Father Of Governor Babatunde Fashola Of Lagos State, DIed Early Hours Of Yesterday

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AfricCon Report - Tuesday Top Stories -  Lagos

ALHaJI Ademola Fashola, father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, died in the early hours of yesterday, after a brief illness.

He was 80 years old.

The deceased, a former advert executive in the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria, was said to have developed breathing complication at about 1 a.m., yesterday, and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was later confirmed dead.

However, the governor who was away in Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj, “Umurah” is billed to arrive the country today to perform the burial rite before interment.

A statement by Chief of Staff to Fashola, Mr. Lanre Babalola, confirmed the death of the octogenarian.

According to the statement: “In total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the passage of our husband, father, grand-father and great grand-father, Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola which occurred today (yesterday) at the age of 80.

“He is survived by his wives, children, grand-children and great grand-children.”

Among his children are, Arinola Fuwa, Olayinka Fashola, Babatunde Fashola(SAN), Ademola Fashola, Omolara Fashola, Adewale Fashola, Ademola Fashola Jnr, and Ademola Keji Fashola

The statement added that the remains of the deceased would be buried today, at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi by 1p.m.

Family head speaks

When Vanguard visited the residence of the deceased at No. 31 Oladipo Olabinjo Street, Off Bode Thomas, Surulere, many early callers to the house, described his death as “a great shock.”

Though, newsmen were initially prevented from entering the compound, they were later allowed in with a condition not to step beyond a particular boundary.

The head of the Fashola’s family, Engr. Bolaji Fashola,  said: “I was shattered when the doctor broke the news to me at about 10:00a.m. today (yesterday). I was sad because he was my younger brother. I saw him yesterday and we couldn’t speak much because he was breathing heavily.

“But I didn’t know he was going to die. Before I left his house, he wanted to sleep. I will miss him a lot because we were very close. I cannot remember the last time we quarrelled.”

Burial preparation

Although Pa Ademola  will be buried today, the preparation for the interment, led by the General Manager of the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA, Ms. Yinka Fashola commenced immediately inside the premises of the Surulere Secondary School, located opposite Pa Fashola’s house.

When AfricCon visited the premises, the wife of the Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, was sighted with gloomy eyes.

Jonathan, Mark, governors,  condole Fashola

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark, state governors, among other Nigerians and groups, yesterday, sent condolence messages to Governor Fahola over the demise of his father.

President Jonathan in a condolence message through Mr. Reuben Abati, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said: “On behalf of himself, his family, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I convey sincere condolences to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on the death of his father, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola earlier today in Lagos.

“As they mourn Pa Fashola, President Jonathan urges Governor Fashola, his family and people of Lagos State to give thanks to God Almighty for the octogenarian’s very exemplary and accomplished life.”

“The President urges  them to be comforted by the knowledge that Pa Fashola is returning to his Creator as a very blessed and fulfilled man who lived to see his son become a two-term governor of one of Nigeria’s most populous and vibrant states.

“President Jonathan joins Governor Fashola, members of his family and the people of Lagos in praying that God Almighty will grant Pa Fashola peaceful and eternal rest from his labours on earth.”

On his part, Senate President, David Mark, described the death of Pa Ademola Fashola, as not only shocking but sad, saying the deceased passed on at a time his wealth of experience and wisdom were most needed.

Mark, in a condolence message to the governor, government and people of Lagos State, through his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, noted that Pa Fashola lived an eventful and accomplished life, worthy of emulation.

According to the statement, “I received the news of the death of your beloved father with shock and sadness. This came at a time his wealth of experience and wisdom were most needed. I am, however, consoled that your father lived an exemplary life and left a legacy of selfless service to the community.”

Also, in his condolence  message, through his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy,  Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of  Osun State, said the death of elder Fashola, would leave a huge vacuum in the extended Fashola family as well as in Lagos social and political circles.

He noted that the unexpected transition of Alhaji Fashola would certainly deny him and some of his colleagues counsel and wisdom they had enjoyed, saying, “the sudden exit of Papa Ademola Fashola invoked mixed feelings in me, one of costly loss of a redoubtable father and leader and the other of a glorious exit of Papa after a well led life on earth.”

Similarly, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State in his condolence message, said the late Fashola would surely be missed by all, especially for his genuine display of love.

According to Mimiko: “It is sad that Papa did not wait to mark his 80th birthday which would have come up next month, but God knows best.

“In his life time, Papa displayed genuine love to all and sundry. He was religious, very open and full of wisdom. I pray Allah grant him eternal rest.”

”It is sad losing a good father like Pa Fashola who was cherished and loved by all, but there is consolation in the fact that he lived a worthy and exemplary life and only God can give the bereaved family the grace to bear the loss.”

In the same vein, Governor  Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, in a statement, said, “on behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with my friend and brother Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, on the peaceful transition of his father, Alhaji Ademola  Fashola.

“I also commiserate with the entire Fashola family and the Lagos State Government. I pray Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Also, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of  Ogun State, in statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media,  Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun,  described Papa Fashola as a model  of industry, discipline and integrity.

The governor said: “He was a dedicated family man and devout Muslim, who trained his children in the way of Allah. It is not surprising that one of his children, Mr. Raji Fashola, later rose to become the governor of Lagos, where he has recorded outstanding successes.”

Lagos PDP,  Eko Club condole

Also, President Eko Club Alhaji Owolabi Lawal, in a statement on behalf of members, said, “the death of Pa Fashola is a painful occurrence which we would continue to remember. He was not only a founding member of our great club, but we would also continue to appreciate his contributions to the development of Eko Club and of course, his warmth, friendship and dedication in his liberal interactions with us all.

“And for this, we would continue to miss him. We wish our patron, Governor Babatunde Fashola and the entire members of the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  in a statement by its chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd), described the late Pa Fashola as his club’s Patron and member, and one who related well with other members of the club and who did not underrate any person.