Leaders Mourn as Fashola Loses Dad at 79

Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), passed away Monday at the age of 79. His death immediately triggered a deluge of condolence messages nationwide, including those from President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, the younger Fashola’s predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, as well as from governors: Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Mr. Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Mr. Peter Obi (Anambra) and Alhaji Kashim Shettima (Borno). The late Fashola, who retired from Daily Times Plc, died at his 31, Oladipo Labinjo Crescent, Surulere residence while his most prominent son was on a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia along with some top officials of the state. The governor is expected back in the country Tuesday for his father's burial. A statement Monday by the state government, signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr. Olanrewaju Babalola, confirmed the passage of Pa Fashola, whom it said died after a brief illness.

The three-paragraph statement said the body of Pa Fashola, who was survived by wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, would be buried today according to Muslim rites at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi by 1 p.m. The statement said: “In total submission to God’s will, we announce the passage of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, which occurred on August 5.”  Besides the governor, others who survived the deceased are Arinola Fuwa, Olayinka Fashola, Ademola Fashola, Omolara Fashola, Adewale Fashola, Ademola Fashola (Jnr.) and Ademola Keji Fashola. Jonathan consoles Fashola continued