Governor Fashola’s Father Is Dead

Fashola

Father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Alhaji Ademola Fashola, is dead.

He died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 80.

A statement by the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Mr. Lanre Babalola, said, “In total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the passage of our husband, father, grandfather  and great grandfather, Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola,  which occurred on Monday August 5, 2013, at the age of 80.

“He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren and great grand children. He will be buried at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi at 1pm on Tuesday (today).”

It was learnt that Ademola had been battling with an illness and was flown abroad for medical treatment during the last year’s doctors strike that paralysed hospitals in Lagos.

 The governor, who was on Umrah in Saudi Arabia, was expected to cut short his visit and be in the state on Monday (yesterday).

Ademola worked in Daily Times, where he rose to become an Advert Manager in the company.

He is survived by eight children.

In its reaction, the state chapter of the People Democratic Party commiserated with the governor.

In a condolence message by the state Chairman, Tunji Shelle, the party described the deceased as one, who related well with others and who did not underrate any person.

The party said, “No doubt, he died a fulfilled man. We join sympathisers in consoling the governor. We pray that God grants the entire Fashola family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Meanwhile, our correspondent, who visited the home of the deceased on Ladipo Labinjo Street, Surulere, observed that symapthisers came in droves to condole with the family.

The elder brother of the deceased, Bolaji Fashola, said he spoke with the late brother on Sunday without having any premonition of his death.

He said, “I saw him yesterday (Sunday) and wanted to discuss with him but he couldn’t say much because he was breathing heavily. I did not know that he was going to pass away.

“It was the doctor who broke the news to me today (Monday) that he had passed on.”

A daughter of the deceased, Ms. Yinka Fashola, said, “If I begin to talk, you will make me cry, I can’t utter anything now.”

An associate of the late Fashola, Molade Okoya- Thomas, said he would be remembered for his exemplary humility.

Okoya-Thomas said he and the deceased had been friends since childhood and had agreed to go to Wimbledon, London, to watch tennis as it was their usual practice, before death took him.

Popular music legend, Dr. Victor Olaiya, who was also at the family house, said he met  Fashola during his days at the Daily Times.

He  said, “He was very nice, unassuming, and always ready to help. Personally, I will miss his jokes and wonderful smiles.’’

A family member, Mrs. Omotunde Akintunde, said, “We have lost a great man in the family. A father, a trail blazer who gave Lagos a well trained and groomed son like the governor of the state. We will miss him’’

Adedamola Kasumu, a nephew, said the late Fashola was a complete man, who had a solution to every problem.

He said, “He was a great father, a good listener and a spiritual person who was also highly knowledgeable, and in a situation you had problem and you spoke with him, out of his words, you would find a solution.”

Two condolence registers were placed at the entrance of the family house.

Hundreds of people had written memorable moments they had with him.

Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja General, wrote, “Daddy, we love you, but God loves you more. Rest in peace.”

Mrs. Yejide Fashola, wrote, “An accomplished father, you will be missed. Rest in peace.”

Chief Kareem Daramola, an APC chief, wrote, “Pa Fashola, I will always miss you.”

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