no guessing the extent to which Pa Fashola helped shape the successful man, professional and administrator that you are today. It then becomes easier to appreciate the bond that existed between your good self and the significant imprint he represents in your inspiring story.\u201d<\/p>\n

 Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, described the late Fashola as \u201ca quintessential gentleman in every sense of the word.\u201d <\/p>\n

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commiserated with Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and his family on the loss of their patriarch, Pa. Ademola Fashola.<\/p>\n

  In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the All Progressives Congress (APC), its National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, said though the loss of a loved one, especially a worthy father like Pa Fashola, is always painful even at a ripe age, his exit is nothing but a glorious transition.<\/p>\n

  \u2018\u2019A father who gave the people of Lagos State a first-rated governor and a man of integrity and rare vision like Babatunde Fashola, must be appreciated and celebrated both in life and in death. This is why we believe that the death of Pa Fashola, despite the painful loss that it is, should also be used as an opportunity to celebrate his life, not just by his family but by all of us.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Aka Ikenga also mourned Fashola\u2019s father. \u201cThough he lived a good life surrounded by his children, we console His Excellency because it is always a painful loss! We urge you to bear loss with equanimity,\u201d the President of the group,<\/p>\n

Chief Goddy Uwazurike, said in a statement.<\/p>\n

 Others who condoled with Fashola include former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and pro-democracy groups, Women Arise (WA) and Conference of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).<\/p>\n

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Posted in Nigerian Newspapers. <\/a>A DisNaija.Com<\/a> network.<\/p>\n

Source: Guardian Newspaper<\/p>\n

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