Fashola, Tinubu, Jakande, Dangote, Others Eulogise Late Sir Michael Otedola

As the preparation for the final burial of former Governor of Lagos State, Sir, Micheal Otedola, began yesterday, his daughter, Mrs. Lola Idaho, described her late father as a trustworthy and honourable man, till death.

This came as Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, disclosed that one of the sons of the deceased, Mr. Femi Otedola, in collaboration with the state government, would institute a scholarship scheme for indigent students with a N1 billion take-off grant, aimed at enhancing educational development in the state.

Lola Idaho, spoke on behalf of the children of the deceased, at ‘A day of Tributes’ in honour of Sir Otedola at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, which had in attendance immediate former Governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, a former deputy governor of the state, among others.

Also, in attendance were former military administrators of Lagos State, Brig-Gen Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, rtd, former governors of Lagos and Ekiti states; Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Mr. Niyi Adebayo, respectively, Deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former deputy governor of the state, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Senator Gbenga Ashafa among others.

Sir Micheal Otedola, the second executive governor of the state, ruled between 1991 and 1992. He died on May 5th, 2014 at 88 years, in his hometown, Odoragushin, Epe Local Government Area.

He will be buried tomorrow, Friday May 30th, 2014.

Speaking, Idaho said “My Daddy was a father, a friend and that was why we have anchored our tribute today on ‘Father.’ My daddy was a ‘friend, he was very attentive to all his relatives and children. He was a good listener. He had a wealth of wisdom. He always had a word to say to every one of us. He was very trustworthy, anything committed into his hands, one was assured that it was safe. He was honourable even till death.

On N1bn scholarship scheme

Speaking on plans to continue with late Otedola’s legacy, Fashola, who explained that the programme was organised to celebrate the achievements of late Otedola with a view to drawing inspiration to further move the state forward, noted that Femi, his son had committed a sum of N1 billion to ensure that his philanthropist gesture live after his death.

Tributes

On the exemplary leadership of the deceased, Fashola said he was a great leader who did so much to promote the interest of the state and its people, saying “The late Otedola`s strong convictions even in the face of uncertainties made him even more remarkable. In my view, it is the idea behind his foray into politics that endures beyond his physical contributions, an idea that every generation must borrow from.The idea that nothing is impossible and that convictions and hard work can make dreams possible.

“His choice of the sobriquet ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the state when he was governor reflected his hunger for excellence.”

Fashola expressed appreciation to his widow, Lady Doja, and the rest of the family for allowing the state government to be part of what ordinarily should be a family funeral programme.

On his part, Alhaji Jakande, described Otedola‘s demise as a great loss, “we can never forget his immense contributions to the development of Lagos State.”

For Alhaji Dangote, the deceased was a man of dignity who did so much to touch the lives of Lagos residents.

Other activities continue today, with the lying-in-state at his Epe, Odoragunshin residence, from 2.40 p.m, while Christian wake- keep will hold at the same venue from 4.00 p.m. same day.