Relatives of Pa Ademola Fashola, father of former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, converged on Ladipo Labinjo Crescent, Surulere, Lagos for the 10th year remembrance of the patriach, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO
For the families of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, who died a decade ago, it was just like yesterday.
Relatives and their friends, who had a close relationship with the deceased while he was alive, extolled his virtues.
To them, the late Alhaji Fashola’s convivial relationship with people is still sharp in their memories.
Gaily-dressed guests in white attires, red caps and headgears were seen exchanging pleasantries with the Fasholas.
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They recalled with nostalgia the late Fashola’s friendly nature, simple lifestyle and selflessness.
The 10th-year remembrance commenced with prayers, led by former Executive Secretary of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam AbdulHakeem Kosoko and National Amir of Ikhwan-ul-Muslimin Foundation, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Muhammad Awwal.
Imam Kosoko prayed to Allah to forgive Alhaji Fashola’s shortcomings and make the grave a peaceful abode for him.
Sheikh Muhammad Awwal reminded the gathering of the ephemeral of the world.
He said death is a natural phenomenon and can come at any time.
“Coming into this world is an opportunity to serve Allah and earn His paradise. We must not forget that the essence of our living is to worship Allah. Let’s do it with our utmost capacity,” he added.
The deceased’s widow, Madam Cecilia Fashola, described her husband as a great man.
She said she still missed him till date.
Son of the deceased and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, (SAN) said his father taught the children honesty.
“He taught us about maintaining kinship, friendship, good neighbourliness, shunning corruption and evil practices, and most especially how to worship God,” the former Lagos State Governor, said.
A friend and namesake of the deceased, Justice Ibrahim Ishola Olorunninbe (retd), said: “We are age mates; we have been friends right from our youth days. Demola was a pious person and a lover of men.”
The Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Abdul Lateef Ajose, described him as the go to person for everybody.
Ajose said he was very kind and accommodating.
Senator Musliu Obanikoro said: “Baba was always there for us with valuable advice and words of encouragement. We missed his wisdom.”
A Commissioner with Lagos State Local Government Service Commission Hakeem Bamgbola, said: “He was a nice man. We were in Umrah (Lesser hajj) when news of his death reached us. Baba took everybody as his children. We really missed being around him and his warm reception.”
A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, described the deceased as a selfless man.
He described the deceased as a nice man.
A neighbour of the deceased, Prince Anthony Eze, said Baba was a detribalised person.
Eze said he left a legacy of love.
Mr Olatokunbo Fashola described him as a humble man, who led a very exemplary life.
He urged Nigerians to emulate his simplicity.
The late Fashola’s daughter-in-law, Dame Abimbola Fashola, said Baba taught them contentment, nice to everyone and selflessness.
The former first Lady of Lagos said she would forever remember him for his kindness and exemplary lifestyle.