Ovation magazine issue 158

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SINCE 1996

ALL THETHE GLAMOUR AND COLOUR OF THE STAR-STUDDED EVENT ALL EXCLUSIVE PICTURES INSIDE

SIR MICHAEL OTEDOLA NIGERIANS CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A FORMER GOVERNOR AND STATESMAN

© OVATION 2014

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PUBLISHER’S INTRO

ISSN-1362-7309 Issue 158 CREW PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dele Momodu momodudele@yahoo.co.uk

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mobolaji Momodu EDITOR Michael Effiong mikeffiong2009@yahoo.com mikeffiong@ovationinternational.com

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SIR MICHAEL OTEDOLA NIGERIANS PAY HOMAGE TO A GREAT GOVERNOR, GENTLEMAN AND STATESMAN IN GRAND STYLE

Story: Michael Effiong & Bamidele Salako French: Chinyere Ndukwe Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Ken Ehimen, Solomon Ekhaiyemhe, Abraham Falodun, Segun Lawal & Family Album

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He was an epitome of excellence, and that was the reason when it was time to choose a tagline for Nigeria's commercial capital, he chose the inspirational words " “Centre of Excellence", a testimony to his ambitious dream of transforming Lagos into a super city, a vision he pursued with so much vigor that despite spending so short a time in the helm of affairs, his legacy remains legendary and his name is still firmly etched on many hearts.

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herever exemplary leadership, good governance and a life of consistent commitment to people- oriented service are discussed, no doubt exists that the name of Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, the second Executive Governor of Lagos State will always occupy the top echelon of that list.

Sir Michael was a good man with a great name who set out from the get go to make a difference. He was an epitome of excellence, and that was the reason when it was time to choose a tagline for Nigeria's commercial capital, he chose the inspirational words "Centre of Excellence", a testimony to his ambitious dream of transforming Lagos into a super city, a vision he pursued with so much vigor that despite spending so short a time in the helm of affairs, his legacy remains legendary and his name is still firmly etched on many hearts.

Fondly called Baba Go-Slow, Governor Otedola may have been slow to act but was quick in execution.

He was a democrat par excellence, a true man of the people in every sense of the word, little wonder that despite his clout, connection and wealth, after his tenure, he went home to live and settle with his people in Odoragushin, Epe! It is men like Governor Otedola that the great English Poet, Alexander Pope described as : “Statesman, yet friend to truth! Of soul sincere, in action faithful, and in honour clear, who broke no promise, served no private end, who gained no title, and who lost no friend; ennobled by himself, by all approved, praised, wept, and honoured.”

These immortal words which are engraved on a 1727 statue of James Craggs (Secretary of State and Privy Counselor to King George I of Great Britain) at the chapel of St. George in the iconic Westminster Abbey in England encapsulates the life of this illustrious Lagosian; a towering Nigerian personality, a consummate journalist, an accomplished Public Relations expert, a renowned philanthropist, a sagacious elder statesman, a wonderful husband and a great father.

Ever before the name Babatunde Raji Fashola became a phenomenon in the annals of exemplary civilian leadership, the inimitable and prescient Sir Michael already held a pride of place in the state’s rich history. As a matter of fact, Fashola’s current accomplishments for which he is adored nationally was built on the solid foundation occasioned by the sterling strides of Sir Michael while in office between 1992 and 1993.

When Otedola died, transitioning from mortality to immortality on Monday, May 5, 2014, news of his death, just like his life and achievements resonated across the country. For Lagosians specifically, and Nigerians generally, who relished the rewards of the visionary leadership he provided, his death reawakened and brought to the fore, nostalgic recollections of a short but glorious tenure in office. For those too young to remember his astonishing accomplishments or who weren’t even born at the time to witness them, his death evoked a history lesson enriched greatly by a catalogue of unforgettable contributions that are now proudly enshrined in the state’s archives.

In Sir Michael, Lagosians were blessed with a governor in whom the dignity of the man and the sanctity of the office found perfect harmony, both elements combining to work such a delightful seduction that could make several of today’s public officials green with envy. He was, without a doubt, the quintessence of all the virtues and qualities begging to no avail for expression in many of today’s political 8

figures.

The Holy Bible which he lived by, states in Proverbs 20:6: “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?” Sir Michael’s life was a glowing and patent answer to that question. His faithfulness found expression in his accountable and transparent leadership.

Geared on by a compelling obsession to serve and to deliver tangible democracy dividends, Governor Otedola, an Apostle of Government 101, (which is another name for Government of Service to the People), knew full well that he contested and won against all odds on the platform of a minority opposition party in the state, therefore, he drove himself passionately and purposefully into the folklore of uncommon leadership. He worked with so much gusto like a man who had premonition that he had a

very short time to shine-and what a good decision it turned to be because unlike his peers, he came, he saw and left with a great impact.

Though he campaigned and won election into the Office of Governor on the platform of the defunct opposition National Republican Convention (NRC), he went about fulfilling his executive responsibilities in the spirit and strength of the predominant theme of the era - the “Hope 93” agenda which was set and championed by his friend, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Governor Otedola was a social democrat extraordinaire. His desire was to make Lagos and its people great again that was why his campaign slogan was simply "That Lagos May Excel"! And under him, Lagos indeed excelled.

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Governor Otedola was a social democrat extraordinaire. His desire was to make Lagos and its people great again that was why his campaign slogan was simply "That Lagos May Excel"! And under him, Lagos indeed excelled.

LES ADIEUX DE SIR MICHAEL OTEDOLA, HOMME BON ET GENEREUX QUI A LAISSE UN GRAND HERITAGE

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artout où l’on note un leadership exemplaire, une bonne gouvernance et une vie consacrée à servir les autres,pas de doute que le nom de Sir Michael est au début de la liste.

Sir Michael était un homme bon, avec un grand nom qui dès le départ a fait une grande différence. Il était une incarnation de l'excellence, et c'est pour cette raison que lorsqu’il fallait choisir un slogan pour la capitale commerciale du Nigeria, il a choisi le nom "Centre de l’Excellence" ; c’est un témoignage de son rêve ambitieuxde transformer Lagos en une ville superbe, une vision qu’il a poursuivie avec tant de vigueur que, malgré la courte durée de son mandat, son héritage reste légendaire et son nom est toujours fermement gravé dans de nombreux cœurs.

Affectueusement appelé Baba Go-Slow, Gouverneur Otedola a peut-être été lent à agir, mais il a été rapidedans l'exécution. Il était un démocrate par excellence, un véritable homme du peuple dans tous les sens du mot ; ce n’est pas étonnant qu’après son mandat et malgré son poids et sa richesse, il est rentré chez lui pour vivre ets'installer avec son peuplea à

Odorangushi, Epe! Ce sont des hommes comme le gouverneur Otedola que le grand poète anglais Alexander Pope a décrit comme: Homme d’Etat, et plus encore, ami de la vérité! De l'âme sincère, fidèle dans l'action, et ayant l'honneur claire, qui n’a brisé aucune promesse, qui n’a servi aucune fin privée, qui n’a gagné aucun titre, et qui n’a perdu aucun ami; anobli par lui-même, par tous approuvé, loué, pleuré et honoré>>. Ces paroles immortelles qui sont gravées sur une statue datant de 1727 de James Craggs (secrétaire d'État et conseillerprivé du roi George Ier de la GrandeBretagne) à la chapelle de Saint-Georges à l'Abbaye de Westminster en Angleterre, décrit parfaitement la vie de cet illustre ressortissant de Lagos; une imposante personnaliténigériane, un journaliste hors pair, un expert accompli des relations publiques, un philanthrope de renom, unfarouche vétéran de la politique, un merveilleux mari et un bon père.

Avant même que le nom de Babatunde Raji Fashola ne fasse partie des annales en terme de bon leadership, l'inimitable Sir Michael détenait déjà une

place de choix dans la riche histoire de l'Etat. En fait, les réalisationsactuelles de Fashola pour lesquelles il est adoré à l'échelle nationale ont été construites sur les fondations posées par Sir Michael pendant son mandat entre 1992 et 1993.

A sa mort, de la mortalité à l'immortalité le lundi 5 mai 2014, les nouvelles de sa mort, comme sa vie et ses réalisations, ont résonné à travers le pays. Pour les habitants de Lagos en particulier, et les Nigérians en général, qui jouissaient des fruits de sa direction visionnaire, sa mort a réveillé et a mis en évidence, dessouvenirs nostalgiques d'un mandat court mais glorieux. Pour ceux qui sont trop jeunes pour se souvenir de ses réalisations étonnantes ou qui n'étaient même pas nés, sa mort a évoqué une leçon d'histoire grandementenrichie d'un catalogue de contributions inoubliables qui sont maintenant fièrement inscrites dans les archivesde l'État. En Sir Michael, les habitants de Lagos ont été bénis avec un gouverneur à qui la dignité de l'hommeet la sainteté du poste trouvent une parfaite harmonie ; les deux éléments se combinent pour produire une séduction si délicieuse que cela pourrait rendre plusieurs fonctionnaires d'aujourd'hui fous de jalousie. Il était,sans aucun doute, la quintessence de toutes les vertus et qualités qui manquent à un grand nombre depersonnalités politiques d'aujourd'hui. La Sainte Bible, dont il a vécu sur les préceptes, déclare dans Proverbes20:06: "Beaucoup de gens proclament la bonté de chacun; mais un homme fidèle, qui le trouvera? "La vie deSir Michael était une excellente réponse à cette question.

Sa fidélité a trouvé son expression dans son leadership responsable et transparent.

Destiné par une obsession irrésistible de servir et de fournir des dividendes tangibles de la démocratie, legouverneur Otedola, apôtre du gouvernement 101, savait très bien qu'il a contesté et a gagné contre toute attente, avec un parti de l'opposition minoritaire dans l'Etat, donc, il s’est conduit avec passion et de manière ciblée dans le folklore d’un leadership rare. Il a travaillé avec tant de brio comme un homme qui avait le pressentiment qu'il avait un très court laps de temps dans sa fonction de gouverneur, et contrairement à ses prédécesseurs, il est venu, il a vu et a laissé un grand impact. Bien qu’il ait fait campagne et ait remporté l'élection en tant que gouverneur pour l’ancien parti de l’opposition, la Convention Nationale Républicaine (CNR), il a accompli ses fonctions dans l'esprit et la force sur le thème prédominant de l'époque, "Espoir 93", un ordre du jour qui a été créé et défendu par son ami, le chef Moshood Abiola Kasimawo Olawale de l’ancien Parti Social-Démocrate (PSD).

Le Gouverneur Otedola était un social-démocrate extraordinaire. Son désir était de faire en sorte que Lagos et ses habitants deviennent grands, et c'est pour cela que son slogan de campagne était simplement «PuisseLagos Exceller"! Et sous lui, Lagos en effet a excellé. Faisons, maintenant une excursion historique dans la vie et dans l'époque du bon, du généreux, du grand et du pieux Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola.

SON ENFANCE Sir Michael Otedola, est né le 16 Juillet 1926, dans une famille musulmane humble à Odorangusin, gouvernement local d’Epe de l'Etat de Lagos. Sir Michael a fréquenté l'école primaire Saint-Mathias, Lafiaji etSainte-Croix de l'école primaire à Lagos Island. Il a ensuite continué à l'école du gouvernement, à Kaduna, etplus tard au collège Saint-Léon d’Abeokuta, où il a été formé comme professeur. En raison de son éclat, il a étéretenu dans la même école comme tuteur après l'obtention de son diplôme.

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The Otedola family in the early days

Let us now take you on an historical excursion into the life and times of the good, generous, great and godly Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola.

EARLY LIFE

Sir Michael Otedola, who was born on July 16, 1926, into a humble Muslim family at Odoragushin, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. Sir Michael attended St. Mathias Primary School, Lafiaji and Holy Cross Primary School both on Lagos Island.

He then proceeded to Government School, Kaduna, and later to St. Leo’s College, Abeokuta, where he was trained as a Teacher. As a result of his brilliance, he was retained in the same school as a Tutor after graduation.

A CONSUMMATE MEDIA PROFESSIONAL AND PR PRACTITIONER He entered the Public Service of Western Region in 1953 as Information Officer where he served his first years in Ibadan. There he was regarded as an admirable and first-rate officer. He worked as Press Secretary to the late Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He later travelled to the United Kingdom to study Journalism and Public Relations at the famous Regent Street College, now the University of Westminster and graduated in June, 1958.

He was employed as News Reporter in London’s St. Pancras Chronicle. While there, Sir Michael received special commendation as one of the best reporters of his time. He also worked with The Guardian Newspaper in Manchester, England and later as sub-Editor on the foreign desk of The Times of London. After returning home in August, 1959, he was deeply involved in the preparation for Nigeria’s independence celebrations. Sir Michael scored another first being appointed the Public Relations Manager of the then WNTV/WNBS (Africa’s first TV Station) now known as NTA Ibadan (1961 – 1963). He was assigned an additional responsibility to take over the running and leadership of the News Division of WNTV/WNBS during the period of the state of emergency in the then western region, 1962-1963. During his tenure in the Western Region Public Service, Governor Otedola edited Western Nigeria Illustrated and was also the 10

Head of the Press Release Unit of the Ministry. At WNTV/WNBS, he conceived and single-handedly nurtured and edited the first ever African TV Journal – The Radio Vision Times.

Sir Michael joined Mobil Oil Nigeria Limited in 1964 as Public Affairs Manager, the first Nigerian to be so appointed. He retired voluntarily in May 1977.

Thereafter he was immediately invited by the company to become its Public Affairs Consultant.

Sir Michael was Chairman of the National Press Club of Nigeria until he became Governor just as coincidentally, Alhaji Lateef Jakande was General Secretary of the Club until he became Governor. He was a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a member of the British Institute of Public Relations and several other professional associations. He attended several seminars in the USA,

Portugal, Cyprus, Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

AN ACCOMPLISHED BUSINESSMAN

Sir Michael directed and supervised the production of two prestigious books on Nigerian Arts and Culture titled, The Living Arts of Nigeria (1971) and The Living Culture of Nigeria (1976). This might have prompted him to establish Impact Press in Surulere, Lagos.

Impact Press was a leading printing and publishing company that provided employment opportunities for many young Nigerians. There, he was able to maintain his scholarly interest to contribute articles to various professional journals, both at home and abroad, and to continue to serve on the boards of statutory bodies as a coopted member.

As a business leader, he maintained overseas

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Sir Michael Otedola & Otunba Adekunle Ojora

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Sir Michael drove himself passionately and purposefully into the folklore of uncommon leadership. He worked with so much gusto like a man who had premonition that he had a very short time to shine-and what a good decision it turned out to be because unlike his peers, he came, he saw and left with a great impact.

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Behold: The New Knight of St. Sylvester

representation both in Europe and America. He used his influence to establish closer relations and get more aid for the development of Lagos State.

In 1978, he was appointed Chairman of the Lagos State Tourism Board.

PHILANTHROPIST PAR EXCELLENCE

If the true measure of a good man is how he treats someone who is less endowed than he is, then Sir Michael was a good man by every measure. In education, in social welfare, in economic empowerment, in community development, in the advancement of religion and morality, he was a humanitarian par excellence who did a world of good but expected nothing in return.

Years before he became famous, his enthusiasm and love for education propelled him to found and fund the Michael Otedola University Scholarship Awards Schemes for indigenes of Epe Division and other parts of Lagos State. Thousands of indigent students benefitted immensely from this extraordinary largesse and proceeded to fulfill their dreams in various professions. A glowing testament to Sir Michael’s philanthropic gesture through the scholarship scheme is the current Provost of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCOPED), Professor Olu Akeusola, who is a beneficiary.

Also, in fulfillment of Sir Michael’s 80th birthday wish, the then Intercontinental Bank donated the Sir Michael Otedola Computer Centre to the Epe Campus of the Yaba College of Technology.

As a devout Christian, he

sponsored pilgrimages to Jerusalem and supported several religious causes and communal projects. His son, billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, Chairman, Board of Directors of Forte Oil has decided to continue the Educational endowment by pledging an additional N1billion.

A PUBLIC-SPIRITED

GRASSROOTS MAN He was the quintessential grassroots man and his approach to development from the grassroots played out when he personally initiated a one-man house to house campaign in Epe Local Government Area to persuade the people to abandon their opposition to the payment of tenement rates. The outstanding success he achieved through this one-man campaign was formally commended by officials of the then Ministry of Local Government. For over three decades, he used his personal resources to achieve meaningful gains for his people in providing housing, employment, education and health services.

He leased his Otedola Farms to Eredo Local Council Development Area to boost agricultural development in the area. He also released acres of land at Odoragushi for market activities.

It was testament to his love for the common man that he was able to reintegrate easily into his rustic Odoragushi community after bowing out of office honourably. His spacious compound could not hold the crowd that turned up to give him a hero’s welcome back home. His people were glad that he had done them proud and that he had returned with his integrity

UN PROFESSIONNEL DES MEDIAS Il est entré dans la fonction publique de la région de l'Ouest en 1953 comme agent d'information où il a servi au cours de ses premières années à Ibadan. Là, il a été considéré comme un officier admirable et de premier ordre. Il a travaillé comme attaché de presse à la fin du mandat du premier ministre de l'ancienne région de l'Ouest, le chef Obafemi Awolowo. Il s'est ensuite rendu au Royaume-Uni pour étudier le journalisme et lesrelations publiques au célèbre Regent Street College, maintenant devenu l'Université de Westminster et a obtenu son diplômé en Juin 1958.

Il a été employé comme Reporter à Saint Pancras Chronicle de Londres.

Là, Sir Michael a reçu une mention spéciale comme l'un des meilleurs journalistes de son temps. Il a également travaillé avec le journal The Guardian à Manchester, en Angleterre, et plus tard en tant que sous-éditeur pour le journal The Times de Londres.

Après son retour en Août 1959, il a été profondément impliqué dans la préparation des célébrations de l'indépendance du Nigeria. Sir Michael a encore marqué en étant d'abord nommé le Directeur des relations publiques de la WNTV/WNBS (première chaîne télévisée en Afrique) maintenant connue comme NTA Ibadan(1961 - 1963). Il a été affecté d’une responsabilité supplémentaire dans la prise en charge de la gestion et du leadership de la Division Nouvelles de WNTV / WNBS, pendant la période

de l'état d'urgence dans la région de l'Ouest d’alors de 1962 à 1963. Au cours de son mandat dans la région de l'Ouest dans la fonction publique, le gouverneur Otedola a édité le Western Nigeria Illustrated et a également été le chef de l'unité de sortie de presse du ministère. Au WNTV / WNBS, il a lui seul conçu, nourri et édité le premier Journal télévisé africain -La Radio Vision Times.

Sir Michael a rejoint Mobil Oil Nigeria Limited en 1964 comme directeur des affaires publiques, le premier Nigérian à être nommé pour ce poste. Il se retira volontairement en mai 1977. Par la suite, il a été immédiatement invité par l'entreprise à devenir conseiller des affaires publiques.

Sir Michael a été président de la National Press Club du Nigeria jusqu'à ce qu'il devienne gouverneur et commepar hasard, Alhaji Lateef Jakande a aussi été secrétaire général du Club jusqu'à ce qu'il est devienne gouverneur. Il était un membre de l'Institut Nigérian des Relations Publiques (NIPR), membre de l'Institut Britannique de Relations Publiques et de plusieurs autres associations professionnelles. Il a participé à plusieurs séminaires aux Etats-Unis, au Portugal, à Chypre, en Italie, en France, en Suisse, en Espagne et auRoyaume-Uni. UN HOMME D’AFFAIRE ACCOMPLI Sir Michael a dirigé et supervisé la production de deux livres prestigieux 13

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Sir Michael Otedola with family when he was knighted as a Knight of St. Sylvester

intact and unsullied.

A PROVIDENTIAL POLITICAL ODYSSEY BEGINS Sir Michael had no heart for politics. At least not the murky kind of politics that had enveloped our polity but he was driven by a passion to help people on a much larger scale than his personal resources could at the time.

Therefore his odyssey into Nigerian politics was not occasioned by a thirst for political power but by divine orchestration.

History has it that it was his son, Femi Otedola who offered himself as the vox dei that would sow the seed of political aspiration in his mind and set events in motion for what would culminate in a resounding success story 14

in leadership.

“You know God talks through people and he can choose anybody to send his message or do his work. I am a firm believer in destiny and as far as I am concerned it was [my father’s] destiny to become governor,” Mr. Otedola told Nigerian national daily ThisDay a couple of months before his father’s demise.

Describing the providential role he played in his dad’s political life, he told ThisDay, “I remember, I went to meet my father after General Ibrahim Babangida (Nigeria’s Military President at the time) brought out the election timetable in the early 90s. I said to [my father] then that he has worked with great politicians like Awolowo, Akintola and that most of his contemporaries were politicians like

sur les arts et la culture nigériansintitulé, Les Arts Vivants du Nigeria (1971) et La Culture vivante du Nigeria (1976). Cela l’a peut-être pousse à établir Impact Press à Surulere, Lagos. Impact Press était une société d'impression et de publication de premier plan qui a offert des possibilités d'emploi pour de nombreux jeunes Nigérians. Là, il a réussi à maintenir son intérêt scientifique à écrire des articles pour diverses revues professionnelles, tant dans le pays et à l'étranger, et à continuer à siéger au conseil des organes statutaires en tant que membre coopté. En tant que chef d'entreprise, il a maintenu la représentation à l'étranger à la fois en Europe et en Amérique. Il a utilisé son influence pour établir des

relations plus étroites et à obtenir plus d'aide pour le développement de l'Etat de Lagos. En 1978, il est nommé Président de l'État du Tourisme de l’Etat de Lagos.

UN PHILANTHROPE PAR EXCELLENCE Si la vraie mesure d'un homme de bien est basé sur comment il traite quelqu'un qui est moins doué que lui,alors Sir Michael était un homme bon. De l'éducation, à la protection sociale, de l'émancipation économique au développement communautaire et à la promotion de la religion et de la morale, il était un humanitaire par excellence qui a fait beaucoup de bien, mais qui n'attendait rien en retour. Des

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Sir Michael Otedola and his jewel of inestimable value, Lady Doja Otedola

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Sir Michael Otedola with Chief Moshood Abiola & wife, Ayinba Simbiat Abiola

Alhaji Jakande who was a former Governor of Lagos State and Late Bisi Onabanjo a former governor of Ogun State, who were journalists like him.

“So why don’t you run for the position?” He said I should get out and never discuss such matters with him again because he is not cut out for politics. So, we left it at that. But I went back again after about three weeks and this time, he accused me of being drunk on Star beer and warned me for the second time not to come back to him to discuss the issue.

“I persisted because something kept telling me he would be a good candidate for Governor. The third time I tried he warned me again that, if I ever came back to discuss the issue again he would stop talking to me completely. I 16

think it was after about six months that he asked me to come and see him at home after church. He told me that he had now realized that the idea of being governor was a brilliant one for him and he was willing to give it a try. The Michael Otedola Campaign Organisation was set up.”

As all political odysseys are fraught with obstacles, so Sir Michael’s journey to the highest office in Lagos State was no stroll in the park. The huge financial implication of funding his political campaign was both a big necessity and a challenge. The younger Otedola recalls, “Of course politics cost money so he started spending a lot of money, which was affecting his business. At that time he owned one of the largest printing and packaging industries in Nigeria…during the election he needed

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a lot of money. So, I had to rally people to raise the finances required. I went to meet people like Late Chief(Wahab) Folawiyo, Aliko Dangote and they gave us a lot of money, Mike Adenuga gave us a lot of money, Jimi Lawal also gave a lot of money and that was what sustained the elections.”

Another challenge was the uncertainty that characterised the military era. Mr. Otedola recounted, “IBB now came out and dissolved all political associations and formed two distinct parties which were the NRC and SDP. I can remember my father called me up at 2am and said “Femi I will disown you as a son because you brought me into this politics and made me waste my money”. All the while my mother had also been complaining about my father going into politics. He wasn’t sleeping as well as he used to. A man that used to be a very private person gradually relinquishing his private life; over fifty to a hundred people would fill his house right up to his bedroom from morning till night. It was all so strange to him. And he became very grouchy every time, but I still kept on encouraging him not to worry about the hurdles he might be facing at that moment.”

He continued, “With the formation of NRC and PDP, my father was in a dilemma on which political party to join. I advised him to wait for the manifesto of both parties before joining either one. The manifestos were finally released and I remember SDP was green and NRC was white and I said Papa we should go to that white party.

He said how can we choose a party because its colour is white? I was adamant about my inclination towards the NRC and he eventually followed

my advice.”

“After all was said and done and all the dust had settled, we found out that we were in the wrong party, (laughs) because the legacy of Awolowo had moved to SDP. My father called me up again to disown me for the second time and complained about the wastefulness of the whole exercise. Truthfully, all the while I was confident that he would still become governor. The SDP had zoned the governorship candidacy to Epe and the first person that presented himself was Late Otunba Bayo Dejonwo but unfortunately he died.

The next person Late Senator Femi Ayontuga then presented himself but in a crazy twist of fate, he also died 6 months later. Then Jakande now anointed late Agbalajobi and of course Chief Dapo Sarumi did not accept it.

So they now had to conduct another primary election. But IBB came again and banned all of them. Eventually Chief Yomi Edu emerged. Jakande then said that over his dead body would Chief Yomi Edu become governor of Lagos. He then moved his political structure to support Otedola and that was how my father emerged as Governor.”

“After his victory, my father called me to his room at night and I asked him, “Daddy, are you going to disown me again?” (Laughs) and he said no, in fact “you are my son in whom I am well pleased.” and he said during the handover ceremony he was going to be shaking his white handkerchief with me at the parade ground during his swearing in.”

A STERLING POLITICAL CAREER Says

19th

century

American

années avant qu'il ne deviennecélèbre, son enthousiasme et son amour pour l'éducation l’ont propulsé à créer et à financer les prix pour les bourses de l’universitaires Michael Otedola pour les ressortissants d’Epe et d’autres parties de l'Etat de Lagos.Des milliers d'étudiants ont immensément bénéficié de ces largesses extraordinaires et ont commencé àréaliser leurs rêves dans diverses professions. Un témoignage éclatant du geste philanthropique de Sir Michaelà travers ce programme de bourses est l’actuel grand recteur du Collège d’éducation Primaire de MichaelOtedola (MOCOPED), Professeur Olu Akeusola, qui est un bénéficiaire.

En outre, dans l'accomplissement du souhait du 80e anniversaire de Sir Michael, l’Intercontinental Bank d’alorsa fait don du Centre informatique Michael Otedola au campus d’Epe du Collège de technologie de Yaba. En tant que chrétien fervent, il a parrainé des pèlerinages à Jérusalem et a soutenu plusieurs causes religieuses et des projets communautaires. Son fils, homme d'affaires et milliardaire, Femi Otedola, président du conseild'administration de Forte Oil, a décidé de poursuivre la dotation pour l'éducation en promettant une sommesupplémentaire d’un milliard de Naira.

UN HOMME CIVIQUE A LA BASE Il était l'homme à la base par excellence et son approche au

développement à la base a beaucoup joué quand il a tout seul mené une campagne dans sa ville natale d’Epe, gouvernement local, pour persuader les gens à abandonner leur opposition au paiement des taxes sur les immeubles.

Le succès remarquable qu'il a réalisé à travers cette campagne qu’il a menée tout seul a été officiellement félicité par les responsables de l'ancien ministère de l'Administration locale. Depuis plus de trois décennies, il a utilisé ses ressources personnelles pour réaliser des gains significatifs pour son peuple dans la fourniture de logements, d'emploi, de l'éducation et des services de santé. Il a loué sa ferme à Eredo pour stimuler le développement agricole dans la région. Il a également loué des hectares de terres à Odorangusin pour les activités agricoles. C'était témoigne de son amour pour l'homme du commun qu'il était en mesure de réintégrer facilement sa rustique communautéd’Odoragunsin après avoir servi honorablement. Sa demeure spacieuse ne pouvait pas contenir la foule qui s'était donnée à lui et qui l’a accueilli en héros chez lui.

Ses personnes étaient heureuses qu'il soit fier et soit retourné à son intégrité intacte et sans tache.

UN PARCOURS POLITIQUE PROVIDENTIEL COMMENCE Sir Michael n’avait pas de cœur pour la politique. Du moins pas le genre de politique sombre qui avait enveloppé notre régime, mais il a été guidé par une passion à aider les gens à 19

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clergyman and author, William Rounseville Alger, “True statesmanship is the art of changing a nation from what it is into what it ought to be.” Without making claims to being a statesman and prior to holding elective office, Sir Michael Otedola’s thoughts and actions had always been governed by the greater good - an overpowering desire to see the lot of people around him change positively.

In spite of his affluence, social standing and wide ranging connections, he was never detached from the socio-economic realities of his kinsmen in his idyllic Odoragusin community and the greater Epe Local Government Area and they were ready and steady beneficiaries of his efforts.

For such a man who showed no reluctance in committing personal resources to the progress and development of his state and people, political power was always going to be a tool for transformation rather than an instrument for acquisition.

Sir Michael was elected Executive Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the nationwide gubernatorial elections held on December 4, 1991. He was sworn in as the second Executive Governor of Lagos State on January 2, 1992.

One of the dominant themes of political discourse in Nigeria today is the need to give youth a chance by wresting the nation from the throes of gerontocracy but Sir Michael Otedola, assuming office at the not-so-young age of 65, represented the best of both worlds. In directing the affairs of the state, he expressed the wisdom and insight of a sage while in his approach 20

to governance which was undergirded by a progressive political ideology and a drive to leave lasting legacies, he demonstrated the vision, drive, hunger and commitment of youth.

At his swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Lagos State, he declared, “I accept the great mandate today as a servant not as a master. I come with a mission to heal and rebuild. I come to Lagos as a place where all Nigerians will rediscover their common destiny.”

It was this commitment that spurred him to leave an array of enduring legacies even though his tenure was short-lived having been truncated by the military in November of 1993.

Sir Michael inaugurated the 30member strong third legislative Assembly of Lagos State on January 14, 1992 – 26 members of that assembly belonged to the opposition SDP while just four were NRC. He proved to be a peacemaker and bridgebuilder by working peaceably with opposition party members in his government in order to achieve his developmental goals for the state.

A CATALOGUE OF LASTING LEGACIES Sir Michael was tireless in his pursuit of excellence. Today, Lagos State enjoys the exclusive honour of being designated the “Centre of Excellence” but few actually know that Sir Michael chose that distinctive description when he was requested, among other governors, to choose a sobriquet for the state that would be printed on vehicle registration plates.

His choice was undoubtedly a lucid extension of an instinctive commitment to a culture of excellence.

His myriad legacies are manifested

atteindre un niveau beaucoupplus grand que ses ressources personnelles ne le lui permettaient, à l'époque. Par conséquent, son parcoursdans la politique nigériane n'a pas été motivé par une soif du pouvoir politique, mais par l'orchestration divine.

L'histoire raconte que c’est son fils, Femi Otedola, qui s'est offert comme la vox dei qui a semé la graine de l'aspiration politique dans son esprit et a mis les événements en mouvement de ce qui allait aboutir à un succèsretentissant dans le leadership.

Vous savez, Dieu parle à travers les gens et il peut choisir n'importe qui pour envoyer son message ou pour faire son travail. Je suis un croyant ferme du destin et en ce qui me concerne, c’était le destin [de mon père] à devenir gouverneur>> a déclaré M. Otedola dans le quotidien national nigérianThis Day, quelques mois avant la mort de son père. Décrivant le rôle providentiel qu'il a joué dans la vie politique de son père, il a dit dans ThisDay, «Je me souviens lorsque je suis allé à la rencontre de mon pèrelorsque IBB (président militaire du Nigeria à l'époque) a fait ressortir le calendrier des élections au début desannées 90. J'ai dit à mon père alors qu'il avait travaillé avec de grands hommes politiques comme Awolowo,Akintola et que la plupart de ses contemporains étaient des politiciens comme Alhaji Jakande qui était unancien gouverneur de l'Etat de Lagos et Late Bisi Onabanjo, un ancien

gouverneur de l'Etat d'Ogun, qui étaient des journalistes comme lui : "Alors, pourquoi ne visez-vous pas ce poste?" Il m’a dit de m’en aller et de ne jamais discuter de ces choses avec lui parce qu'il n'est pas fait pour la politique. Donc, nous avons laissé le sujet. Mais je suis retourné le voir après environ trois semaines et cette fois-ci, il m'a accusé d'être sous l’effet de la bière appelée Star et m'a prévenu pour la deuxième fois de ne plus revenir le voir à ce sujet.

J'ai persisté parce que quelque chose me disait qu'il serait un bon candidat pour le poste de gouverneur.Lorsque j’ai essayé pour la troisième fois, il m'a averti de nouveau que, si jamais je reviens pour discuter de ce sujet qu’il cesserait de me parler.

Je pense que c'était après environ six mois qu'il m'a demandé de venir le voirà la maison après l'église. Il m'a dit qu'il avait maintenant compris que l'idée d'être gouverneur était brillante etqu'il était prêt à faire un essai.

L’Organisation pour la Campagne de Michael Otedola a été mise en place>>.

Comme tous les parcours politiques sont semés d'obstacles, ainsi le trajet de Sir Michael à la plus haute fonction de l'Etat de Lagos n’était pas de la tarte. L'énorme implication financière de financer sa campagne politique était à la fois une grande nécessité et un défi. Le jeune Otedola se souvient: «Bien sûr la politiquecoûte de l'argent alors il a commencé à dépenser beaucoup d'argent, ce qui

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R-l: Lady Doja Otedola, Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & Sir Michael Otedola

L-r: Dr. Leke Pitan, Femi Otedola & Sir Michael Otedola

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in the form of enduring peopleoriented projects and programmes that were impactful in the areas of housing, transportation, healthcare and education. A number of these projects were completed by succeeding administrations owing to the briefness of his tenure.

Successful public leadership lies in the path between pragmatism and performance which probably was why Sir Michael adopted a more pragmatic approach to governance at the commencement of his term, taking his time to study the terrain rather than succumbing to the pressure to deliver.

His pragmatism was misconstrued as ineptitude which earned him the derisive moniker, “Baba Go Slow” but once he got going, he became an unstoppable force for change.

At the time, all of the projects of Sir Michael’s administration fell under the singular theme – “Jubilee Projects.” He soon instituted the Jubilee Housing Scheme which provided extensive low-cost housing for the masses. From this project arose the popular Abraham Adesanya Estate in Ajah as well as the Jubilee Estates in Ikorodu, Epe and another located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It is on record that he in fact sent some technocrats to Germany for training in the scientific approach to housing whereby thousands of low cost housing units could be provided in record time. These technocrats had only just returned to commence execution when the military intervened.

Sir Michael’s administration also delivered a shoe-leather performance in the transportation sector where giant 22

nuisait à son entreprise. A cette époque, il possédait une des plus grandes industries d'impression et d'emballage au Nigeria ... lors de l'élection, il avait besoin de beaucoup d'argent. Donc, je devais rallier les gens pour réunir les fonds nécessaires.

Je suis allé rencontrer des gens comme le feu Chef (Wahab) Folawiyo, Aliko Dangote et ils ont donné beaucoup d'argent ; Mike Adenuga a donné beaucoup d'argent, Jimi Lawal a également donnébeaucoup d'argent et c'est ce qui a soutenu les élections ».

Un autre défi a été l'incertitude qui a caractérisé l'ère militaire. M. Otedola raconte: IBB a dissout toutes les associations politiques pour ne les réduire qu’a deux partis distincts qui sont le CNRC et le SDP. Je me souviens, mon père m'a appelé à 2h du matin et m’a dit "Femi je te renie comme mon fils parce que tu m’as entrainé dans cette politique et m'as fait perdre mon argent." Pendant tout ce temps ma mère se plaignait aussi du fait que mon père soit en train de faire de la politique. Il ne dormait pas aussi bien qu'il en avait l'habitude.C’était un homme très privé qui avait progressivement abandonné sa vie privée; plus de cinquante remplissaient sa maison jusqu'à sa chambre, du matin au soir. Tout était si étrange pour lui. Et il était devenu très grognon, mais j'ai quand même continué à l'encourager à ne pas se soucier des obstacles sur son chemin.

Il a poursuivi: Avec la formation du CNRC et PDP, mon père était dans un dilemme sur le parti politique à joindre.

Je lui ai conseillé d'attendre le manifeste

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strides were taken to transform the state’s public transportation system and to ease the transportation challenges confronting Lagosians at the time. The Jubilee Line buses launched on the 25th of August 1992, were that era’s incarnation of today’s BRT buses and made mass transit across the metropolis a pleasurable experience. The SMV Jubilee Ferry which was launched on August 19, 1992 as well as the Jubilee Rail Programme aided in the decongestion of the roads, providing operational transportation alternatives that facilitated ease of transit.

It is also pertinent to note that at the time, the state no longer enjoyed the financial largesse that accrued to it as Nigeria’s capital, since that status had been transferred to the city of Abuja,

which led to the neglect and degeneration of several roads, especially federal roads. However, Sir Michael rose to the challenge and mandated Lagos state Public Works to embark on the massive rehabilitation of those roads day and night. Also, his administration constructed the Amuwo-Odofin Festac link bridge as well as the popular OpebiOregun link bridge.

In healthcare, he commenced the process of ensuring that Lagosians everywhere had ready and affordable access to healthcare delivery by establishing some general hospitals in Mushin, Igando and other areas of Lagos State.

Perhaps, it was the words of the Great Napoleon Bonaparte that, “Public education should be the first object of government” and those of Kossuth that,

des deux parties avant de rejoindre un parmi les deux. Lesmanifestes ont finalement été libérés et je me souviens, celui du SDP était vert et celui du CNRC était blanc, etje lui ai dit « Papa nous devons aller à cette fête habillés en blanc ». Il a répondu : ‘’ comment pouvons-nouschoisir un parti parce que sa couleur est blanche ?’’.

J'étais catégorique sur mon inclination vers le CNRC etil a finalement suivi mon conseil. Après que tout ait été dit, nous avons découvert que nous étions dans le mauvais parti, (rires), parce que l'héritage d’Awolowo avait rejoint le SDP. Mon père m'a appelé de nouveau àm’a renié pour la deuxième fois et se plaignait du gaspillage. A vrai dire,

j'étais tout le temps convaincu qu'ildeviendrait toujours gouverneur.

Le SDP a gagné aux élections à Epe et la première personne qui se présentaétait feu Otounba Bayo Dejonwo mais malheureusement il mourut. La prochaine personne, le feu SénateurFemi Ayontuga alors se présenta, mais il décéda également six mois plus tard. Puis Jakande a oint feuAgbalajobi et bien sûr Chef Dapo Sarumi n’avait pas acceptée cela.

Donc, ils devaient maintenant mener une autre élection primaire. Mais IBB revint, et les interdit tous. Finalement chef Yomi Edu émergea. Jakande a dit que Chef Yomi Edu ne deviendrait jamais gouverneur de Lagos de son 23

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Dr. Michael Olawale Cole (l) & Sir Michael Otedola (r)

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Sir Micheal Otedola with wife, Lady Doja Otedola on one of his birthdays

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Sir Micheal: A man of the people

“the security and destiny of every nation rests chiefly on the sound education of the people” that catalyzed Sir Michael’s resolve to make the education of the people, particularly the underclass who couldn’t afford it, his most indelible legacy.

Under his administration, secondary schools were built in Aboru, Idimu, Egan and other areas in the state to facilitate state-wide access to quality basic education. His administration donated the parcel of land that currently houses the Epe Campus of the Yaba College of Technology in Odoragushin. He also persuaded and prevailed upon the military to hand over their underutilized Epe barracks for the takeoff of the Lagos State University (LASU) Engineering and Agricultural Campus. That move reduced immensely, the pressure on the Ojo campus of the institution. The move also elevated the remote Epe from relative obscurity to a position of reckoning in Lagos State.

Feeling a deep need for the development of teacher training in primary education, with his influence, the erstwhile Lagos State College of Primary Education (LACOPED) was founded in Epe, shortly after he left office. The college has since been renamed the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCOPED).

It was also his administration that completed the popular multimillion naira abattoir project at Agege, providing a modern and more hygienic environment for butchers.

It is on record that in spite of the numerous projects he executed while in office, Sir Michael refrained from borrowing to implement state schemes.

On assuming office, he was confronted by a mountain of debt accumulated by

his predecessors and so rather than contributing to the burden of debt that was weighing down the state, he ensured that he paid off the debt. He demonstrated remarkable prudence in the management and administration of state resources.

Leadership is all about striking a fine balance between expediency and efficiency as well as between conciliation and confrontation and Sir Michael will be remembered as a conciliatory leader. The story is told of a time when the students of the Lagos State University broke out into the streets to stage violent protests and it was suggested that Sir Michael send in the police to quell the disturbance but he declined and famously said, “They are not criminals, they are my children.

I will not send force against them, I will talk to them.” The governor went in person to have a discussion with the students, doused tensions by reassuring them that his administration had their best interests at heart and subsequently saw to it that their grievances were duly addressed.

A COMMITTED AND ECUMENICAL CHRISTIAN Sir Michael was a committed Catholic who put God first in everything he did and related with all humanity from a standpoint of love and the fear of God. He was awarded a Knight of St. Sylvester by Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Anthony Olubumi Okogie bestowed the investiture on him at a Pontifical High Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere, on the 6th of April, 1975. He was the first Vice-Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of Saint Anthony Catholic Church and was also Harvest Chairman for many years

vivant. Il a ensuite changé de structure politique pour soutenir Otedola et c’est comme ça que mon père est devenu gouverneur ". « Après sa victoire, mon père m'a appelé dans sa chambre la nuit et je lui ai demandé:« Papa, vas-tu me renierà nouveau? ». (Rires). Et il a dit « non, en fait, tu es mon fils en qui je me plais ». « Et il a dit au cours de lacérémonie de remise qu'il allait faire bouger son mouchoir blanc avec moi au terrain de défilé, au cours de saprestation de serment ».

UNE CARRIERE POLITIQUE REMARQUABLE Selon le pasteur et auteur américain du 19ème siècle, William Rounseville Alger, « le vrai sens politique est l'art de changer une nation de ce qu'elle en ce qu'elle devrait être ». En dépit de sa richesse, son statut social et ses relations, il ne s’est jamais détaché des réalités socio-économiques de ses parents dans sa communauté, à Odoragusin, dans le gouvernement local d’Epe et ils étaient des bénéficiaires réguliers de ses efforts.

Pour un tel homme qui n'a montré aucune réticence à engager des ressources personnelles pour le progrès et le développement de son État et du peuple, le pouvoir politique a toujours été un outil de transformation plutôt qu’un instrument d'acquisition.

Sir Michael a été élu gouverneur exécutif de l'Etat de Lagos pour l’ancien parti, la Convention Nationale Républicaine (CNR) le 4 Décembre 1991. Il a été assermenté à titre de

deuxième gouverneur exécutif de l'Etat de Lagos le 2 Janvier 1992.

Un des thèmes dominants du discours politique au Nigeria d'aujourd'hui est la nécessité de donner aux jeunesune chance en arrachant la nation des affres de la gérontocratie mais Sir Michael Otedola, entré en fonction à65 ans, a représenté le meilleur des deux mondes. Pour diriger les affaires de l'Etat, il a usé de la sagesse et de la perspicacité d'un sage tandis que dans son approche à la gouvernance qui a été sous-tendue par une idéologie politique progressiste, il a démontré la vision, la motivation, la faim et l’engagement pour la jeunesse.Lors de sa prestation de serment en tant que gouverneur de l'Etat de Lagos, il a déclaré: «J'accepte le grandmandat aujourd'hui comme un serviteur et non pas comme un maître.

J’ai une mission pour guérir etreconstruire. Je viens à Lagos comme un lieu où tous les Nigérians vont redécouvrir leur destin commun ». C'est cet engagement qui l'a poussé à laisser un tableau de legs durables, même si son mandat était de courte durée, car ayant été écourté par l'armée en Novembre 1993.

Sir Michael a inauguré la 3ème solide assemblée législative de 30 membres de l'État de Lagos le 14 Janvier, 1992. Vingt-six membres de cette assembléeappartenaient à la SDP alors que seulement quatre étaient de la CNRC. Il s'est avéré un artisan de paix et unbâtisseur de ponts en travaillant 27

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contributing immensely to the material, moral and spiritual growth of the parish.

Shortly before his passing, he approved funds for the construction of a Priests’ Residence in Odoragushin which was to be opened on his birthday.

Sir Michael wasn’t just a devout Christian, this he was an ecumenical one who believed strongly in the unity of churches and the religions. This is he demonstrated when on assumption of office as Lagos State Governor, he joined his Muslim kinsmen on the prayer ground in Odoragushin in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir (Sallah).

When the authority of the Catholic Church challenged his action, he replied that he was born a Muslim, before converting to Christianity and

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that even as a Christian, he had never failed to pray along with his people, Christians and Muslims alike, as he believed all serve one God and should demonstrate tolerance in religion.

He bought the land and sponsored the foundation laying for Odoragunsin Central Mosque and personally invited prominent Muslim personalities across the country to donate towards the project including the late Chief MKO Abiola.

A DEVOTED FAMILY MAN For Sir Michael, charity began at home. Members of his immediate family were first beneficiaries of the love, kindness, discipline and faith in the future of people that flowed endlessly from his heart of gold. He was a faithful husband and doting

paisiblement avec les membres des partis d'opposition dans son gouvernement en vue d'atteindre ses objectifs de développement de l'État.

UN CATALOGUE D’UN HERITAGE DURABLE Sir Michael était infatigable dans sa poursuite de l'excellence. Aujourd'hui, l'Etat de Lagos bénéficie del'honneur exclusif d'être appelé le "Centre de l'excellence", mais peu de gens savent pourquoi Sir Michael a choisi cette description distinctive quand on lui a demandé, entre autres gouverneurs, de choisir un surnom pour l'Etat qui figurerait sur les plaques d'immatriculation des véhicules. Son

choix est sans aucun doute une extension lucide d'un engagement instinctif à une culture de l'excellence.

Ses réalisations innombrables et durables se manifestent dans les projets et programmes qui ont étépercutants dans les domaines du logement, du transport, de la santé et de l'éducation.

Un certain nombre deces projets ont été menés par les administrations en raison de la brièveté de son mandat suivant.

Le succèsdans le leadership public réside dans le chemin entre le pragmatisme et la performance ; ce qui était probablement la raison pour laquelle Sir Michael a adopté une approche plus pragmatique à la gouvernance, au début de son mandat, à

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father and a super role-model for his grandchildren. Such a good man certainly deserved the blessed company of a good woman; Sir Michael found his perfect complement in Lady Doja Otedola, his wife for many years who was nicknamed “Madam Efficiency” by the then students of the University of Lagos where she worked in the Catering Department. They were blessed with children and grandchildren.

His son, Femi Otedola, is of course one of the finest entrepreneurial minds of this generation and in a tribute, he recounts how his father played a pivotal role in the entrepreneurial success he has become: “As a young man with a dream, he invested in me not just the tenets of life and wisdom I still use today, but also financially, loaning me £325,000 to start my business. Without his emotional and financial support, I would not be the man I am today.”

Sir Michael held up the same high standards he set for himself for his children which was why they went on to excel tremendously in their respective fields and it is no surprise that his family produced the first female Rector as well as the first female Registrar of the first tertiary institution in Nigeria, a former Director General in the Lagos State Ministry of Education and a Director, Physical Planning in Lagos State.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Sir Michael’s greatest reward was undoubtedly the joy and satisfaction he derived from putting joy in the hearts and smiles on the faces of others but his numerous contributions to the

development of society and the welfare of mankind did not go unsung.

Among several recognitions was the Special Commendation Award he received from the Lagos State Government in 1988. He was also a deserving recipient of the ThisDay Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, in 2008 by Late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

Sir Michael was a member and past Patron of both the Eko and Island Clubs. He was also a member of several other social organisations including the Metropolitan Club.

THE FAREWELL BEGINS

A DAY OF TRIBUTES FOR A GREAT GOVERNOR When a man has contributed immensely to the progress of society and etched his name into the history of a people with such charming grace as Sir Michael did, the significance of honouring his memory through a public expression of appreciation for the role he played cannot be overstated.

This was what the Government of Lagos State did when it held a Day of Tributes in honour of this great Governor and son of the soil at Onikan Stadium, Onikan, in Lagos.

The Day of Tributes provided an opportunity for the Government and people of Lagos to say thank you, and for friends, family and associates to pay their respects as well as recount fond political and familial experiences they had with the deceased. It was indeed a commemoration of a life of excellence.

The carnival-like air that enveloped Onikan Stadium and environs that day

prendre son temps pour étudier le terrain plutôt que de succomber à la pressiond’agir. Son pragmatisme a été interprété comme une ineptie, ce qui lui a valu le surnom moqueur, "Baba GoSlow", mais une fois qu'il a commencé à agir, il est devenu une force de changement irréversible. À l'époque, tous les projets de l'administration de Sir Michael ont été regroupés sous le thème - " Jubilee Projects". Très vite, il a institué le système de logement Jubilé qui a fourni un logement vaste à faible coût pour les masses. De ce projet est née le célèbre Abraham Adesanya Real Estate à Ajah ainsi que les JubileeEstates à Ikorodu, à Epe et un autre situé le long de l’axe Lagos-Ibadan. Il a envoyé des technocrates en Allemagne pour la formation dans l'approche scientifique au logement dans lequel des milliers de faibles unités de logement pourraient être fournies en un temps record. Ces technocrates venaient juste de rentrer pour commencer l'exécution de leur projet lorsque l'armée est intervenue.

L'administration de Sir Michael a également livré une performance dans le secteur des transports où de grands efforts ont été menés pour transformer le système de transport public de l'Etat et pour réduire les problèmes de transport auxquels sont confrontés les habitants de Lagos à l'époque. Les bus de la Jubilee Line lancés le 25Août 1992 étaient l'incarnation de cette époque des bus BRT d'aujourd'hui et ont fait du transport de la population à

travers la métropole une expérience agréable. Le SMV Jubilee Ferry qui a été lancé le 19 Août1992, ainsi que le Jubilee Rail Programme ont aidé à la décongestion des routes, et ont fourni des alternativesopérationnelles de transport qui ont facilité le transport.

Il est également pertinent de noter qu’à l'époque, l'Etat ne bénéficiait plus des largesses financières en tant que l’Etat qui abritait la capitale du Nigeria, depuis que le statut avait été transféré à la ville d'Abuja, ce qui a conduit à la négligence et à la dégénérescence de plusieurs routes, plus particulièrement des routes fédérales.Toutefois, Sir Michael a relevé le défi et a mandaté les Travaux publics de l'Etat de Lagos à s'engager dans la réhabilitation massive de ces routes jour et nuit. En outre, son administration a construit le pont de liaisond’Amuwo-Odofin Festac et d’Opebi-Oregun. Dans le domaine de santé, il a commencé le processus de veiller à ce que les habitants de Lagos aient une accès facile et abordable aux soins médicaux en établissant deshôpitaux généraux à Mushin, Igando et dans d’autres parties de l'Etat de Lagos.

Peut-être, ce sont les mots du Grand Napoléon Bonaparte , ‘’L'éducation publique doit être le premier objectifd’un gouvernement’’, et ceux de Kossuth , ‘’la sécurité et la destinée de chaque nation reposent essentiellementsur l'éducation de son peuple’’ qui ont catalysé la volonté de Sir Michael de faire de l'éducation des gens, en particulier des moins 29

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Sir Micheal Otedola & Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade

Sir Michael & Lady Doja Otedola

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Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu & Sir Micheal (middle)

Sir Micheal Otedola, Ooni of Ife & a Monarch

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Years before he became famous, his enthusiasm and love for education propelled him to found and fund the Michael Otedola University Scholarship Awards Schemes for indigenes of Epe Division and other parts of Lagos State.

Thousands of indigent students benefitted immensely from this extraordinary largesse and proceeded to fulfill their dreams in various professions.

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A DARLING HUSBAND AND WONDERFUL FRIEND -LADY DOJA OTEDOLA

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o God be the glory that the earthly journey we started about sixty years ago came to a peaceful end on the 5th of May 2014.

It is a reminder that we are all pilgrims on this earth and that our permanent home is in heaven. Death is a thing of joy to all who follow the precepts of the Lord. That is the reason why the heavens rolled out drums and angels smiled with joy to welcome you home, my darling, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola on that glorious day. You realized that from the Lord you came and to Him you had to return and this prompted your last words: “Thank You God.” My darling husband, you were a special part of me. You were everything to me and I have no words to describe our relationship. You were a rare gem to me. You loved me. You pampered me. You stood by me. You were my pillar of support in all situations. Your patience and understanding made us very close that people around could not understand us.

Thank you for all these. The Lord specially created you for me. I praise and honour Him for all this.

Agbolade, you were different things to those who came in contact with when you bestrode the earth. To your family, you were a caring, loving and homely father who wanted the best for his children. To your relatives, you were a kindhearted person who was a model to emulate. To the church, you

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were a faithful Catholic, one who was an embodiment of motivation and inspiration for the development and growth of the Catholic faith. As a Knight of the Church, you made us live the faith to the full with Bishops, Priests and our good friends. My dearest, you made us very close to our Heavenly Mother, Mother Mary. I will continue with all these until my last day on earth. To the community, you were a great leader, a mentor, a father of all and a man of the people.

To the state, you left a legacy: Education. You pursued this with vigour by the many scholarships you awarded the less-privileged. You indeed served humanity as a philanthropist and this has been a great joy to me and the children.

My love, you finished the race well. You made your marks and your name lives on. However, you have left vacuums everywhere to be filled.

Maybe there are people to fill those.

But who can fill the one in my heart? I will forever cherish your love.

Suppose there was reincarnation, I would pray God to bring us together for another lifetime experience!

I take solace in the assurance that you already have a place in eternity where I will one day join you to part no more, Goodnight my love! Sleep on, a wonderful father! Goodbye a great legend, an icon, a cynosure!

Omo Odoragushin Agokoniyi Ekun! Sun re o! Omiyefa! Sun re o!

HOMMAGE DE

DAME DOJA OTEDOLA MON MARI BIEN-AIMÉ

A

Dieu soit la gloire car le voyage que nous avons commencé sur cette terre il y a environ soixante ans, est arrivé à sa fin le 5 mai 2014. C’est un rappel que nous sommes tous des pèlerins sur cette terre et que notre maison permanente est au ciel. La mort est quelque chose qui apporte la joie pour ceux qui ont suivi les préceptes du Seigneur. C’est pourquoi, ce jour glorieux, le ciel a fait sortir les tambours et les anges ont souri joyeusement pour t’accueillir, mon bien-aimé, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola. Tu as réalisé que tu es sorti du Seigneur et que vers Lui tu dois retourner et cela t’a poussé à dire tes derniers mots :’’Merci Dieu’’.

Mon mari bien-aimé, tu étais une partie spéciale de moi. Tu étais tout pour moi et je n’ai pas de mots pour décrire notre relation. Tu étais une perle rare. Tu m’as aimée. Tu m’as chérie. Tu m’as soutenue. Tu étais un pilier de support dans toutes les situations. Ta patience et ta compréhension nous ont rapprochés, ce qui a fait que beaucoup de gens autour de nous n’arrivaient pas à nous comprendre. Merci pour tout cela. Le Seigneur t’a spécialement créé pour moi. Je Le loue et L’honore pour tout cela.

Agbolade, tu signifiais plusieurs choses pour ceux qui étaient en contact avec toi lors de ton séjour ici-bas. Pour ta famille, tu étais un père attentionné, plein d’amour, qui voulait le meilleur pour ses enfants. Pour les membres de ta famille, tu étais un homme dont on doit imiter la gentillesse. Pour ton

église, tu étais un catholique dévoué, quelqu’un qui était une personnification de la motivation et de l’inspiration pour le développement et la croissance de la foi catholique. En tant que chevalier de l’Eglise Catholique, tu nous as permis de vivre pleinement la foi avec les évêques, les prêtres, et nos amis fidèles. Mon très cher, tu nous as rapprochés de notre Mère Céleste, Marie. Je continuerai avec tout ceci jusqu’à mon dernier jour sur la terre.

Pour la communauté, tu étais un grand leader, un mentor, un père pour tous et un homme du peuple. A l’Etat, tu as laissé un grand héritage : l’éducation. Tu as poursuivi cela avec vigueur à travers plusieurs bourses d’études que tu as attribuées aux moins privilégiés. Tu as vraiment servi l’humanité en tant que philanthrope et tes enfants et moi sommes contents de cela. Mon amour, tu as bien fini la course. Tu as fait tes preuves et ton nom demeure à jamais. Toutefois, tu as laissé un vide. Peut-être les gens pourront combler leur vide. Mais qui comblera le mien ? Je chérirai toujours ton amour. Si l’incarnation existait, je demanderais à Dieu de nous réunir dans une autre vie pour une autre expérience ensemble. Je me console du fait que tu as déjà une place dans l’éternité où je te rejoindrai un jour pour ne plus se séparer. Bonne nuit mon amour ! Dors bien, père merveilleux! Au revoir grande légende, une icône, un cynosure!

Omo Odoragushin Agokoniyi Ekun! Sun re o! Omiyefa! Sun re o!

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A FATHER LIKE NO OTHER...

SIR MICHAEL AGBOLADE OTEDOLA…A GOOD MAN FROM THE GREATEST GENERATION

To sum up my father’s life, I keep coming to one thought: Never will you meet a man who faithfully lived his values.

My father was a teacher of all things that mattered in the upbringing of a child, his method was simple…he taught by example.

As such when faced with ethical dilemmas, on reflection and rationalization I find myself asking, what would my dad do if this was him?

My dad’s person and character is the foundation of who I am today – my conscience and my principle.

My father was strong not just in body but in spirit, principle and commitment. He never missed a day of showering love, affection, attention and devotion to his wife, my mum, Adedoja, neither did he miss the opportunities to shower us his children with encouragement, words of wisdom and chastisement when we deserved it!

He was not one to let anyone down and would move mountains if he could for anyone if and when they need it.

My father never shied away from responsibilities. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond, and everyone knew it. I never heard him utter a lie, nor intentionally deceive.

My father was self-made and selfreliant. From his education to his career, from his skill with every kind of tool that could fashion! Dad engaged the world as a man who would be his master.

My father relished the good things in life including art and music, travel and photography, food and tomato juice, friends and family.

My father was loyal. His faithfulness to the important people in his life could be seen in the way he steadfastly maintained ties with his childhood friends. Dad could always be counted on to be there when it mattered.

Dad was never stingy even though he was a child of the Depression who understood the value of money and the importance of saving. The generosity he expressed with his money matched his generosity of spirit.

My father spoke openly of his admiration for the female figure, yet as far as I know he loved my mother with every bone in his body, his visible affection overcoming his usual reserve.

Dad’s unflagging support for mom’s personal development in her career and in life created the perfect balance for us all. Any wonder he was the center of her world?

My father was responsible to the very end. He loved God, was godfearing, loved a good joke, including every imaginable kind of ethnic joke!

Yet his humour was never meanspirited, nor designed to hurt or humiliate. He never ever treated anyone of any station with anything other than respect and kindness.

My dad had a quiet dignity, respecting himself the way he respected others. As he faced his final days, he occasionally lost his good humour, but he never had one moment of self-pity.

Dad gave me a parting gift which I’ll cherish forever. He waited for me before he passed, to be sure his son would be there to comfort his beloved wife when his time came.

I am glad that the last five years I had the privilege of spending good quality time with my dad. I relished being there for him 100% too as he had

been for me all my life.

Farewell, Pop. You did real good. I love you so much.

Your loving son Michael Jnr.

SIR MICHAEL…A DIGNIFIED GENTLEMAN OF GREAT HONOUR

…that sits on the throne of Integrity. Amidst an environment of nefarious activities and a culture of vice, he exhibited enormous moral virtue coupled with incredible candor and rectitude. He made a divinity by not adorning but by adoring and is immortalized in the minds and hearts of those who know him. He set so high the bar of decorum and we are challenged to affect his examples. You live forever Sir Michael.

Rotimi Otedola

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MY VERY OWN ‘DADDY LOLA’

Firstly, I give thanks to the Almighty God for giving you as a gift to us and to mankind. God’s name be praised forever. I remain eternally grateful for this. You were just uniquely unique and a special breed. I can never forget those memorable times we shared together. You were ONLY a phone call away.

I remember as a 10 year old when you personally drove my twin sister and I to resume boarding school at Federal Government Girls College, Oyo. I remember vividly how you patiently taught us (Omotola and I) to cook. That’s why till today, we can only make yam flour (amala) in a cold water paste. We truly were your good students. I remember the way you would sit us down and share with us from your ‘wisdom bank’.

You were so principled and disciplined that your actions were usually misunderstood….i took this great trait from you and I have no regrets whatsoever. I remember again during my national youth service year when you approached me to go back and read law in the university. You did everything to make that dream of yours a reality. Even when I finished my LLM (Master’s Degree in law) you couldn’t come because you were physically challenged but you pleaded to send in a representative.

I also do remember the 3 major medical emergency trips, sitting day and night by your bedside and despite all odds, you still made it back home.

You had a stroke for 18 years and God has been too faithful to the family.

This very last trip to the hospital was more traumatic for me as I watched you battle with death. I took photographs of you daily on that sickbed. These are my most cherished possessions today. I have indeed lost a friend, a confidant, a mentor, a role model and an exemplary wonderful father.

I remember my love letters to you every December thanking you for being a good father and grandfather.

And these letters do usher you into the New Year. Who will I write these letters to now?

I am very glad and fulfilled that I made you proud as a daughter. I remember your morning calls to me to pray and bless me. Also calling my children abroad and admonishing them to make us proud.

You were such fun to be with.

There was no dull moment with you. I look back now and I am thankful for all the privileges I enjoyed having you as a father. My son, Oluwaferanmi shares the same birth date with youJuly 16th. You died the same time I was born-8.05am and your last conversation on planet earth was with

LES HOMMAGES DE SA FEMME ET DE SES ENFANTS UN PÈRE PAS COMME LES AUTRES SIR MICHAEL AGBOLADE OTEDOLA…UN HOMME BON DE LA PLUS GRANDE GÉNÉRATION Pour résumer la vie de mon père, j’ai toujours une pensée en tête : tu ne rencontreras plus un homme qui a fidèlement vécu selon ses valeurs. Mon père était un maitre dans toutes les choses qui concernaient l’éducation d’un enfant ; sa méthode était simple…Il a éduqué en donnant l’exemple. Donc, lorsque je suis face à un dilemme, je réfléchis en me demandant : que ferait mon père dans une telle situation ? La nature de mon père et son caractère ont fait de moi qui je suis aujourd’hui. – ma conscience et mes principes. Mon père était fort, pas seulement physiquement mais aussi spirituellement, en principe et en engagement. Il n’a jamais manqué un jour pour montrer son amour, son attention, et sa dévotion pour sa femme, ma mère, Adedoja. Il n’a jamais non plus manqué de nous encourager, ses enfants, et de nous donner des paroles de sagesse et la punition lorsque nous le méritions. Ce n’était pas quelqu’un qui pouvait laisser tomber les gens, et il était prêt s’il le pouvait, à bouger les montagnes pour quelqu’un si ce dernier en avait vraiment besoin. Mon père ne fuyait jamais les responsabilités. Il a rempli toute obligation qu’il a prise. Il tenait à sa parole et tout le monde savait cela. Je ne l’ai jamais entendu proférer un mensonge ou tromper intentionnellement. Mon père était autodidacte et indépendant. De son éducation à sa carrière, de sa compétence à toute sorte d’outils qu’il pouvait utiliser.

Mon père aimait les bonnes choses de la vie y compris la musique, les voyages, la photographie, la nourriture, les amis et la famille. Mon père était loyal. Sa fidélité aux personnes les plus importantes de sa vie pouvait être décelée dans la manière dont il maintenait les liens de l’amitié. On pouvait toujours compter sur lui. Papa n’était jamais pingre quand bien même c’était un enfant de la Grande Dépression qui a compris la valeur de l’argent et l’importance de l’économie. La générosité qu’il a exprimée avec son argent égale sa générosité d’esprit.

Mon père parlait ouvertement de son admiration pour la gente féminine, mais pourtant il aimait ma mère avec tous les os de son corps, son affection visible gagnant le dessous sur sa réserve habituelle. Le

soutien sans mesure de papa pour le développement personnel de maman dans sa carrière et dans sa vie a apporté un équilibre pour nous tous. Ce n’est pas étonnant qu’il fût au centre de son monde.

Mon père était un homme très responsable.

Il aimait Dieu, il avait la crainte de Dieu, il aimait plaisanter y compris les plaisanteries ethniques. Pourtant, ce n’était pas des plaisanteries pour blesser et pour humilier les gens. Il ne traitait les gens qu’avec respect et gentillesse. Mon père avait une dignité discrète et se respectait de la manière dont il respectait les autres.

Pendant ses derniers jours, il perdait de temps en temps son humour mais il ne s’est jamais apitoyé sur son sort. Mon père m’a fait un cadeau d’adieu que je n’oublierai jamais. Il m’a attendu avant de mourir, pour s’assurer que son fils réconforterait son épouse bien-aimée lorsque son heure sonnera. Je suis content car au cours de ces cinq dernières années, j’ai passé de bons moments avec mon père.

Je suis content d’avoir été là pour lui à 100% comme il l’a été pour moi. Adieu papa. Tu as bien agi. Je t’aime beaucoup.

Ton fils bien-aimé Michael Jr SIR MICHAEL, UN GENTLEMAN DE GRANDE VALEUR …Qui est assis sur le trône de l’intégrité. Dans un environnement très austère et vicieux, il a montré de grandes valeurs. Il a mis la barre de l’excellence très haute et nous devons relever ce défi pour suivre son exemple.

Tu vivras à jamais Sir Michael.

Rotimi Otedola UN HOMMAGE SPÉCIAL À MON PÈRE ‘DADDY LOLA’ Tout d’abord, je remercie Dieu Tout Puissant pour t’avoir donné à nous et à l’humanité. Que Le Nom du Seigneur soit loué pour toujours. Je suis éternellement reconnaissante pour cela. Tu étais unique, une espèce rare. Je n’oublierai jamais ces bons moments que nous avons passés ensemble. Il suffisait seulement de t’appeler pour que tu accoures. Je me souviens quand j’avais 10 ans, lorsque tu as pris ma sœur jumelle et moi dans la voiture pour nous amener à l’internat au Federal Government Girls College, à Oyo. Je me souviens bien de comment tu nous as (Omotola et moi) patiemment appris à cuisiner.

C’est pourquoi jusqu’aujourd’hui, nous ne pouvons faire de la farine d’igname (amala) qu’avec de l’eau froide. Nous étions tes bonnes élèves. Je me souviens de la manière dont tu t’asseyais et partageais des choses de ta ‘banque de sagesse’ avec nous. Tu étais très discipliné et avait tellement beaucoup de principes que tes actions étaient parfois mal comprises. J’ai copié ce caractère et je ne regrette rien.

Je me souviens également, pendant mon service militaire, lorsque tu m’as approchée et m’as demandée de retourner étudier le droit à l’université. Tu as tout fait pour que ce rêve devienne une réalité.

Même lorsque j’ai obtenu mon Master en droit, tu ne pouvais pas venir car tu étais malade mais tu as envoyé un représentant.

Je me souviens également des trois voyages médicaux, où tu étais assis jour et nuit ; malgré tout, tu es revenu à la maison.

Tu as fait un AVC pendant dix-huit ans et Dieu a été très fidèle à la famille. Ce dernier voyage pour l’hôpital a été plus traumatisant pour moi lorsque je te voyais lutter contre la mort. Je t’ai pris en photo tous les jours dans ton lit de malade. Ces photos sont mes possessions les plus chères aujourd’hui. J’ai perdu un ami, un confident, un mentor, un modèle, un père exemplaire et merveilleux.

Je me souviens des lettres d’amour que je t’écrivais chaque décembre pour te remercier d’être un bon père et grand-père.

A qui écrirai-je ces lettres maintenant ? Je 33

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me. The vacuum you’ve created can never be filled. My joy and confidence is that you’ve gone to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sun re o Baba Ibeji, Sun re o Daddy Lola.

Omolola Taiwo Segun-Idahor

A GREAT LOSS THAT ONLY GOD CAN FILL…

My father was someone in my life who influenced me greatly in every aspect of my life, spiritually, academically, financially, maritally, morally and physically.

Dad if anyone would ever tell me that you would go to glory this year, I will say not you. You fought death over and over. Your favourite saying was “you want to work so that your children will not suffer!!” In January, I had a great burden to come and see you, I did not know why then but now I know. What has given me strength and joy are the eight days I spent with both you and mom in March. When I was leaving, I gave you a hug and said ipade wa bi ayo (We will meet in joy) like I have always said in the past, but you looked at the wall and did not say ase (amen) like you normally answered. Something said to me that when next I come to Nigeria, it would be for your funeral.

When Lola came to visit you in the hospital and took pictures of you, I begged her not to forward them to me.

I am consciously holding on to the memory of March, which is what has helped me through this challenging period; I also take great comfort in the word of God: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4 For everything there is a season A time for every activity under the heaven 2 A time to be born and a time to die A time to plant and a time to harvest 3 A time to kill and a time to heal A time to tear down and a time to build up 4 A time to cry an d a time to laugh A time to grieve and a time to dance Dad I remember your very high sense of humour, you would tease me with sayings such as “Lola is taller than Tola.” Our friends always compliment us for our sense of humour, which obviously we got from you. I remember during my engagement ceremony, you had me follow you to Epe for a couple of days, and you joked that I was the centre of all the ceremony and you needed to keep an eye on me.

I remember when I was going to give birth to the twins and Bola had gone abroad to shop for their delivery, so I had to come home to stay with you and mom for a week. You said to me that you will not allow me to have the twins at the private hospital that it had to be a public hospital because of the hospital’s expertise…what wisdom!

During my hospital stay, prior to the twins’ delivery, you consistently came to visit in the night with groceries.

After the twins were born you were the first person I saw. You waited patiently to see me before you went on your gubernatorial campaign…what a FATHER! When you went into politics I had to quit my job to come work for you as your young executive director. What a great exposure you gave me into the business world. When we made the decision to relocate to America in 1999, I felt so bad and did not know how to tell you. When I eventually had the courage, I came to Epe and you told me a parrot already mentioned it to you! Oh! Dad… My father was a self-sacrificing man, who was authentic in all of his dealings with others. It is because of his example, that I carefully consider the choices I make as a parent knowing I can dramatically affect the lives of my children through my choices and characteristics.

There is so much to say that only 34

volume 1-10 books can As a young man with a dream, he invested in me not capture it all; is it your weekly phone calls to me just the tenets of life and wisdom I still use today, but in the USA asking after the welfare of Bola and also financially, loaning me £325,000 to start my the twins or your biweekly phone calls to the business. Without his emotional and financial support, twins.

During our I would not be the man I am today. -Femi Otedola, CON conversations anytime I shared the twins’ academic progress with you, we went suis très contente et comblée que tu aies Unis, j’étais très triste mais je ne savais on and on because of your value for été fière de moi en tant que ta fille. Tu pas comment te le dire. Lorsque j’ai education. You have always said that appelais aussi mes enfants à l’étranger et finalement eu le courage, je suis allée à the best legacy a parent can leave for a les conseillais de nous rendre fiers d’eux. Epe et tu m’as dit qu’un perroquet te l’a child is EDUCATION which you C’était agréable d’être avec toi. Il n’y avait déjà dit. Oh papa !

Mon père est un homme de sacrifice, demonstrated with your scholarship pas de moment d’ennui avec toi. Je qui était authentique dans sa relation avec regarde en arrière et je suis reconnaissante program. les autres. C’est à cause de ces exemples You will surely be greatly missed pour tous les privilèges dont j’ai jouis en que je fais attention aux choix que je fais by myself, Abimbola, Boluwatife, and t’ayant comme père. Mon fils, en tant que parent tout en sachant que je Boluwatiwi. Rest in peace dad till we Oluwaferanmi, partage le même jour de peux impacter la vie de mes enfants à meet at the feet of our Lord and naissance avec toi, le 16 juillet. Tu es travers mes choix et mon comportement. Il décédé le même moment où je suis née, à y a tellement de choses à dire qu’un livre Saviour Jesus Christ!

8 :05 et ta dernière conversation sur la de dix volumes peut tout contenir. Pendant Your precious daughter planète terre était avec moi. Le vide que tu notre conversation, chaque fois que je Omotola Kehinde Elizabeth Abike as laissé ne peut jamais être comblé. Ma partage les progrès académiques des Oye joie et ma confiance est que tu es allé te jumeaux avec toi, on discute longuement à TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER reposer dans le sein du Seigneur Jésus cause de ta passion pour l’éducation. Tu as Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola was Christ. toujours dit que la meilleure chose qu’un without a doubt one of the greatest Sun re o Baba Ibeji, Sun re o Daddy parent doit laisser à son enfant est l’éducation ; ce que tu as démontré à men I’ve ever known. God-fearing, Lola. travers tes bourses d’étude. honourable, humble, generous and Omolola Taiwo Segun-Idahor Tu manqueras beaucoup à Abimbola, kind are only some of the words that UNE GRANDE PERTE QUE DIEU Boluwatife, Boluwatiyi et à moi. Repose describe the man that was my father, SEUL PEUT COMBLER en paix papa jusqu’au jour où nous nous Mon père est quelqu’un qui m’a friend and role model. reverrons aux pieds du Seigneur Jésus He taught me many things; that the beaucoup influencé dans tous les aspects Christ. fear of God is the beginning of de ma vie de façon spirituelle, Ta fille chérie financière, conjugale, morale wisdom, to respect my elders, to académique, Omotola Kehinde Elizabeth Abike et physique. Papa, si on m’avait dit que tu forgive, to pray and to be décéderais cette année, je dirai, ‘’pas toi’’. Oye HOMMAGE À MON PÈRE compassionate to others, these lessons Tu as combattu la mort. Ta parole préférée Sir Michael Otedola était sans aucun continue to bear fruit in my life. était ‘’je veux travailler comme ça, mes doute un des plus grands hommes que j’ai As a young man with a dream, he enfants ne vont pas souffrir’’. En janvier, jamais rencontrés. La crainte de Dieu, invested in me not just the tenets of life j’ai eu un lourd fardeau de venir te voir. Je l’humilité, la générosité, la gentillesse, ne savais pas pourquoi en ce moment-là, and wisdom I still use today, but also mais aujourd’hui, je le sais. Ce qui m’a sont les quelques mots qui décrivent financially, loaning me £325,000 to donné la force et la joie sont ces huit jours l’homme qui était mon père, mon ami et mon modèle. start my business. Without his que j’ai passés avec maman et toi en mars.

Il m’a appris beaucoup de choses ; que emotional and financial support, I Lorsque je partais, je t’ai fait un câlin et la crainte de Dieu est le commencement de t’ai dit ‘ipade wa bi ayo (nous allons nous would not be the man I am today. revoir dans la joie) comme j’avais la sagesse, de respecter les personnes He was a loving husband, father l’habitude de le dire dans le passé mais tu âgées, de pardonner, de prier et d’avoir de la compassion pour les autres. Ces leçons and grandfather and his departure is an as regardé le mur et n’a pas dit ase (Amen) continuent de porter des fruits dans ma vie. irreplaceable loss to us all. May the comme tu avais l’habitude de répondre. En tant que jeune homme avec un rêve, il Quelque chose m’a dit que la prochaine Lord give us all the fortitude to bear fois que je viendrais au Nigeria, ce serait a investi en moi, non seulement les his absence, particularly his dear wife, pour tes funérailles. Lorsque Lola t’a principes de vie que j’utilise encore rendu visite à l’hôpital et t’a pris en photo, aujourd’hui, mais aussi financièrement en and my mother, Lady Doja Otedola. me prêtant £325,000 pour commencer mes He was a man of great integrity, a je l’ai suppliée de ne pas me les envoyées. affaires. Sans son soutien émotionnel et Je me tiens consciencieusement au man who was concerned not only with souvenir de mars, qui m’a aidé pendant financier, je ne serais pas l’homme que je the needs of his own family, but had a cette période douloureuse. Je me suis devenu aujourd’hui. C’était un père aimable, un père et un grand-père et son heart to love, care for and educate the réconforte également avec la parole de décès est une perte irremplaçable pour Nigerian people. May his soul rest in Dieu : nous tous. Que Le Seigneur nous aide à Ecclésiaste 3: 1-4 supporter son absence, particulièrement perfect peace and may his legacy Pour toute chose, il y a une saison continue to live on in the hearts of all Un temps pour toute activité sous le son épouse bien-aimée, et ma mère, Lady Doja Otedola. C’était un homme intègre, ciel those whose lives he has touched.

Un temps pour naître et un temps pour un homme qui n’était pas uniquement Femi Otedola, CON concerné par les besoins de sa famille, mourir A PEACEMAKER, A HELPER, Un temps pour planter et un temps mais qui avait un cœur pour aimer, pour écouter et pour éduquer le peuple nigérian.

AN ADVISOR pour récolter Un temps pour tuer et un temps pour Que son âme repose en paix et que son Today I would like to pay tribute to legs continue de vivre dans le cœur de tous a great man; husband to my loving guérir Un temps pour détruire et un temps ceux dont il a touché la vie. mother-in-law, father to my wonderful Femi Otedola, CON construire husband, grandfather to my lovely pourUn UN HOMME DE PAIX, UNE AIDE, temps pour pleurer et un temps UN CONSEILLER children and above all a kind and pour rire Aujourd’hui, j’aimerais rendre accepting father-in-law to me.

Un temps pour être triste et un temps hommage à un grand homme, le mari de My father-in-law was a man of few pour danser ma belle-mère, père de mon merveilleux words, but those few words were Papa, je me souviens de ton grand bursting with wisdom and sens de l’humour. Tu me taquinais en mari, le grand-père de mes enfants et parunderstanding, and the calming disant ‘’Lola est plus grande que Tola’’. dessus tout un beau-père qui m’a acceptée influence of his presence is something Nos amis nous complimentent toujours et qui a été gentil envers moi. Mon beauthat anyone who had the honour of pour notre sens de l’humour que nous père était un homme qui ne parlait pas beaucoup, mais ses paroles étaient pleines spending time with him can attest to. tenons de toi. Je me souviens lors de la de sagesse et de compréhension ; et He truly believed that family, cérémonie de mes fiançailles, tu as fait que l’influence apaisante de sa présence est alongside God and Country where je te suive jusqu’à Epe pour quelques quelque chose que toute personne qui a eu important above all else in this life. A jours, et tu as plaisanté en disant que l’honneur de passer du temps avec lui peut j’étais au centre de toutes ces cérémonies peacemaker, a helper, an advisor, a et que tu devais donc avoir un œil sur moi. confirmer.

Il croyait vraiment que la famille, y hardworking, humble and generous Je me souviens lorsque j’allais accoucher compris Dieu et la nation, étaient plus et que Bola était en voyage pour acheter importants par-dessus tout dans la vie. Un man, he devoted much of his life to bettering that of others and I have les layettes, j’ai dû venir à la maison pour homme de paix, un conseiller, un battant, rester avec maman et toi pendant une un homme humble et généreux, qui a learnt so very much from him. semaine. Tu m’as dit que tu ne voudrais consacré sa vie à l’amélioration de la vie Daddy, thank you for all the good pas que j’accouche dans un hôpital privé des autres et j’ai beaucoup appris de lui. times that you shared with my family mais plutôt dans un hôpital public à cause Papa, merci pour tous les moments que tu and I, we will always remember your de l’expertise médicale…Quelle sagesse ! as partagés avec ma famille et moi. Nous gentleness and your wise, serene Tu as attendu patiemment de me voir avant nous souviendrons toujours de ta approach to life. Though we will miss d’aller faire campagne. Quel père ! gentillesse et de ton approche sage et you dearly, we thank God and rejoice Lorsque tu as commencé la politique, j’ai sereine de la vie. Quand bien même tu dû quitter mon travail pour venir travailler nous manqueras beaucoup, nous for a wonderful life well spent. toi en tant que ton plus jeune remercions Dieu et nous nous réjouissons We remain consoled by your good avec directeur exécutif. Quelle grande pour une vie bien remplie.

Nous trouvons du réconfort dans tes works and pray that the Almighty keep ouverture tu ‘as donnée sur le monde des affaires ! Lorsque nous avons pris la œuvres et nous prions Le Tout Puissant de you in eternal peace. te garder éternellement en paix. décision d’aller nous installer aux Etats Nana Otedola

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LAGOS STATE HOSTS A DAY OF TRIBUTES

Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo

was an audible testimony to the love and indebtedness that the people of Lagos felt toward their ex-Governor.

He had governed them creditably nearly 22 years ago yet memories of his achievements and legacies still linger.

Large banners bearing different images of the deceased welcomed everyone to the stadium.

His final journey home began when his remains amidst fanfare was brought into the venue by pallbearers of TOS Undertakers led by a gentleman hoisting the famous Lagos State flag.

All the guests, including the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande as well as many top former and serving government officials were seated as the casket draped Lagos state and in Nigerian green-white-green Flag

was conveyed to the open field of the stadium. It was placed on dais decorated with different wreaths and encircled by staffs of office of various royals from all over Yorubaland.

Lekan Ogunbanwo of Lagos State’s Parastatals Monitoring Office, and Lagos Television’s Toyin Kawojue were at the helm of proceedings. The tributes and speeches were interspersed beautifully with hymns from Demola Olota and the Click Vocals who also delivered a stirring rendition of Nigeria’s National anthem.

Monsignor Oduntan Jerome who was representing the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins, opened the event by praying thus, “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. God our heavenly father, we

privilégiés qui ne pouvaient pas se le permettre, son héritage le plus indélébile. Sous son administration, des écoles secondaires ont été construites à Aboru, Idimu, Egan et dans d'autres parties de l'état afin de faciliter l'accès à l'éducation dans l'État.

Son administration a fait don de la parcelle de terrain quiabrite actuellement le Campus Epe du Collège de technologie de Yaba à Odoragusin. Sentant un profond besoin pour le développement de la formation des enseignants dans l'enseignement primaire, avec soninfluence, l'ancien Collège de l'enseignement primaire de l’Etat de Lagos (LACOPED) a été fondé à Epe, peu de temps après qu’il ait quitté ses fonctions. Le collège a depuis été

rebaptisé le Collège Michael Otedola de l'Enseignement Primaire (MOCOPED).

C’était aussi son administration qui a achevé le projet de plusieurs millions de Naira de l’abattoir populaired’Agege, offrant un environnement moderne et plus hygiénique aux bouchers. Il est à noter que malgré lesnombreux projets qu'il exécuta au cours de son mandat, Sir Michael s'est abstenu d'emprunter pour exécuter projets de l'État. En prenant ses fonctions, il a été fait face à une montagne de dettes accumulées par ses prédécesseurs et donc plutôt que de contribuer à la charge de la dette qui pesait sur l'Etat, il s’est assuré de payer les dettes. Il a démontré une prudence remarquable dans la gestion et 35

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The TOS pall bearers

praise and thank you for the gift of life of each of us. We thank you most especially for the gift of our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather and our former Governor, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola. You gave him to us full of wisdom, knowledge and understanding.”

“With all these gifts, your servant Sir Michael Otedola proved to the world that in union with you there could be peace. With this wisdom, he governed us as the Governor of the State. You’ve brought us together as one because we all came together from one source – the Father of all. Now that he has gone back to you father, we ask you, as he was a human being, forgive his failings, pardon his crimes, count him among one of your saints in heaven.” Monsignor Oduntan also 36

prayed for the wellbeing of the Otedola family and committed the day’s proceedings to God’s care.

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole, stepped up to deliver the opening address. Hon. Danmole asserted that the history of Lagos State would be incomplete without the inclusion of the legacies of Sir Michael Otedola. “During his swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Lagos State, he stated and I quote, ‘I accept the great mandate today as a servant not as a master. I come with a mission to heal and rebuild. I come to Lagos as a place where all Nigerians will rediscover their common destiny,’” he recounted.

Speaking further, he said, “I recall as a Member of the Lagos State House

l'administration des ressources de l'Etat.

Le leadership consiste à trouver un équilibre fin entre l'opportunisme et l'efficacité, et entre la conciliation et la confrontation, et Sir Michael restera comme un chef de file dans la conciliation. L'histoire raconte qu’à un moment où les étudiants de l'Université de l'État de Lagos ont envahi les rues pour organiser des manifestations violentes, on a dit à Sir Michael d’envoyer la police pour réprimer les manifestants, mais il a refusé et a dit «ce ne sont pas des criminels, ce sont mes enfants. Je ne vais pas user de force contre eux, jevais leur parler ». Le gouverneur est sorti en personne pour avoir une discussion avec les étudiants

et a apaisé les tensions en les rassurant que son administration avait leurs meilleurs intérêts à cœur et cette dernière a fait en sorte que leurs revendications soient dûment prises en compte.

UN CHRETIEN ENGAGE ET ŒCUMENIQUE Sir Michael était un catholique engagé qui a mis Dieu en premier dans tout ce qu'il faisait et il avait une bonne relation avec tous dans l'amour et la crainte de Dieu. Il a été fait chevalier de Saint-Sylvestre par le pape Jean-Paul II. Le Cardinal Anthony Olubumi Okogie lui a célébré une messe pontificale en l'église catholique SaintAntoine, de Gbaja, Surulere, le 6 Avril

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of Assembly between 1992 and 1993, that notwithstanding his mien as a gentleman and unassuming nature, he was still able to discharge his mandate equitably and with remarkable dignity.

Among several remarkable achievements to the credit of Sir Michael and for which the people of Lagos State will be eternally grateful is the sobriquet “Centre of Excellence” a brand description which reflects in the character and nature of Lagosians worldwide.” Hon. Danmole went on to list some of the achievements recorded in office by the deceased.

Following the opening address, the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Desalu rose to deliver Sir Michael’s citation which he read to roaring rounds of applause. Then the first set of tributes was taken.

There was none better to tee off the tributes session than Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu who served as Sir Michael’s Deputy Governor. For her, the loss was deeply personal and she was evidently emotional. It was difficult for her to fend off the effects of her ambivalent mood to which she eventually succumbed choosing rather to speak of her former boss and confidante from the heart rather than reading from a prepared speech.

“It is a day of mixed feelings for me here this morning because even though I have a prepared tribute which you can all refer to in the printed copy, there is a lot I can say about baba,” she started. “I recall the first time I met baba, he was warm and fatherly. He took me to heart immediately and showered affection on me. As at that time, it was a question of having courage to come on board with him. At that time the NRC for which baba was candidate was more or less in 38

History has it that it was his son, Femi Otedola who offered himself as the vox dei that would sow the seed of political aspiration in his mind and set events in motion for what would culminate in a resounding success story in leadership.

Sir Michael was elected Executive Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the nationwide gubernatorial elections held on December 4, 1991. He was sworn in as the second Executive Governor of Lagos State on January 2, 1992. opposition in Lagos. The SDP was the party that was expected to come into government. A lot of people called me after baba nominated me to try to dissuade me from joining forces with him because there was no way he could win because Lagos State was an SDP state. I told them that by the grace of God, baba who looks so dignified, sincere and identifies with the plight of the people, will win the election.”

“We went into the elections and won against all odds. Some of the opposition came on board with us. With the support of His Excellency, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first democratically-elected Governor of Lagos State, who was then in detention, we triumphed. He called Late Dr. Femi Agbalajobi who stuck with us and God gave baba the victory.”

“Baba served Lagos State sincerely

1975. Il fut le premier vice-président du conseil pastoral de la paroisse de l’Église catholique St Anthony et a également été président de la moisson pendant de nombreuses annéeset a contribué énormément à la croissance matérielle, morale et spirituelle de la paroisse.

Peu de temps avant son décès, il a approuvé des fonds pour la construction d'une résidence pour les prêtres àOdoragunsin qui devait être ouverte pendant son anniversaire. Sir Michael n'était pas seulement un fervent chrétien, il était un œcuménique qui croyait fermement en l'unité des églises et des religions. C'est ce qu'il a démontré lors de sa prise de fonction en tant que gouverneur de l'Etat de Lagos ; il a rejoint ses

parentsmusulmans sur le terrain de la prière Odoragunsin pour célébrer l'Aïdel-Kebir (Sallah). Lorsque l'autorité de l'Église catholique a critiqué son acte, il a répondu qu'il est né musulman, avant de se convertir au christianismeet que, même en tant que chrétien, il n'avait jamais manqué de prier avec son peuple, les chrétiens et les musulmans, comme il le croyait, servent tous un seul Dieu et qu’il doit faire preuve de tolérance en matière de religion. Il a acheté le terrain et a parrainé les travaux de fondation pour la mosquée centrale d’Odoragunsin et apersonnellement invité d’éminentes personnalités musulmanes à travers le pays à faire un don pour le projet, y compris l'ancien chef MKO Abiola.

UN PERE DE FAMILLE DEVOUE Pour Sir Michael, la charité commence à la maison. Les membres de sa famille immédiate ont été les premiersbénéficiaires de l'amour, la bonté, la discipline et la foi pour l'avenir des personnes qui remplissaient sans cesse son cœur de généreux. Il était un mari fidèle et un père radoteur et a été une grande source d’inspiration pour ses petits-enfants.

Un tel homme méritait bien l'entreprise bénie d'une bonne femme; Sir Michael a trouvé son complément parfait en Lady Doja Otedola, sa femme depuis de nombreuses années qui a été surnommée" Madam Efficiency’’ par les étudiants de l'Université de l’université de Lagos d’alors, où elle a travaillé dans leservice traiteur. Ils ont été bénis avec des enfants et des petitsenfants.

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Femi Otedola & wife, Nana

Governor Babatunde Fashola

The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & wife, The Erelu Ojuolape

Deputy Governor of Lagos Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire

Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Mr. Sam Iwuajoku

Dr. & Mrs. Gabriel Soyoye

Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Alhaji Lateef Jakande

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Mr. Philip Akinola

Lola & Segun Idahor

Mr. Bola Oye

Jason Otedola

Apostle Babatunde Odele

Lekan Ogunbanwo

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Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole & Hakeem Bello, Chief Press Sec. to Lagos State Governor

Mr. Kayode Ogunubi & other guests

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Femi Otedola his mother, Lady Doja Otedola

and passionately. He was very kind. A lot of people tried to dissuade baba from following the path that he chose but he stuck to his plans and programmes. Baba was consistent. He made immense contributions within a short time in the field of transportation, in healthcare, in education, in infrastructure – he excelled in everything. He called all his projects “Jubilee Projects” to highlight our freedom even though that freedom was curtailed because we had the military at the centre.

With baba’s wisdom and kindness, Lagos was at peace.

Lagos could have gone to war, could have been disorganized because emotions were running high following the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections by the military but we made sure Lagos did not burn.”

Chief Ojikutu also used the opportunity to clear the air about any perceived grievances with her former principal: “A lot of people believe that baba and I were not in good terms. There was no rancor between me and baba. I know he took certain decisions that were not in my interest but I knew that if he had been given time to stay on, baba would have realized that many of the people who came to him at that time were not our friends.”

Next up was Rt. Hon. Engr. Shakirudeen Abayomi Kiyomi who was the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly when Sir Michael was Governor. Engr.

Kiyomi described the deceased as “a matured politician, a seasoned administrator, a gentleman, a lover of peace and a man of culture and honour.”

He recalled that when it became obvious that Sir Michael’s minority party, the National Republican Convention (NRC), would be governing Lagos State, political analysts and the general populace expected that his tenure would be marred by rancour, particularly as the State House of Assembly was populated by opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) members.

“But people were thoroughly disappointed when they found out that the two arms of government were working in harmony,” he noted.

“The Legislature of the Third Assembly also saw the need for Lagos to be peaceful and therefore rose to the occasion and worked tirelessly to co-operate with Gov. Otedola to make the administration work to see that there was no political friction between the two

parties. There was cordiality and understanding between both parties – each party sticking strictly to the mandate and authority given to each by the constitution. After all, we both loved our State and we were working for its progress ” “Baba loved his people, loved his state and loved his country. He was a true nationalist who did his best under the prevailing circumstances that Lagos State remains a Centre of Excellence and that democracy survived. He was a true Christian who did not discriminate against any religion. He cherished his childhood friends who were Muslims but did not neglect his Christian friends.”

Former Director General of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Otunba Anthony Odugbesan brought the first tributes session to a close describing Sir Michael as a man who lived a life of devotion to the poor: “He guaranteed the welfare of the poor, the disadvantaged and the underprivileged by providing adequate housing, transportation, pipe-borne water and

free and qualitative education. Sir Michael’s love and passion for education led his administration to negotiate with the army and secure the release of the erstwhile army barracks at Epe to be used as a satellite campus for the Lagos State University. He established various other educational institutions. Eventually we moved a Faculty from Ojo to Epe. It was he who also who founded the Lagos State College of Primary Education now Michael Otedola College of Primary Education.”

The tempo of the event was upped with a powerful, soul-stirring performance of Sir Michael’s favourite chorus - the “Halleluyah” chorus - by Demola Olota and the Click Vocals.

The second session of tributes resumed in earnest and Alhaji Ganiyu Olayemi, who was Director-General of Lagos State Teachers Service Commission (TESCOM) and who incidentally was Sir Michael’s student in 1947 at St. Joseph Primary School, IbowonEredo, kicked off this session. Alhaji Olayemi

Femi Otedola embraces his mother, Lady Doja Otedola

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Gov. Babatunde Fashola welcoming Femi Otedola

described himself as a fine work perfected by the efforts of heroes past including the likes of Sir Michael considering that Sir Michael was actively involved in his academic and character moulding which became the nucleus of his attainments in life.

In his words “Sir Michael Otedola, my very great egbon (big brother) was a distinguished teacher, a philanthropist par excellence and a beacon of hope for the downtrodden.” While expressing his admiration for the disciplined, humble and prudent life the deceased led, he noted, “As a firm believer in meritocracy he recruited the best of the best to preside over ministries and parastatals.”

“He was an epitome of religious tolerance – his hometown of Odoragunsin in Epe and Ibowon and other surrounding locales will attest to this. His love for mankind which cut across religious, social and political affiliation remains legendary.” Alhaji Olayemi also lauded Sir Michael’s scholarships to different students of diverse groups and affiliations which he said the deceased offered without discrimination. He also praised the educational development he brought to Epe. On behalf of Sir Michael’s Odoragunsin community, Alhaji Surajudeen Akanni Badru delivered a tribute: “We the sons and daughters of Odorangusin and Epe Division indigenes are specially privileged by divine providence to have a great man, a philanthropist par excellence, a mentor, the eye and the mirror of Odorangusin town in Eredo LCDA of Epe Division in the person of His Excellency, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola. If not for Sir Michael who 42

single-handedly brought Odorangusin to the forefront in the political history of Lagos State, who else would have? “‘That Odorangusin may excel’ was always his watchword. This philosophy and passion for our town in particular and the entire Epe Division in general, necessitated the establishment of his foundation - Sir Michael Otedola Foundation Scholarship Award, which has consistently awarded tertiary education scholarships to the serving sons and daughters of Odorangunsin and Epe Division, particularly those from poor backgrounds.”

“He ensured transparency, probity, equity and fairness in the award of the scholarships. It is also on record that over 600 students have benefitted from his largesse through the foundation which was established some three decades ago, among whom is the current provost of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Professor Olu Akeusola. His foundation was also involved in awarding yearly religious sponsorships of pilgrimage to the holy land – Jerusalem.”

Speaking on behalf of Sir Michael’s friends was his very good friend, The Otunba Adekunle Ojora: “We are gathered here today to mark the inevitable home-calling of Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, Commander of the Order of the Niger and to bid him farewell on his journey to join his creator. Sir Michael lived a life full of fulfillment and his life accomplishments bear testimony of the special grace and goodness of the Almighty God in his life. We are therefore celebrating the life and times of an enduring compatriot.”

“He was undoubtedly a man who God endowed with many attributes,

Son fils, Femi Otedola, est bien sûr l'un des esprits entrepreneuriaux les plus fins de cette génération et lors d’un hommage, il raconte comment son père a joué un rôle essentiel dans sa réussite entrepreneuriale en disant: Comme un jeune homme avec un rêve, il a investi en moi non seulement les principes de la vie et de la sagesse que j'utilise encore aujourd'hui, mais aussi financièrement, en me prêtant £ 325,000 pour démarrermon entreprise.

Sans son soutien affectif et financier je ne serais pas l'homme que je suis aujourd'hui.

Sir Michael a inculqué les mêmes principes auxquels il tenait à ses enfants et c'est pourquoi ils ont excellé énormément dans leurs domaines respectifs et il n'est pas surprenant que sa famille ait produit le premierrecteur féminin ainsi que la première femme greffière de la première institution d'enseignement supérieur au Nigeria, une ancienne directrice générale du ministère de l'Éducation de l'État de Lagos et une directrice de la planification physique de l'État de Lagos.

PRIX ET RECONNAISSANCE La plus grande récompense de Sir Michael était sans aucun doute la joie et la satisfaction qu'il tirait à mettre la joie dans les cœurs et les sourires sur les visages des autres, mais ses nombreuses contributions au développement de la société et le bienêtre de l'humanité ne sont pas des moindres.

Parmi ses plusieurs reconnaissances, il y a le spécial Prix élogieux qu'il a reçu du Gouvernement

de l'Etat de Lagos en 1988. Il a été récipiendaire du Lifetime Achievement Award de This Day. Il a également reçu l'honneur national de Commandeur de l'Ordre du Niger, CON, en 2008 par le président Omar Musa Yar'Adua. Sir Michael était un ancien patron des clubs d’Eko et d’Island. Il était également membre de plusieurs organisations sociales y compris le Metropolitan Club.

LE COMMENCEMENT DES ADIEUX Un jour pour rendre hommage à un ancien gouverneur Quand un homme a immensément contribué au progrès de la société et a inscrit son nom dans l’histoire du people avec une telle grâce comme l’a fait Sir Michael, la motivation à honorer sa mémoire à travers une expression publique pour le rôle qu’il a joué ne peut pas être de trop. C’est ce que le gouvernement de Lagos a dit lorsqu’il a réservé une journée pour rendre hommage à ce grand gouverneur et fils du terroir au stade d’Onikan à Lagos.

Le jour des hommages a cette une occasion pour le gouvernement et pour le peuple pour dire merci et pour les amis, la famille et associés pour rendre hommage et à conter les expériences familiales et politiques qu’ils ont vécues avec le défunt. C’était en effet la commémoration d’une vie d’excellence.

L’atmosphère aux allures d’un carnaval au stade d’Onikan et de ses environs ce jour-là, était une preuve de l’amour et de la reconnaissance des habitants de Lagos pour leur ancien gouverneur. Il les a dirigés il y a de cela

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Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola & Lady Doja Otedola

good things of life, good bearing, firmness of purpose and unfailing grace at all times. He possessed the exemplary quality of dignity and above all, he remained throughout his life, a patriot whose patriotism knows no bounds. He was respected and adored by all those who came in contact with him. Sir Michael was indeed a great Nigerian whose life was not obscure.

His achievements remain powerful events for all well-meaning Nigerians to narrate creditably.”

“In his unobtrusive manner, he succeeded to an unimaginable extent and to everlasting glory, influencing for good. In public and private endeavour, he left behind enduring legacies worthy of emulation. We deeply cherish our friendship of so many decades and the unfailing kindness which surrounded his life. Undoubtedly, not only ourselves, but many Nigerians also, whose lives he touched will forever respect him, especially during his tenure of office as Governor of Lagos state and the insurmountable devotion with which he acquitted himself of that office. It is therefore historical that his accomplishments should go on record and remind everyone of the glorious life he led with ductless courage and astonishing optimism.”

A cultural dance drama performance by the members of the Lagos State Standing Troupe from the Council for Arts and Culture followed.

Afterwards, veteran Broadcaster, Mrs. Julie Coker, spoke on behalf of Sir Michael’s former colleagues at the WNTV/WNBC like Dr. Christopher Kolade, the Late Ambassador Segun Olusola and Anike Agbaje-Williams who was the first to appear anywhere on television in Africa. Mrs. Coker

extolled Sir M i c h a e l ’ s journalistic brilliance saying he left an impeccable record of service and integrity adding that even his wife, Lady Doja, provided moral and financial support in those days whenever they had to hold a programme for children on TV. Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, delivered a tribute on behalf of former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described the deceased as having devoted a considerable part of his life to the promotion and defense of the goodwill, interests and culture of Lagos State.

Asiwaju commiserated with the Otedola family on the loss of their patriarch stating, “I appreciate that this is likely to be a time of mixed emotions of gratitude and sadness of the family: gratitude for a long and fruitful life well spent and sadness for the loss and irreplaceability of an exceptional human being. However, while it is proper and deserving to mourn his passing, I urge you to focus more on thanking God for his life and on celebrating his notable contributions to humanity.”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde

22 ans et pourtant les mémoires de ses réalisations et legs demeurent. Tout le monde était accueilli dans le stade par de grandes bannières comportant plusieurs images du défunt.

Son dernier voyage a commencé avec l’arrivée en fanfare de sa dépouille par les porteurs de TOS Guides par un homme qui balançait le drapeau de l’Etat de Lagos. Tous les invités y compris le gouverneur de l’Etat de Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, le premier gouverneur civil, Alhaji Lateef Jakande ainsi que d’autres anciennes et actuelles personnalités du gouvernement étaient assis lorsqu’on transportait le cercueil recouvert du drapeau nigérian jusqu’à

l’espace ouvert du stade. C’était un lieu décoré avec différents motifs et entouré de dignitaires royaux de tout Yoroubaland. Les hommages et les discours passaient harmonieusement avec l’intermède des hymnes de Demola Olota et des Click Vocals qui ont aussi ben chanté l’hymne national nigérian.

Monsigneur Oduntan Jérôme qui représentait l’archevêque de Lagos, l’évêque Alfred Adewale Martins ont ouvert la cérémonie avec cette prière ‘notre soutien vient du Nom du Seigneur Qui a fait les cieux et la terre.

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Mr. Sam Nwajoku, Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Lady Doja Otedola

Raji Fashola, on ascending the podium, was in his speech, unequivocal about his deep reverence for his inspiring predecessor and the significance of the event the state was holding in Otedola's honour: “We gather today to pay tribute to one of my illustrious predecessors, Governor Michael Agbolade Otedola, who sadly will never share this physical space with us. This is a very important day and occasion in the history of our state and our nation. It is my hope that what we do here today will help to inspire more good men and women to serve in the public sphere, in the selfless manner that our nation and people deeply yearn for.”

The Governor noted that it was tough drawing a line between government intrusion into a personal affair and the need for the state to do its duty to honour a public servant considering the private nature of such a loss to the widow and children of the deceased. He however noted that it became pertinent to honour his predecessor in so public a manner so as showcase his sterling attributes and use it to encourage other good men not to run away from public service.

For Governor Fashola, Sir Michael’s most enduring legacy is that of the idea behind his foray into politics – the idea that people can achieve their dreams against all odds – considering that Sir Michael, with no previous political experience, coming from a business background and contesting on the platform of a minority party in the region, defied all analyses and predictions to become Governor. That, Governor Fashola pointed, “is one legacy of Governor Otedola that will not die. It is a lesson

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, ‘I accept the great mandate today as a servant not as a master. I come with a mission to heal and rebuild. I come to Lagos as a place where all Nigerians will rediscover their common destiny, -Sir Michael Otedola for old and young, that nothing can be considered impossible or lost, until a genuine attempt has been made to achieve it. It has become the inspirational reference that will endure.”

He continued " it was on audacious endeavour that has achieved folklore status about how the politically impossible became possible, probable and eventually achievable."

The Governor also extolled Sir Michael’s dedication to excellence, narrating the role he played in the coinage of the state’s sobriquet, “Centre of Excellence” and the impact that has had on the psyche of successive Lagos governors in their endless pursuit of excellence, improvement, innovation and development.

"As one of his successors, I have found this inspiring in my work, standards of excellence are high, they are difficult to attain, and are constantly changing. Every Governor who remembers that Lagos is a Centre of Excellence will never at ease because in the race for excellence there is no finish line" Governor Fashola noted One of Sir Michael’s twin daughters, Mrs. Omolola Taiwo Segun-Idahor, was invited to address the guests on behalf of the children.

“We have heard so much today about daddy,” she started. “For us, daddy was

chacun de nous. Nous Te remercions en particulier pour le don de notre cher père, grand-père et arrière-grand-père et notre ancien gouverneur, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola. Tu nous l’a donné plein de vision, de connaissance et de compréhension. Avec tous ces dons, ton serviteur Michael Otdola a montré au monde entier qu’il y a la paix lorsqu’on est en harmonie avec Toi. Avec cette sagesse, il nous a gouvernés en tant que gouverneur de l’Etat. Tu nous a regroupés- le Père de tous. Maintenant qu’il est retourné vers Toi Père, nous Te demandons de lui pardonner ses péchés, ses crimes, en tant qu’être humain, et de le considérer comme un de Tes enfants au ciel’’. Monsignor Oduntan a aussi prié pour le bien-être de la famille Otedola et a remis la cérémonie entre les mains de Dieu.

Le commissaire de l’Etat de Lagos pour les Affaires et la Culture, Oyinlomo Danmole, est intervenu pour faire le discours d’ouverture. Danmole a dit que l’histoire de Lagos serait incomplète sans l’inclusion des legs de Sir Michael Otedola et déclara : « pendant sa prestation de serment comme gouverneur de l’Etat de Lagos, il a dit je cite ‘’j’accepte ce lourd mandat aujourd’hui en tant que serviteur et non en tant que maitre. Je viens avec une mission de guérir et de

reconstruire. Je viens à Lagos comme un lieu où tous les Nigérians découvrirons leur destinée commune’’ fin de citation.

Il a continué en disant : je me rappelle en tant que membre de l’Assemblée de l’Etat de Lagos entre 192 et 1993, malgré son statut social, il a été capable de mener à bien ses responsabilités avec dignité. Pamir les réalisations remarquables attribuées a Sir Michael pour lesquelles les habitants de Lagos seront toujours reconnaissants, il y a le surnom ‘’le Centre de l’Excellence’’, une description qui illustre parfaitement le caractère et la nature des ressortissants de Lagos. Danmole a continué à faire la liste de certaines réalisations que le défunt a accomplies au cours de son mandat.

Apres le discours d’ouverture, le Secrétaire permanent au Ministère des Fonctions Spéciales de l’Etat de Lagos, Dr Aderemi Desalu s’est levé pour lire une citation de Sir Michael ; il a été très applaudi à la fin de la citation. Apres cela, ce fut la première partie des hommages. Il n’y avait pas une autre personne qui pouvait bien commencer la session des hommages qu’Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu qui a servi en tant que vice-gouverneur de Sir Michael. Pour elle, la perte était personnellement profonde et elle était évidemment très émotionnelle. C’était difficile pour elle de cacher ses émotions et elle a finalement décidé d’improviser un discours en laissant celui qu’elle avait préparé. Elle a déclaré: c’est un jour où je suis remplie

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Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji greets the widow, Lady Doja Otedola

an exceptional father and I’ll like to sum up our tributes today, on behalf of the children using the acronym F-A-TH-E-R. Daddy was a Friend. He was very Attentive to every one of us. He was a good listener who had in him a wealth of wisdom. Daddy was very Trustworthy. Anything committed into his hands was safe. Daddy was Honourable and remains so even in death. I remember when he left as Executive Governor of Lagos State, he had two official cars then – a jeep and a Toyota car. Years after when it became obvious that daddy could not use those cars, we asked that he give out the cars but he declined saying the cars didn’t belong to him but to the Lagos State Government. As I speak today, both cars are still in his compound” “Daddy was so disciplined and principled. He would never take anything that doesn’t belong to him.

Daddy was an Encourager. He encouraged each one of us to excel in our various fields of endeavour.

Finally, daddy was Responsible. At this juncture, I will like to acknowledge our mother, Lady Doja Otedola. Growing up as children, we never saw them fight or have a quarrel.

We always prayed to God to have good homes like them and today, we can say, to the glory of God, that each one of us has got a beautiful home.” Mrs. Segun Idahor went on her knees and thanked Odorangusin people for the warmth and love they showed to their father till his dying day.

A traditional praise-singer, Adunni Nefertiti, recited Sir Michael’s oriki, a traditional praise-poetry for eulogizing individuals in Yoruba tradition. After this, Sir Michael’s first son, Ayo Otedola gave a vote of thanks: “On

Femi Otedola discussing with his mother, Lady Doja Otedola

behalf of my family, I will like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and the unequivocal show of support on display here today. We are highly honoured and deeply touched. To the leaders and friends here today, I say thank you. For the tributes written and read, your words have really warmed our hearts today.”

“Our father was known for many things – his quest to alleviate poverty, his passion towards education, his overwhelming generous spirit, his stance towards integrity, his pursuit of excellence and so much more. To us, he was a brilliant and loving father

d’émotion car quand bien même j’ai préparé un discours dont vous pouvez voir le papier, j’ai beaucoup de choses à dire sur Bbaba. Je me rappelle la première fois où j’ai vu Baba ; il était comme un père et très chaleureux. Nous sommes allies aux élections et nous avons gagné contre toute attente.

Certains membres de l’opposition se sont joints à nous. Avec le soutien de Son Excellence, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, le premier gouverneur de Lagos élu démocratiquement, qui était en prison en ce moment-là, nous avons gagné. Il a appelé feu Femi Agbalajobi qui nous

a soutenus et Dieu nous a donnés la victoire. Baba a servi Lagos avec sincérité et passion. Il était très généreux. Beaucoup de gens avaient essayé de dissuader Baba à suivre la voie qu’il avait choisie mais il s’est accroché à ses plans et a ses projets. Il a réalisé beaucoup de choses en peu de temps dans le domaine du transport, de la santé, de l’éducation et dans les infrastructures. Il a excellé en tout. Il appelait tous ses projets “Jubilee Projects” (projets du jubilee) afin d’illustrer notre liberté meme si cette liberté a été 45

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Mrs. Nana Otedola embraces her mother-in-law, Lady Doja Otedola

who nudged us to strive for excellence and to achieve the very best. While we shall miss him dearly, the loving memories we share of him will last always.”

Following a very eventful programme, Monsignor Bernard Okodua, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos Branch, drew the curtains on the day’s proceedings with a closing prayer. And after the rendition of the National Anthem, guests, which by now had filled the VIP and Public stands departed.

THE LYING-IN-STATE AND CHRISTIAN WAKE

The next day, all roads led to Sir Michael’s country home in the serene Odoragunsin. The entire community was abuzz as various media, important personalities and security personnel stormed the township for what were two very big days in the history of that community. Both days were blessed with clement weather – even the elements honoured the memory of the deceased.

We were told that throughout Sir Michael’s tenure in office as Governor, his country home witnessed no major remodeling or transformation other than a mere repainting as he prepared for a glorious return home.

On this day, Sir Michael’s remains was placed in see-through compartment similar to the one used for the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo as he was laid out for friends, loved ones and family members to share some personal moments with him perhaps for the last time.

First there was a procession all around town as the cortege which included his remains was taken to every part of the town-and they multitudes that lined the streets was a testimony to his popularity.

Seeing the expression of love and affection by ordinary people reminded one of famous quote by Abraham Lincoln " I Like to see a man proud of the place which he lives and I like to see him live so that his place will be proud of him" Indeed, he must have been referring to Sir Michael Otedola. The procession over, his remains were brought to a nice area enhanced by lovely flowers by Newton & David for the lying instate.

The Lying in-state was a very emotional and moving moment for the family members. Femi Otedola who took his turn with wife, Nana masked his grief with a smile. He said jocularly that his dad seemed so peaceful as he whispered a few words of prayer.

A portion of the expansive compound had been 46

Hajia Sinatu Ojikutu exchanges pleasantries with Femi Otedola

decked out beautifully by Funke Brucknor-Obruthe’s events management company, Zapphaire Events for the Christian Wake which unfolded later that evening. The wake was a solemn gathering of hymns, prayers and spiritual admonitions.

Those who came to support the family included Retired Justice Shola Oguntade and wife, Modupe, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, GTBank MD, Segun Agbaje, Hon. Habeeb Fasinro, Muyiwa Bakare, Albert Okumagba, Osa Osunde, Chief Lanre Rasak, Hon. Olulade and many others. Demola Olota was on hand to enhance proceeding with soulful music.

THE FUNERAL MASS, INTERMENT AND RECEPTION

The 111-year old Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibonwon, Eredo LCDA, Lagos State, no wearing a glittering look welcomed hundreds of prominent Nigerians for the deceased’s funeral mass.

Even though the mass was scheduled to commence

at 11am, Mr. Femi Otedola, his wife, Nana and a cortege of assistants arrived the heavily-guarded church premises as early as 8.30am to personally supervise preparations, ensuring all was in tip-top shape to host many illustrious guests including Nigeria's No.1 Citizen President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

F.O as the Forte Oil Chairman is fondly called was also on hand to welcome dignitaries to the event and to personally guide them to their seats.

Soon enough the church’s auditorium was streaming with the nation’s movers, shakers and newsmakers Apart from the President, others in attendance were: former President Olusegun Obasanjo,Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State and his Deputy, Olusegun Adesegun; former Lagos Military Administrator and Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba; former Anambra

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écourtée à cause de l’armée. Avec la sagesse et la générosité de Baba, Lagos était en paix. Lagos aurait pu entrer en guerre et aurait pu être désorganisée parce qu’il y avait beaucoup de tension suite à l’annulation des élections présidentielles de 1993 par l’armée mais nous avons tout fait pour que Lagos ne brûle pas. Chief Ojikutu a également utilisé cette opportunité en ce qui concerne tout ressentiment envers son ancien directeur. « Beaucoup de gens pensent que Baba et moi n’etions pas en de bons termes.

Il avait pris certaines décisions que je n’aimais pas mais je sais que s’il était resté plus longtemps à son poste, il aurait pu découvrir que plusieurs des personnes qui venaient à lui n’étaient pas nos amis ».

Le prochain était l’ingenieur retraité Shakirudeen Abayomi Kiyomi, qui était le porteparole du Parlement de l’Etat de Lagos lorsque Sir Michael était gouverneur. Engr. Kiyomi a décrit le défunt comme un politician mûr, un excellent administrateur, un gentleman, un homme de paix, un homme de culture et d’honneur’’. Baba aimait les gens, son Etat et son pays.

C'était un vrai nationaliste qui a fait de son mieux malgré les circonstances pour que Lagos demeure un Etat de l’excellence ou reigne la démocratie. C’était un chrétien qui n’avait pas discriminé les autres religions. Il avait toujours autour de lui ses amis musulmans et chrétiens’’. La cérémonie a été colorée par une performance extraordinaire du chant le plus préféré de Sir Michael ‘’Halleluyah’ par Demola et le Click Vocals.

La seconde partie des hommages a commencé et Alhaji Ganiyu Olayemi, qui était le directeur-général de TESCOM (la Commission du service des enseignants) et il était un des éleves de Sir Michael en 1974 a l’école Primaire Saint Joseph d’IbowonEredo. Alhaji Olayemi a déclaré qu’il a réussi grace a l’inspiration d’hommes comme Sir Michael qui ont beaucoup contribué à son éducation et à son comportement. Il a déclaré: ‘’ Sir Michael Otedola, mon grand Egbon (grand frère), était un enseignant, un philanthrope par excellence qui a beaucoup aidé les moins privilégiés’’. Etant un grand défenseur de la perfection, il a embauché les meilleurs des meilleurs pour occupier des postes mininistériels et gouvernementaux’’. Il était tres tolérant en matiere de religion – sa ville natale d’Odoragunsin à Epe et Ibowon y compis d’autres localités environnantes confirmeront cela. Son amour pour les gens, qui va au-dela de la religion et de l’affiliation politique, demeure legendaire’’. Alhaji Olayemi a aussi apprécié les nombreuses bourses d’ études que Sir Michael a attribuées sans discrimination a plusieurs étudiants de divers groups et affiliations.

Au nom de la commununauté Odoragunsin de Sir Michael, Alhaji Surajudeen Akanni Badru a rendu homage:’’ Nous, les fils et les filles d’Odorangusin et Epe sommes spécialement privilégiés d’avoir un grand homme, un philanthrope, un mentor, l’oeil et le mirroir d’Odorangusin à Eredo, Epe, en la personne de Sir Michael Otedola. Si Sir Michael n’avait pas fait connaitre Odorangusin dans l’histoire politique de Lagos, qui l’aurait fait? ‘’Puisse Odorangusin exceller’’. C’tait un de ses désirs. Cette philosophie et passion pour notre ville en particulier et pour la division d’Epe en général, a permis l’établissement de sa fondation - le Sir Michael Otedola Foundation Scholarship Award, qui a constamment honoré des fils et des filles du troisiemme degré d’Odorangunsin et de la division d’Epe, surtout ceux issus de milieux pauvres. Il usait de transparence, d’égalité, et de la justice dans l’attribution des prix.

Il est aussi a noter qu’environ 6000 personnes ont bénéficié de la largesse de sa foundation qui a été créée il y a 30 ans. Parmi ces derniers, il y a Professor Olu Akeusola, actuel directeur du college Michael Otedola. Sa foundation a également sponsorisé plusieurs pélérinages à la terre sainte de Jérusalem’’.

Femi Otedola, Micheal Ayo Otedola, Jason Otedola & Nana Otedola

Mr. & Mrs. Bola Oye with Mr. & Mrs. Segun Idahor

Jason Otedola, Micheal Ayo Otedola & Kim Otedola

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Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye

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Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo & Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson

Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Alhaja Sinat Ojikutu & Alhaji Lateef Jakande

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Governor Babatunde Fashola

Femi Otedola & wife, Nana

The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora & The Otunba Adekunle Ojora

Hon. Funmi Tejuoso

Rear-Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora & The Otunba Adekunle Ojora

Sen. Gbenga Ashafa (left)

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Jason Otedola

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Mrs. Kim Otedola

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Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo

Monsignor Oduntan Jerome

Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole

Kayode Odukoya

Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye

Dr. Remi Desalu

State Governor, Peter Obi; former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Sir Michael’s then Deputy Governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan.

Other A-list personalities at the church were; New Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina; billionaire businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; Hajia Bola Shagaya, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Otunba Subomi Balogun, United Bank for Africa MD/CEO, Philips Oduoza; Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO, Stella Okoli; Hon. Lanre Odubote, Publisher, ThisDay Newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena; Publisher of OVATION International Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu,Olorogun Sunny Kuku and Prince (Dr.) Lanre Tejuoso Delivering the homily bilingually, Monsignor Phillip Hoteyin, who alternated between Yoruba and English, told his audience that his message had already preached itself. Pointing to Sir Michael’s casket, he stated, “Here he lies; the one who once occupied a position of honour, with whom we ate and drank. Everything we discuss here today is for our own benefit and not for his benefit. He has played his part and has departed at his appointed time.”

Hon. Shakirudeen Abayomi Kiyomi

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Akin Olugbade & Iyimola Akinbola

Doyin Ogun, Odion Aleobua & Omodayo Owoluga

The Oloris in Epe Division

Hon. Ayo Olowu

Mr. Jide Coker, Mr. Jude Solomon, Mr. Segun Sebanjo & Mr. Biola Akinola

Members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO)

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Mr. Lolade Kassim, Mr. Tunji Rabiu, Mrs. Toyin Mike-Aigbe & Dare Arinde

Kenneth Olisa & Deji Soetan

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Rev. Oduntan Jerome & Rev. Okodira Bernard

Mr. & Mrs. Bola Oye

Mr. & Mrs. Segun Idahor

Otunba Anthony Segun Odugbesan & wife, Mrs. Felicia Odugbesan

Mrs. Patience Olamide & Mr. Kayode Ogunubi

Ayodeji Adelakun, Epenyong Ekwere & Adeola Sobowale

Asst. Pastor (Mrs.) Mosunmola Otedola

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Dr. Peter Oriaifo & Apostle Babatunde Odele

Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola & Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo

Olori Funmi Odumosu & Chief Jimoh Kolawole Odumosu

Muibat Adenike, Joseph Olufemi & Mrs. Gertrude Abimbola Adenekan

Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Mr. F. A. O Akodu, Mr. Wale Raji, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo & Mrs. Folasade Adesoye

Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo & Mrs. Folasade Adesoye

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Mrs. Folake Eletu & Mrs. Mopelola Raheem

Mr. & Mrs. Akpeki with Mr. Wale Ajisebutu

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Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa & Mr. Chris Adeyemi

Mr. Odujoko Ademola & Mr. Agoro Olatunde

Hon. (Prince) N. A. Taiwo, Hon. K. O. Salau-Bashua , L.A.D Abari & M. M. Hassan

Mr. Ashimi Jamiu Adewale, Mr. Micheal Dawodu & Mrs. Margaret Solarin

Dame Marie Fatai-Williams & Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso

Olumide Olayomi & Demola Amure

Hon. (Mrs.) Ramot Oseni & Hon. (Mrs.) Yinka Babalola

Tunde Folawiyo

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Lagos white cap Chiefs

Mr. Chris Adeyemi (r)

Cross-section of dignitaries

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Cross-section of dignitaries

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Micheal Ayo Otedola giving the closing remarks

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

"As one of his successors, I have found his reference of Lagos as a Centre of Excellence inspiring in my work. Standards of excellence are high, they are difficult to attain, and are constantly changing.

Every Governor who remembers that Lagos is a Centre of Excellence will never be at ease because in the race for excellence there is no finish line

Mrs. Lola Segun-Idahor

-Governor Babatunde Fashola

Former Lagos State Deputy Gov., Prince Abiodun Ogunleye

Dr. Charles Fadipe

Monsignor Bernard Okodua

Prof. Kola Ogundowole

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The Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji & Hon. Kolawole Musbau Taiwo

The white cap chiefs of Lagos with Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Femi Otedola sharing some lively moments with wife & guests

Dr. Remi Desalu

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Mrs. Bimbo Ogunniya, Mrs. Ayo Okhide & Mrs. Dolapo Dabiri

Cross Section of guests & family members

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Femi Otedola & Gov. Babatunde Fashola

Surajudeen Badru

The Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the representative of the Ooni of Ife

Ace broadcaster, Ms. Julie Coker

Mr. Lekan Ogunbanwo & Toyin Kawojue

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Hallelujah chorus by Demola Olota

Lagos State cultural troupe’s performance

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Aduke Nerfititi

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Governor Babatunde Fashola greeting Alhaji Lateef Jakande

Rt. Hon.Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku with Femi Otedola

Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye greeting Alh. Aliko Dangote

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu & Lady Doja Otedola

Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Lady Doja Otedola & Femi Otedola

Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Femi Otedola & Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

From 2nd left: Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, Hon. Funmi Tejuoso & guests

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LYING IN-STATE AT HIS HOME IN ODORAGUSHIN, EPE

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Mrs. Nana Otedola, Mr. Femi Otedola & Pastor Segun Adetiba at the lying-in-state

Monsignor Phillip continued, “When God was creating the universe – the plants and the animals, he kept saying, ‘Let there be…and there was. But when it came to creating man, he said, ‘Let us make man in our own image and in our likeness.’ It follows that if we are made in God’s image, then to whom much is given, much is expected. It means we have to act like him. Christ says, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life,’ it means we also have to be that way, that truth and that light.”

“Deuteronomy 29:29 says, ‘the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.’ What we are celebrating today has been revealed to us as one out of four mysteries - man must die. The three hidden ones are when we will die, where will we die and what manner of death will be ours – where, how and when.

This is why man must be careful when treading on this earth.”

The priest asked rhetorically, “Sir Michael is gone; who goes next? Let us not forget that this earth is not our home. We are all sojourning here. Let’s live in that consciousness.”

Monsignor Phillip then praised the widow of the deceased for being a good wife and mother and urged her to be cheerful rather than mournful as she had played her part successfully in the life of her departed husband. He urged her to dance and rejoice for the day was one for celebration of a life well spent and not for mourning. He also told Lady Doja that she had every cause to be grateful because she had children that she and the nation at large could be proud of.

President Goodluck Jonathan also addressed the congregation. In his words “Occasions like this give us concern, give us cause for happiness and also make us to think about life – what do we live for? For our late father, we are quite happy because he has left his marks on the sands of time. When I arrived at Lagos airport, I had a conversation with Governor Fashola and he told me that although Sir Michael’s tenure

didn’t quite last two years but he did very well. A number of projects he started had to be completed by successive administrations. If he had served his full four years in office, he would have been one governor beyond compare.”

“I am quite happy because the only time I had a brief interaction with our late father was when I came to commission Femi’s office and he also came for that event and we exchanged greetings. I never had the opportunity to engage him further so I cannot really make any personal statement in terms of a personal experience with him. But from what I have read about him and from what the Governor and all others have said about him, I am quite pleased to also add to that testimony that he has served us gracefully and is also leaving us gracefully.”

“For us who have the privilege of serving, we always ask ourselves, ‘when we depart, what will people say of us?’ what will we say we have left behind for people to remember us by? That is the challenge for us. I join the clergy to pray for the 67

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THE PROCESSION

Grief-stricken, Lady Doja Otedola, Mrs. Lola Segun-Idahor & other family members pay their respects

family, the relatives and all those close to him. He has been a father to all. Today that he is leaving us, we pray that God will fulfill his promises to all of us and that he will give us a comforter who will comfort the family and fill the gap that our dear father has left.”

The President also urged everyone to keep praying for the country acknowledging that the country is faced with a number of challenges while noting that other countries were faced with their own peculiar challenges. He however assured “Our country will surely get through this.” He concluded by adding, “Whenever African countries are spoken of, Nigeria is always rated very highly. With your total commitment and prayers, we will continue to maintain that position in the comity of nations.”

While thanking everyone who had come to commiserate with them, Sir Michael’s twin daughter, Mrs. Omolola Taiwo Segun-Idahor appreciated their mum, Lady Doja, for the unwavering support she gave to their dad while he lived. “Mum gave daddy peace in every ramification. Our mum stood by daddy all through which is why today we can say daddy lived a fulfilled life because mum gave him peace of mind.

Mummy, today, on my knees, on behalf of the children, we say thank you.” Mrs. Segun-Idahor’s twin sister, Mrs. Omotola Taiwo Oye thanked the dignitaries heartily and prayed for their safe return to their various destinations.

Following the church service, Sir Michael’s remains was interred in a mausoleum constructed by MIC Funeral Undertakers at the rear of his sprawling country home in Odoragunsin. Here the priests performed the final burial rites and emotional family members performed their dust to dust rites and bid their loving patriarch a final farewell.

St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Eredo, just a walking distance from Sir Michael’s home, played host to the grand reception that followed. Here, it was a true celebration of the life and legacies of the departed.

There were no speeches or tributes here – just pure no-holds-barred celebration complemented superlatively by first class comedy, musical entertainment as well as fine food and drink.

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Everything, from the quality of the cuisines and wines, to the entertainment as well as the guest list, was first rate.

A trinity of comedy kings, Ali Baba, Basketmouth and Seyi Law spawned an afternoon of unrivalled fun and laughter for the dignitaries, thrilling everyone endlessly with their combined arsenal of sidesplitting humour. The afternoon was also spiced with good music provided by the Sharp Band and Sir Michael’s favourite contemporary Nigerian artiste, the gongo aso crooner, 9ice.

A high point of the evening which managed to create a moment of awe, amazement and excitment for guests was when Mr. Femi Otedola’s daughter, Ifeoluwa Otedola, otherwise known as DJ Cuppy, who also happens to be Nigeria’s Tourism Ambassador,

picked up her Beats by Dre headphones and hit the console to display her disk jockeying skills. That drew gasps and rounds of applause from the guests who were wooed and won over by her dexterity as she treated everyone to a medley of old and new school hits. It was fun to behold as she and her siblings joined her dad on the floor and they grooved to a medley of Nigerian songs The entire reception hit its zenith with the performance by the ageless King Sunny Ade, fondly called KSA. KSA possesses an effortless penchant for stealing the show and did not fail to live up to that reputation here.

His sleek timeless voice and signature choreographed dance steps aided by his merry band

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made sure that there was no dull moment. Little wonder that many including Africa's Richest man, Alhaji Aliko had uninhibited fun and spent many hours on stage dancing till well into the wee hours of the next morning.

It was a celebratory climax to a dignifying farewell for a good man who left with a great name!

Influential Nigerians from all over the country sent condolences to the Otedola family and paid tribute to their late patriach. Apart from pouring encomiums on the late Sir Michael,

Palace aides with staffs of office

many of them urged the family to take heart and be strong.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK

PROMINENT NIGERIANS PAY TRIBUTE TO

SIR MICHAEL OTEDOLA EBELE JONATHAN Dear Femi, It is with great sadness that I write to condole with you on the passing of your dear father, Sir Michael Otedola: a consummate nationalist and patriot, who distinguished himself honourably in

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(L) Mr. Segun Agbaje, Mr. Femi Otedola, Habeeb Fasinro & Apostle Odele

Mr. Femi Otedola & wife, Nana greeting family members

Mr. Femi Otedola greeting elders of the family

Mr. Femi Otedola

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Pastor Segun Adetiba, Mr. Femi Otedola & Micheal Effiong, Editor, Ovation International

Pastor Segun Adetiba & Mr. Femi Otedola

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THE WAKE KEEP

Cross section of children & family members at the service

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Officiating Ministers

Rev. Peter Ayangbola

Rev. Emmanuel Mtuluko & Rev. Peter Ayangbola

every sphere of life he ventured into – journalism, public relations, governance, the business world, politics and community leadership.

Your father brought a characteristic level of uncompromising diligence and commitment to excellence to bear on every facet of his service to God, country and community, a rich legacy which should be an enduring source of pride to you and the entire members of your family in your moment of grief.

On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express my heartfelt condolences to you, the entire members of the larger Otedola family, and the government and people of Lagos State where he served meritoriously as Governor, on the passing of this titan.

Rev. Emmanuel Mtuluko, Rev. Peter Ayangbola & Rev. Julian Olaitan

May Almighty God grant succor to all he has left behind, even as He grants his soul’s eternal rest.

VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO My Dear Brother, It is with deep shock and total submission to the will of the Almighty God, that I received the sad news of the demise of your dear father, former Executive Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola on Monday, 5th May, 2014.

Your late father will be remembered as an elder statesman, distinguished politician and devout Christian who served his people with a sense of humility and touched many lives through his just and exemplary leadership. I urge you to take solace in the

fact that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to express my sincere commiseration and pray that Almighty God would bestow upon you and the good people of Lagos State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may his soul fin eternal rest.

Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.

FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE FAKA JONATHAN I write to offer my deepest and sincere condolences to you on the death of your dear father, Chief Michael Agbolade Otedola, a veteran journalist, astute politician and elder statesman who was called to 75

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Femi Otedola & Albert Okumagba

Femi Otedola welcoming the representatives of HRM Oba Okunade Sijuade, High Chief Adeyeye Adekola (Agoro of Ife) & High Chief Olusegun Arasanmi (Erebese of Ife )

Ven. Olayiwola Bolodeoku & Mrs. Bolodeoku

High Chief Adeyeye Adekola (Agoro of Ife) & High Chief Olusegun Arasanmi (Erebese of Ife )

Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade & Pastor Segun Adetiba

Mr. T. A. Kadiri & Mrs. Olanike Kadiri

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Engr. (Dr.) Chris Ekpenyong & wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Ekpenyong

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Hon Habeeb Fasinro, Segun Agbaje & Femi Otedola

Aremo Segun Osoba & Chief Jimoh Kolawole Odumosu

Femi Otedola & well wishers

Femi Otedola welcoming Aremo Olusegun Osoba

Chief Femi Alafe-Aluko, Kayode Odukoya & Fami Otedola

Femi Otedola & Engr. Babatunde Kadiri

Otunba Thomas Adesanya & wife, Yeye Adesanya Muibat Buari

Femi Otedola & Tunde Falasinnu

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Apostle Babatunde Odele, Rev. (Dr.) Paul Adekunle & Alhaja Sinatu Ojukutu

Chief Femi Alafe-Aluko & Mrs. Bola Ogunrinade with Femi Otedola

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Mrs. Afi Oniru & Prince Abdul-Rahman Orisagbemi

Tunde Falasinnu & Chief Lanre Razak

Princess Zainab Rabiu & Prince (Arch.) Ozitse Momodu

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High Chief Adeyeye Adekola (Agoro of Ife) & High Chief Olusegun Arasanmi (Erebese of Ife land) with Lady Doja Otedola

Hon. Habeeb Fasinro greeting Lady Doja Otedola

Mrs. Fehintola Taiwo

Cross section of guests

Cross section of guests

Cross section of catholic Women

Cross section of guests

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R-l: Muyiwa Bakare, Kayode Odukoya & friend

greater glory on Monday, May 5, 2014.

Though his death is painful, we should take solace in the fact that Chief Otedola left good legacies which are evident in the quality of the children he left behind.

He will be remembered for living a worthy life and for making indelible impact on humanity during his lifetime.

My thoughts are with you and your entire family at this difficult time. I fervently pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while he comforts and assuages the pain of those he left behind.

May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA Dear Lady Otedola, I write to convey the deepest sympathies of the Government and people of Lagos State to you on the demise of your dear husband and our 9th Governor, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola on Monday, May 5, 2014.

His tenure as Governor of our dear State, though short, was eventful. The good people of Lagos State stand proud when their dear State is referred to as the “Centre of Excellence” and will remain eternally grateful to him for choosing sobriquet for Lagos State when he was Governor.

But beyond Sir Michael Otedola’s accomplishments, the records of his Administration amply reveal his accomplishing nature and predilection towards politics without bitterness or acrimony. This endeared him to friends and political adversaries alike as he showed by example that it was possible to accommodate diverse shades of thought and opinion.

His distinctly dignified comportment outside political office is no less worthy of emulation.

I pray that the good Lord will strengthen you and the rest of the family and help you to find consolation in the fond memories of the times you shared, his 80

Rev. Sam Ajetunmobi with Rev. Canon E.O. Oludipe

achievements and service to his State and nation, and the many worthy legacies he left behind.

Once again, on behalf of my wife, Abimbola, the Government and people of Lagos State, please accept our sincere condolences and our prayers for his joyful repose with the Lord.

GOVERNOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN Dear Ma, On behalf of the Government and good people of Ogun State, I convey our deep condolence to you and the entire Otedola family on the death of your husband, Sir Michael Otedola, on Monday, 5 May, 2014 at the age of 87.

The fact that Papa attained a ripe age has not in any way lessened the pain nor the magnitude of the death of a patriarch who devoted his life to the service of his creator and benefit of humanity. Everyone who knows Sir Michael Otedola testifies to his disciplined lifestyle and gentle disposition. His election as the Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the National Republican Convention in 1992 was a testimonial of the good Lord’s benevolence. As a family man, his success is evident in his children, who remain worthy ambassadors of his values. With his demise, the family and the nation have lost an illustrious son. He will be sorely missed.

My prayer is that the good Lord will give you and the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Once again, please accept my sincere condolences and have the assurances of my highest regards.

GOVERNOR OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA I write on behalf of my family, the State Government and people of Osun to extend our condolences and

sympathies on the demise of Chief Michael Otedola, the former Governor of Lagos State which occurred recently at the ripe age of 87. Even at this ripe age, his demise is a hurtful one.

I received the news of his transition with shock and grief, coming at a time when Lagosians, irrespective of political persuasion or camp, should continue to tap from his vast experience. Undoubtedly, his demise has robbed the illustrious Otedola family of Lagos and the State Government of a statesman. While he was alive, he was a humble, energetic, enterprising and an astute politician.

I commiserate with the family on the demise of their patriarch.

As former Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), he contributed to the development of Lagos State and impacted positively on the people. The lesson that can be drawn from his passage is that while we are alive, we should all strive to serve our people and God, our creator in the belief that we shall all account for our deeds when we return to our creator.

At this difficult moment, I urge the family to be comforted by the fact that death is inevitable and that no matter how long and well, we shall all return to our creator. I pray that Almighty God grants the family left behind fortitude to bear the huge loss and the deceased, eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

GOVERNOR ALHAJI ABDULFATAH AHMED My Dear Brother, Our hearts go out to you in outpouring of sympathy over the death of your dear departed father, Sir Michael Otedola, one time Governor of Lagos State.

His death at this period when his wise, old counsel would be most needed is sad indeed. Sir Otedola, a complete Gentleman of destiny was a temperate, but firm and principled Politician and Business Person whose integrity was unquestionable.

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Apostle & Mrs. Odele with Femi Otedola

Abudu Lawani, Charles Tongo, Osa Osunde & Femi Otedola

Mr. Philip Akinola (left)

Muyiwa A. , Korede Omoloja , Lara Adeyemi & Vivian Ezeagwu

Prince Bakare & Princess Bakare

His pedigree as a teacher and media man, culminating in his distinguished political career was gloriously capped with his nomination in 2010 for a Lifetime Achievement Award. I am sure that the entire Otedola family and the people of Lagos State and Nigeria at large will miss his statesmanly disposition very sorely.

We pray for fortitude for the Otedola family, Lagos State and the entire nation over the death of this very senior and cherished citizen.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and very best personal regards.

GOVERNOR RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO Your Excellency, I received with shock the sad death of Sir Michael Otedola at the prime age of 87 and at a time when our country is in need of politicians of his repute, caliber

and experience. The sad event is indeed a loss not only for the Otedola family or that of the people of Lagos State, but a monumental loss for the whole country.

Truly, this must be a grief-stricken period for His Excellency and the Otedola family, but let us take solace in the fact that Sir Michael lived a fulfilled and fruitful life, going by the goals he has attained as a journalist and then as a politician creating with his election as the Governor of Lagos State in 1992.

On behalf of the Government and people of Kano State, I express our heartfelt sympathy and commiserate with His Excellency, the families and indeed the people of Lagos State.

Please, accept our condolences at your time of sorrow and the assurances of our highest esteem.

CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO My dear Femi, It is with a heavy heart that I write to commiserate

with you and convey, on behalf of my family, our solidarity on the transition of your father, Sir Michael Otedola, erstwhile Governor of Lagos State.

As the nation mourns with you the passing of this kind-hearted, gentle and devoted father, we salute him as a good man, a great statesman and an inspiring leader.

Sir Michael Otedola was a rare breed who combined the sterling qualities of patriotism and firmness of purpose requisite for high office with the domestic virtues of modesty and loyalty. An extraordinary person and unforgettable personality, quality and integrity were imprint and legacy.

History will record that when providence placed him in a position of influence and power, he touched many lives in a positive way. His tenure as Governor of Lagos State between 1992 and 1993 witnessed a number of significant developments in the State which endeared him to millions of his compatriots. Although 81

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Justice Adesola Oguntade & wife, Mrs. Dupe

he has left the mortal world, his name will live forever in the minds and hearts of those who appreciate his excellent service to Lagos State in particular and the nation in general.

May his soul rest eternally in the bosom of the Lord and may God give you the courage to bear the heavy loss.

ALHAJI ALIKO DANGOTE My Dear Brother, It was with a heavy heart that I received news of the passing on to eternal glory of your beloved father, Sir Michael Otedola, who was a former Executive 82

Chief Olatunde Okelana & Engr. Chris Ekpeyong

Governor of Lagos State between 1992 and 1993. On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Dangote Group, I write to extend my deepest sympathies to you and the entire Otedola family through this period of pain.

Sir Otedola was a quintessential gentleman, an accomplished technocrat, a notable philanthropist and a bridge builder, who would be remembered for his immense contributions to the growth of Lagos State.

While he would be greatly missed, I want you to take solace in the fact that he left enviable legacies behind.

He lived to see your tremendous accomplishments in the business world.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family members at this difficult time. May the Almighty God give you the fortitude to bear this loss.

Please accept my condolences.

VISAFONE CHAIRMAN, MR. JIM OVIA My Dear Femi, On behalf of the board, management and staff of

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Lady Doja Otedola

I will like to acknowledge our mother, Lady Doja Otedola. Growing up as children, we never saw them fight or have a quarrel. We always prayed to God to have good homes like them and today, we can say, to the glory of God, that each one of us has got a beautiful home.�

Hon. Habeeb Fasinro greeting Lola Segun Idahor

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Mr. Femi Otedola

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Lady Doja Otedola & son, Ayo

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Femi Otedola & wife

Rev. Sister

Engr. Davies Ajayi & Capt. T.Y. Fatunhase

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Femi Otedola & sister

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Ovation Editor, Micheal Effiong & CEO TOS Funerals, Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola

Mrs. Kim Otedola (left)

Chief Olatunde Okelana, Hamzat Ridwan & Folashade Bature

Sade Odukoya & Catherine Mayeleke

Mrs. Titilayo Oluwakemi Odugbela, Mrs. Amos Theresa & Mrs. Victoria Ola

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Olusesan Alabi

Dare Arinde & Ayodeji Adelakun

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Femi Adeyemi, Odubolanle Oludipe & Oladele Oludipe

Imam Ademola Kazeem & Hajiya A. O. Kazeem

Alhaja Afolake Olaide & Sir. Kola Olayemi

Imam Ademola Kazeem & Hajiya A. O. Kazeem

Alhaji Korede Bakare & Princess Ayoka Bakare

Oyinlola Bakare & Bunmi Segun

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Temitope Shiro, Gbemisola Odugbesan, Kemi Odugbesan & Tosin Odugbesan

Mrs. Deola Adesanya, Mrs. Ronke Owooto & Alhaja Tinu

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Hon. Segun Olulade & Ovation Editor, Micheal Effiong

Opene Gabriel & Alhaja Modinat Olaleye

Kike Oguntimehin & Anthony Oguntimehin

Lilian Atoluse, Philomina Asabe, Christiana Okonkwo & Joana Yedenu

Funke & Philip Akinola

Babajide Koku

Visafone Communications Limited, I commiserate with you and your family members on the passing of your father, Sir Michael Otedola.

Pa Otedola will be remembered for his legacies as a statesman, an established international journalist, administrator, Public Relations Consultant, educationist, member of corporate boards and above all, a philanthropist.

May the Almighty God grant you and the entire family the strength and fortitude to bear the inevitable loss.

Please, once again accept my sympathy.

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU My Dear Brother, Sir Otedola passed while I was out of the country but distance did not temper the effect of this loss. The news of his departure was one of those jolts you hope you never have to feel yet you know they are inevitable because they are a part of life. Sir Otedola lived 87years old and he lived them with purpose and unmatched dignity. His passing is a big loss because, even in the fullness of his years, he remained a bright

light to those who knew him. The loss of a loved one is a hard thing to endure. When the departed happens to be one of the great men of his time the loss is just as deep but more widely shared. I pray that God will comfort his family and pour His grace upon them. And when I say his family, I just don’t mean his household.

When I say family, I mean all of Lagos State, for he cared for the people of his state as if it were an extension of his family.

His tenure as Governor of Lagos State, although brief, witnessed enough 89

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Mr. Olubunmi Odukoya & Mr. Ayorinde Odukoya

Mr. & Mrs. Soji Adetunji with Lola Idahor

Funke Ayanbanjo & Afolake Ajiboye

Tunde Falasinnu & Lola Idahor

Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola & Mrs. Nana Otedola

Mrs. Bimiro Bamidele, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso with Mrs. Patricia Dupe Agbomeji

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Rev. Sam Ajetunmobi with Rev. Canon E. O. Oludipe

Rev. Mother Odele, Prophetess Tola Idris with Prophetess Jumoke Ola

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Edmond Otudeko & Soji Otudeko

Lanre Olesanwo & Margaret Onakoya

Mr. & Mrs. Dara

Macnaoghton Alastair & Olu Onakoya

Mr. Kemi Balogun & Mr. Babajide Koku

Vincent Jompe & Francis Ayan Jompe

Mrs. Ronke Haastrup, Mrs. Omotoke Sikiru & Aunty Fili

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Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu & Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

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Mr. & Mrs. Peter Obaseki

Korede Omoloja, Lara Adeyemi with Vivian Ezeagwu

Apostle Babatunde Odele, Lady Doja Otedola with Most Rev. (Dr.) Paul Adekunle Onanuga

Lady Doja Otedola with Mrs. Kim Otedola

Mrs. K. A. Anifowoshe, Mrs. Sola Aroworade with Mrs. Esther Aroworade

Mr. & Mrs.Tony Adesina with Lola Olofinjana

Mr. Abiodun Onafowokan

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Otunba Thomas Adesanya & wife, Yeye Adesanya with Muibat Buari

Femi Otedola & Mr. Segun Idahor

Aremo Segun Osoba with Chief Jimoh Kolawole Odumosu

Mrs. A. Oni & daughter, Miss. Oni

Segun & Lola Idahor

Bola &Tola Oye

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Chief Lanre Rasak with Chief & Mrs. Abagun

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THE FUNERAL

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Lady Doja Otedola with Lola & Segun Idahor

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PROCESSION TO CHURCH

Monsignor Phillip then praised the widow of the deceased for being a good wife and mother and urged her to be cheerful rather than mournful as she had played her part successfully in the life of her departed husband. He urged her to dance and rejoice for the day was one for celebration of a life well spent and not for mourning. He also told Lady Doja that she had every cause to be grateful because she had children that she and the nation at large could be proud of.

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THE CHURCH SERVICE

progress to prove that he was a leader of high quality and principle. He brought stability to our State and maturity to our politics. He was modest and unassuming yet brave and focused. An individual one would always want to have in the room and on your side, Baba was a key player in directing the politics of Lagos State in a positive and progressive direction.

Had he been given more time to govern, his quiet greatness would have had an even more pronounced effect on the political traditions of our state. Lagos shall never forget him. His philanthropy and humanity are almost legendary just as his devotion to God was unwavering. He shall forever be a standard that all of us should emulate. As we do so, we shall make better places of Lagos and of Nigeria and we shall give our children the future which we seek for them and in our country and place them on a footing to compete globally.

OTUNBA MICHAEL OLASUBOMI BALOGUN My closeness with someone I affectionately call “My Egbon”, predates his assumption of the high office of the Governor of Lagos State. We were public servants together in Ibadan. When I had the unique honour of using my company, City Securities Limited, to offer for sale the shares of Mobil Oil (Nigeria) Limited where he was Head of Corporate Affairs, we interacted a lot.

When I also wanted to set up S & B Printers (Subomi & Bimbola), he offered to train free of charge, the senior management at his IMPACT PRESS in Surulere. Even though I knew he worked closely with some politicians in office, particularly the inimitable legend, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, I never knew that with his gentle nature he could aspire to political office. However, I knew him to be an effective lover and leader of people; hence, I was not surprised when to the delight of many people who knew him closely, Providence made him a Governor of Lagos State.

In his usually quiet and effective way, he made tremendous impact and touched the lives of so many

people. He was a visionary, who knew what he wanted and in an unobtrusive manner, he made his mark by leaving indelible footprints in the annals of the history of Lagos State. Although the Military unfortunately aborted his tenure, there are evidences all over the State to vindicate his humane, but effective way of serving people.

He definitely opened up the almost neglected Epe axis of the Lagos State and everybody felt his impact.

He developed effectively on the foundation Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson laid in opening up Epe and gave the people of Epe a sense of belonging to Lagos State.

I interacted a lot with him outside his political office and I formed the impression that this was a good man and a Christian with whom one should associate.

He also gave me a sense of nostalgia by saying people from Odoragunsin actually came from the origin of my royal affinity, Agunsebi, in Ijebu-Ode, being a place from which the people in Odoragunsin came from and over whom I am fortuitously now the Olori-Ebi. He was gentle to a fault, yet effective! He was not a man of many words, yet his short tenure was actionpacked. He was humane and had a common touch with the less privileged. For him to have left so many indelible footprints within a truncated short period as Governor of Lagos State, speaks volumes about his effectiveness.

He was indeed a family man who would do anything to fetch out his kith and kin and bring them close to himself. We pray that his soul would rest in perfect peace. Amen.

HRH THE OTUNBA ADEKUNLE OJORA & HRH THE ERELU DAME OJUOLAPE OJORA We have learnt the demise of our beloved friend Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola on his departure to greater glory with the Almighty God. Sir Michael lived a life full of fulfillment and his accomplishments bear testimony of the special grace

and the goodness of the Almighty God in his life.

It is therefore appropriate to celebrate the life and times of an endearing compatriot. He was undoubtedly a man whom God endowed with many attributes, good things of life, good bearing, firmness of purpose and unfailing grace at all times. He possessed exemplary quality of dignity and above all, he remained throughout his life a patriot whose patriotism knows no bounds and was respected and adored by all those who came in contact with him.

Sir Michael was indeed a great Nigerian whose life was not obscure. His achievements remain mouthful events for all well-meaning Nigerians to narrate creditably and in his unobtrusive manner he succeeded, to an unimaginable extent and to his everlasting glory, in influencing for good. In public and private endeavours he left behind enduring legacies worthy of emulation.

We deeply cherish our friendship over many decades and the unfailing kindness which surrounded him throughout his life. Undoubtedly, not only ourselves but many Nigerians whose lives he touched would forever respect him especially during his tenure of office as Governor of Lagos State and the surmountable devotion with which he acquitted himself in the office. It is therefore historical that his accomplishment should go on record and remind everyone of the glorious life he lived to the end with dauntless courage and astonishing optimism.

We join his many friends and admirers in wishing him a pleasant homeward journey to meet his Lord and Creator.

Rest in Peace!

PRINCE OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA – MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR, LAGOS STATE DEC. 1993 – AUGUST 1996 On my assumption of duty as military administrator on posting to govern Lagos State in December, 1993 – a very difficult period in the history 103

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Sen. Andy Uba, Femi Otedola welcoming Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Femi Otedola greeting Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

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Femi Otedola & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Femi Otedola, Ms. Funke Obasanjo & aides of the former President

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PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES

Arrival of the President

Gov. Babatunde Fashola & President Goodluck Jonathan

Gov. Babatunde Fashola, President Goodluck Jonathan & H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan

of our dear nation, I met a record of diligent, selfless, honest and patriotic service rendered by my immediate predecessor in office, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, whose departure to glory we have every reasonable cause to celebrate. I am proud to say that I met a record of impeccable contributions to the development of Lagos State by Papa Otedola, whose quality of service was demonstrated by his moral, effective and responsible style of governance, that Papa exhibited during his two-year rule as governor of Lagos State.

Evidently, Sir Michael Otedola was a man of destiny. As governor of Lagos State flying the flag of the National Republican Convention, his ability to hold members of the executive and legislature together in relative peace, was a strong indication of the deceased’s respectability, integrity and acceptability in a political setting, whose legislature was dominated by the opposition political party, the Social Democratic Party.

It is on record that Papa succeeded in life largely

because he was able to coordinate his personal interests towards the common good, even as he remained in constant touch with the people, serving with dedication, honesty and the fear of God. Papa Otedola rose early like the morning star. He trained locally and abroad, graduating from the Regent Street Polytechnic, London, in 1958. He thereafter worked as an information officer in the Western Nigerian government, from where he joined politics. It is on record that Papa made remarkable contributions to national development in the public and private sectors and his personal life. A quiet philanthropist, the deceased was highly regarded in the society. Sir Otedola combined the ingenuity of a businessman with the humility and fellow-feeling of a well-bred Nigerian. He enjoyed an enviable political career, as exemplified by his services during his relatively short tenure as governor of Lagos State. At all times, Papa was able to demonstrate the spirit of give and take, and

also took the pains to accommodate conflicting views and interests.

As governor of Lagos State between 1992 and 1993, Papa Otedola ensured that his actions were characterised by a responsible leadership that guaranteed an enlightened followership, and did everything possible to entrench an ensduring democratic culture of good governance in Lagos State.

More importantly, Sir Otedola was firmly constantly established with the people and identified with their hopes and aspirations. Little wonder, Papa was able to serve effectively and re-integrate effortlessly into his Epe community, immediately he left as an actor in Government.

Sir Otedola will go down in history as a very sincere personality. I am sure that Papa has left behind footsteps worthy to be emulated by all Nigerians who are alive today. He has left his dear wife, Mama Doja Otedola, children and numerous political followers and admirers to continue with the good work he left behind.

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Femi Otedola, President Goodluck Jonathan, H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan & Gov. Babatunde Fashola

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Femi Otedola, President Goodluck Jonathan & Tony Elumelu (behind)

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Lady Doja Otedola with some members of Catholic Women Organization

Lady Doja Otedola with Catholic Knights

Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie with Lady Doja Otedola

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THE KNIGHTS PAYING THEIR LAST RESPECT TO ONE OF THEIR OWN

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Knights of St. Slyvester praying for the late Sir Micheal

I commend the deceased to God’s good care in the Great Beyond. It is my prayer that the good Lord, who knows all things and can do all things, may grant Papa Otedola’s soul a quiet repose. Rest in the bosom of the Lord, Papa Michael Agbolade Otedola.

While once again commiserating with you on this painful loss, please accept the heartfelt sympathy of my family, as well as those of my entire political associates and friends.

TRIBUTE BY THE OONI OF IFE, ALAYELUWA OBA OKUNADE SIJUWADE OLUBUSE II Sir Michael Otedola; one of the remaining trusted leaders in Yorubaland is gone. We thank God for the excellent life of this illustrious son of the Yoruba race from Odoragunsin in Epe. A Nigerian statesman of African extraction in whom every Nigerian man, woman and child is proud. His death is a monumental loss to the Yoruba Race and our great country Nigeria.

It is as shocking as it is disheartening.

People like me have known His Excellency Sir Michael Otedola before he got married to his jewel Mama Femi, and a good friend of ours, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the Lisa of the Source and my good self, used to follow him to the house of his father-inlaw appealing to his very dear future wife to marry him, and we’re all there on that great day.

He was the Executive Governor of Lagos State just for about two years and Lagosians will never forget what he did in those two years. And if you are looking for a Nigerian with a sense of full responsibility and care for fellow Nigerians, this was Sir Michael Otedola.

His days at Western Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation were fabulous. He was a consummate journalist and a dutiful Public Relations Officer in which the Government of Western Nigeria was very proud.

His endeavours in other fields like teaching and education distinguished him as a noble being who had the thought of the generality of his people in mind. As

Government into private life, leaving active politics alone, but remained an adviser and father of the people.

The state rewarded him by an Educational institution in Epe division of Lagos State, after his name. I therefore call on the wife and children, indeed the whole family to take solace from his exemplary life of peace and service to the people. I call on the Almighty God to console the family and the Lagos State Government.

My family and I remember him with rueful reminiscences and prayers to the Almighty God to accept this Man of Peace into his kingdom.

an industrialist and an erudite consultant between 1992 and 1993, he had grown in his vision and mission so much that it was not difficult for the people of Lagos State to identify in him the iconic tendencies of a visioner. He after all proved he had a mission as the civilian governor of Lagos State as exemplified in the type of programmes he executed within two years and he lived a life worthy of emulation.

Sir Michael was blessed with wonderful and distinguished members of his household. Chief Mrs. Doja Otedola, a very devoted and hardworking wife shall definitely miss her long-life partner while his children, one or two of whom are friends to my own children, will continue to think of a father who doted all over them while he lived.

On behalf of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, a body to which I am co-Chairman; Traditional Rulers of Osun State, where I am Chairman, and Ile-Ife the Source and the Cradle of our race, I pray that God in his mercy would grant his soul everlasting repose.

The demise of Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola is a great loss to the people of Lagos State. He has left behind an imperishable record of service and integrity.

I pray that his good soul shall rest in perfect peace.

Alhaji (Dr.) Lateef Kayode Jakande

A TRIBUTE AND CONDOLENCE MESSAGE BY COMMODORE EBITU UKIWE

LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, RT. HON. ADEYEMI KUFORIJI’S TRIBUTE

The news of the passing away of Elder Statesman and former Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, is a reminder to us all of the morality and transient nature of man on this earth. Sir Michael Otedola was a very peaceful politician who as Lagos State Governor brought peaceful changes to the administration of Lagos State. His lifestyle had an imprint in the running of Lagos State. His peaceful reign made people, irrespective of their states of origin live together, act together and making development of the state a smooth and non-rancorous affair. Whichever part of Nigeria anyone came from was a non-issue in the distribution of welfare, amenities, and in provision of vital infrastructures in areas that they were deficient.

He served the populace well and the people loved him for it.

He retired from his running of Lagos State

TRIBUTE BY ALHAJI LATEEF JAKANDE, FIRST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS

As a thoroughbred indigene of Epe, it is a great privilege and honour to pay tribute to the Lion of Odoragunsin; a pathfinder of Epe Kingdom; a Giant of Epe; and a pacesetter for Epe division. In his lifetime, Chief Michael Otedola gave pride to being an Epe indigene and gave honour to being a Lagosian.

For a long time, Baba Otedola was the face of Epe and his charisma epitomizes the nature of an average Epe citizen. Lagos will miss him; Epe will mourn him.

Indeed, Baba Otedola is a great loss to Lagos State and Nigeria; I urge Lady Doja Otedola and the entire Otedola family to accept my heartfelt condolence on the death of Papa; and I pray that the Almighty God give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Nonetheless, I want us to take solace in the testimony my dear sister, Assistant Pastor Mosunmola Otedola gave on Baba’s final years: “There was joy in 109

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Femi Otedola, Nduka Obaigbena & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Femi Otedola & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Bashorun Dele Momodu, Princes Nduka Obaigbena, Femi Otedola, Biola Otufale & Ndidi Edozien

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The twins: Lola Segun Idahor (l) & Tola Oye (r) with Mr. Bola Oye

Mrs. Kim Otedola, Jason Otedola & Lady Doja Otedola

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Oba Sikiru Adetona’s representatives with Olorogun Sunny Kuku

Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Lady Doja Otedola & the Reverend Fathers

Lady Doja Otedola with family members

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Capt Hosa Okunbor & Mr Tunde Ayeni

Hajia Bola Shagaya

Prince Bisi Olatilo

Jide Coker & Biola Akinola

Segun Sebanjo

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

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Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie

Lady Doja Otedola

Ms. Arumna Oteh

Sen. Ganiyu Solomon

Mr. Jim Ovia with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Mr. Segun Awolowo Jnr.

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Fmr. Gov. of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi

Gov. Babatunde Fashola & Senator Gbenga Ashafa

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Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro

Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun

R-l: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa & Mr. Segun Erewa

CEO./GMD., UBA Plc., Mr. Phillips Oduoza

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From 2nd left: Nduka Obaigbena (Publisher Thisday Newspaper), Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina, Femi Otedola & friends

Rt.Hon. Joko Pelumi greeting Femi Otedola & Prince Nduka Obaigbena

Baba’s life in his twilight years, he gave his life to God before he passed on, he will rest in peace.”

There was no doubt that Chief Michael Otedola was a man of peace who governed with a human face during his time as governor of our dear State. I recall a time when there was unrest in LASU, Chief Otedola refused to send in the police force to quash the chaos. Baba responded, “They are not criminals. They are my children. I will not send force against them. I will talk to them.” Baba’s resolve to expose the intrigues behind the LASU conflict made him a star. This is the nature of Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, father of the nation; an exemplary statesman; genuine philanthropist; a great icon and Chief Don Etiebet & Femi Otedola

an eminent Nigerian.

We in the Lagos State House of Assembly acknowledged the progress our State experienced during the stewardship of Pa Otedola as governor.

His era was characterised by great achievements; excellence was his core pursuit for Lagos State. Lagos will never forget him because his indelible record of service has given him immortality.

Baba Otedola once said: life is finite, the thought of losing it shouldn’t scare the righteous; the end of every man will come no matter what, judgment lies with history whether we bow out gracefully or shamefully, this is the lesson we must bequeath.

Rest in peace our dear father, His Excellency, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola.

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Femi Otedola

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Mrs. Nana Otedola

Chief Donald Etiebet & Femi Otedola

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The church procession

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CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele & Senator Andy Uba

The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & wife, The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora with Chief Donald Etiebet

Senator Andy Uba & Ms. Funke Obasanjo

(R-L) Olorogun Sunny Kuku & Don Etiebet

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Princess Sarah Sosan

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (left) & Chief Donald Etiebet (right)

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Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina & Mr. Jim Ovia

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Chief Edem Duke

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Senator Andy Uba

R-l: CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Hon. Segun Olulade, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Rt.Hon. Joko Pelumi & Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina

Hon. Segun Olulade, Rt. Hon. Jokotade Pelumi & Chief (Mrs.) Sera Sosan

From 2nd left: Jide Coker & Biola Akinola

Sir. Obed Ekewoha & Ms. Ndidi Obiora

Mr. Kenneth Olisa & Mrs. Seun Ismail

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo chatting with Femi Otedola & Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora & The Otunba Adekunle Ojora

Officiating Ministers with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Ndidi Edozien greeting Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Prof. Aba Sagos, Chief Sina Ogunbambo & Arch. Adedeji Adebiyi

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Dr. Stella Okoli

Taj Giwa-Osagie with Mrs. Temi Onabamiro & Ayo Onabamiro

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Rt.Hon. Joko Pelumi, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Hon. Segun Olulade

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Mr. Jim Ovia

Otunba Subomi Balogun, Peter Obi & Gov. Ibikunle Amosun

Nana Otedola, Femi Otedola & Ms. Arumna Oteh

Mr. Dapo Amusan with Mr. & Mrs. Feyi Bali

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Femi Otedola & Prince Nduka Obaigbena

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Femi Otedola & Prince Nduka Obaigbena

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Owolabi Amisu, Mr. & Mrs. Oresanwo with Sammy Ikunu

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & H.E. Gov. Ibikunle Amosun

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Mr. Jim Ovia, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu & Femi Otedola

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okojie, Gov. Peter Obi & Femi Otedola

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Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Sen. Andy Uba

Femi Otedola & Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun

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Mr. Kunle Onakomaiya & Tobi Adekoya

Amb. Rex Akwaowoh

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Lady Doja Otedola

Nduka Obaigbena, Nuhu Ribadu, Ndidi Edozie, Biola Otufale & Bashorun Dele Momodu

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola & Alhaja Sinat Ojikutu

Mrs. Sarah Sosan & Funke Bucknor-Obruthe

Gov. Peter Obi,Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora

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Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Femi Otedola

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola & Senator Ganiyu Solomon

Chief Obasanjo & Archie

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Pastor Segun Adetiba

Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Alh. Aliko Dangote & Femi Otedola

Chief Mike Oghiadome, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina & Mr. Jim Ovia

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Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie & Alh. Sinat Ojikutu

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Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Alh. Aliko Dangote

Nana Otedola & Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina

Former Governor Peter Obi greeting Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Gov. Peter Obi, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora & Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon

Femi Otedola, Gov. Peter Obi, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, Alh.Aliko Dangote, Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon & Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora

Toke Ibru & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Alh.Aliko Dangote

Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Senator Olorunimbe Mamora

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Alh. Aliko Dangote, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Femi Otedola & Sen. Andy Uba

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Femi Otedola, Gov. Peter Obi, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, Alh. Aliko Dangote, Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon & Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora

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: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & daughter Ms. Funke Obasanjo

Alh. Aliko Dangote & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Rt. Hon. Jokotade Pelumi, Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora

Reverend Sisters, Alh. Aliko Dangote & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Sen. Obanikoro greeting Otunba Niyi Adebayo

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Nneka Ayodele, Vivian Ezeagwu, Modupe Odusola & Lolade Kassim

Busola Banjoko, Lare Adeyemi & Korede Omoloja

Ayodeji Adelakun, Odia Aleobra & Soye Alabi

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Funmilayo Davies, Kemi Onakomaiya & Yewande Adekoya

Ora, Rudi & Tati Valle

Mrs. Theresa Johnson & Mrs. Rashidat Adegbite

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Fola Ayebi & Pastor Agboola Ojo

Justina Sitarska, Irama Vega Pueyo & Temi Adeyemi

Hon. (Mrs) Bukky Araba & Oduayo Araba

Gbenga Taiwo, Tony Adesina & Otunba Thomas Adesanya

Prince Lanre Tejuoso & Hon. Ronke Sokefun

Debola Dina-Elegbe, Bola Davies & Mrs. Adesanya

Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Prince Nduka Obaigbena & Arch. Adedeji Adebiyi

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R-l: Prince (Dr.) Lanre Tejuoso, Segun Ogunsanya, Laolu Mudashiru & Mr. Leke Adewolu

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu & Chief Demola Seriki

John Akpeki & Jennifer Akpeki

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Ndidi Edozien, Prince Nduka Obaigbena & Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Michael Effiong & Segun Ogunbunmi

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Segun Ogunbunmi & Femi Otedola

Sen. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mrs. Kafila Ogbara & Shade Balogun

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

GMD/CEO, UBA, Mr. Philips Oduoza & Prince Nduka Obaigbena

Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie

MD/CEO UBA, Philips Oduoza & Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

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Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro

PDP Chairman, Alh. Adamu Muazu

Hajia Bola Shagaya (r)

Charles Ahize

Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija

Biola Otufale & Ndidi Edozien

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Senator Kofoworola BucknorAkerele

Hajia Bola Shagaya (R)

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Femi & Nana Otedola

137

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Femi Otedola, President Goodluck Jonathan, H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan & Gov. Babatunde Fashola

138

Femi Otedola, President Goodluck Jonathan & Tony Elumelu (behind)

President Goodluck Jonathan & Tony Elumelu (behind)

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The Priests

T.O.S. Pall bearers

139

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Nana Otedola & Lady Doja Otedola

140

Ayo Otedola & Lady Adedoja Otedola

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Jason Otedola & Kim Otedola

Mr. & Mrs. Segun Idahor

The Knights of St. Sylvester

Mr. & Mrs. Bola Oye

141

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Nana Otedola greeting H.E. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Femi Otedola & H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan look on

142

Nana Otedola greets the First Lady, H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan

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143

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144

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Gov. Babatunde Fashola & wife, H.E. Dame Abimbola Fashola, Nana Otedola, Femi Otedola, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan & wife, H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Nana Otedola & husband, Femi Otedola with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan & the First Lady, H.E. Dame Patience Jonathan

Lady Doja Otedola, Ayo Otedola & Kim Otedola

145

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Cross section of dignitaries

146

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Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, Hon. Segun Olulade, Rt. Hon. Jokotade Pelumi & Hon. Kemi

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola & Hajia Bola Shagaya

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & National Chairman, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu

147

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Alh. Aliko Dangote, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor & Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (right)

148

Cross section of the priests

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149

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150

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Chief Demola Seriki greeting Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija

Mr. & Mrs. Femi Otedola with Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

Femi Otedola & Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola

151

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H.E. Dame Abimbola Fashola & Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija chatting with Ovation Publisher

Mrs .Folorunsho Alakija & Mrs. Nana Otedola

H.E. Dame Abimbola Fashola, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija & Mrs. Nana Otedola

Bashua

152

Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, Rt Hon. Jokotade Pelumi & Prince Bisi Olatilo

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Stella Okoye & Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele

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Chief Demola Seriki, Mr. Tunde Ayeni & Captain Hosa Okunbor

Mrs. Taiwo Ogunsola

Chief (Mrs.) Sena Anthony & Mr. Funsho Kupolokun

Sir Okey Ezibe with Mr. Tony Edobor

Mr. Ugoh Nsofor with Mr. Jite Otite

Chief Wale Mogaji with Mrs. Abose Atta

Mr. & Mrs. John Babalola

Engr. Adeyemi Adenuga with Chris Okon

153

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Fola Ayeni with Rashidat Adegbite

Toke Alex Ibru with Mr. Jude Solomon

Barr. Erinkitola with Chief Atoyingbe Tade

Arch. & Mrs. Ayo Adetiba

Alhaji Tunde Agbomabiwo with Hon. Monday Abodunrin Ofarn (JP)

Princess Oriyomi Rolola with Madam Agnes Olumole

154

Mrs. Cecilia Toyin & Kehinde Ekoh

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Hanson Garba, Mr. Abbass Nasser & Ambassador M.K Halil

Engr. Kayode Anibaba with Segun Oyewole

Kehinde with Kemi Peters

Olagbaye Ajibola with Chief Olayemi Ganiyu Abiodun

Pastor Charles Nwawuba with Pastor Gideon Balogun

Alhaja Yinka Adebowale with Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ogunkelu

Mr. & Mrs. B.A. Adekoya

Dr. & Mrs. Peter Oriaifo

155

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Joseph Okonmah with Otunba Sunbo Onitiri

Chief Demola Seriki & Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro

Toyin Pinheiro, SAN & Muyiwa Bakare

Mrs. Jumoke Akinyemi with Mrs. Temitope Salami

Mrs. M. Adesanya, Mrs. J. Ayayi & Hon. E.A. Ogunsanya

156

Chief Mrs. Omoloke Sikiru, Chief Mrs. Ttilayo Adegboyega & Mrs. Sola Jegede

Cynthia Parrish with Mosh Bola Owolowo

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Prince Bisi Olatilo, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa & Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora

Funsho Lawal, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Segun Awolowo(Jnr.)

Barr. Ajao, Mr. Bade Taylor, Otunba Akinyemi Oriola, Otunba Senjobi & John Otubanjo

Dr. Sunday Ajao & Joseph Okonmah

Dr. Sunday Ajai with Hon. Tunde Oluwo

Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Mr. Bolanle Oshisanya, Amb. Folake Marcus-Bello & Mrs. Funlola Olofinjana

Representatives of The Ooni of Ife

Mrs. Sola Aroworade & Lara Aroworade

157

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...GIVING THANKS

158

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The Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Dele Momodu & Ndidi Edozien

159

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160

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The procession

The Reverend Fathers

Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (L)

161

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162

The Pall bearer carrying the corpse

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The Otedolas

163

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164

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165

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Gov. Ibikunle Amosun & Prince Lanre Tejuosho stepping out of church

Segun Adesanya

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu & Prince Bisi Olatilo

Mr. Tunde Folawiyo

Otunba Niyi Adebayo

166

Yemisi, Zanat & Titi

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167

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Nana & Femi Otedola with Hon. Segun Olulade

168

Femi Otedola with the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji

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Lady Doja Otedola with Femi Otedola

Mrs. Kim Otedola, Lady Doja Otedola & Femi Otedola

169

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The Reverend Fathers with Femi Otedola & Lady Doja Otedola

170

The Reverend Fathers with Lady Doja Otedola

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Lady Doja Otedola with the Reverend Fathers

The Reverend Father performing the dust to dust rite

171

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Lady Doja Otedola performing her dust to dust rite

Mr. Ayo Otedola performing the dust to dust rite

172

Femi Otedola Perfoming his dust to dust rite

Femi Otedola Perfoming his dust to dust rite

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Mrs. Omotola Kehinde Oye performing her dust to dust rite

Mrs. Omolola Taiwo Idahor performing her dust to dust rite

Jason Otedola performing his dust to dust rite

173

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Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu (Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State)

174

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The tomb designed by MIC

175

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THE ALL-WHITE RECEPTION

176

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Usherettes

177

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Alh. Aliko Dangote, Rtd. Admiral Ezeoba, Alh. Mohammed Abubakar, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Femi Otedola & Otunba Niyi Adebayo

178

Femi Otedola, Kola Abiola & Otunba Niyi Adebayo

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Mrs. Nana Otedola with Mrs. Kim Otedola

Femi Otedola, Omolola Idahor, Kola Abiola & Omotola Oye

179

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Arrival of Femi Otedola

Arrival of The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora

Arrival of Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Mr. Sam Iwuajoku

Mr. Tunde Folawiyo & Mike Oghiadome arriving the event

Otunba Niyi Adebayo arriving with other dignitaries

180

Chief (Mrs.) Sena Anthony & Former NNPC GMD, Mr. Funsho Kupolokun stepping in

Bayo Fatusin & Alh. Muhammed Abubakar

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Ola Otedola, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (DJ Cuppy) & Temi Otedola

Mr. Joseph Okonmah & Chief Edem Duke

Otunba Niyi Adebayo & Dr. Deji Adeleke

Tunde Folawiyo, Akin Akinfemiwa & Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale

Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Chief Mike Oghiadome

Mr. Sam Iwuajoku & Dr. Deji Adeleke

Chief Edem Duke & Jide Coker

Sir Steve Omojafor, Oba Otudeko & guest

181

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Alh. Mohammed Abubakar & Mr. Tunde Folawiyo

Segun Adesanya & Aremo Segun Osoba

Nogie Meggison, Kayode Odukoya & Alhaji Aliko Dangote discussing

IGP Mohammed Abubakar & Tunde Folawiyo

Bimpe Adeniran-Ogunsanya

182

Ronke Ayuba, Ruth Benamaisia Opia, Shade Odusoga, Taba Allwell-Brown & Jacquline Aki

Beere Derin Osoba & Chief Demola Seriki

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Alh. Kashim Imam, Chief Don Etiebet, Otunba Funsho Lawal, Kola Abiola & Alhaji Lai Mohammed

Alh. Kasim Imam & Alh. MohammAbubarkar

Mr. Kola Abiola & Femi Otedola

Capt. Dapo Olumide & Femi Otedola

Aare Lanre Shittu with Mr. & Mrs. Olumide Oladapo

183

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Jacquline Aki

Ola & Temi Otedola

184

Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Otunba Niyi Adebayo & Dr. Deji Adeleke

Otunba Funsho Lawal

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Alhaji Aliko Dangote, IGP Mohammed Abubakar & Chief Mike Oghiadome

Aare Lanre Shittu, Mr. & Mrs. Olumide Oladapo, Kayode Odukoya & Wole Aboderin

Mr. Bayo Fatusi & Major General T. I. Dibi

Chief Donald Etiebet, Hon. (Mrs.)Abike Dabiri-Erewa & husband, Mr. Segun Erewa

Engr. Bosun Talabi & Chief Demola Seriki

Wole Aboderin (r)

Donald Duke & the Inspector General of Police, Alh. Mohammed Abubakar

Mr. Tunde Oshinowo & Mr. Bayo Fatusin

185

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Donald Duke, Kola Abiola & Tunde Folawiyo

Mr. & Mrs. Femi Otedola with T-Blitz

Mr. Olumide Oladapo, Kayode Odukoya & Wole Aboderin

186

Chief Don Etiebet & Otunba Funsho Lawal

Dr. Peter Oriaifo & wife, Mrs. Oriafo

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Robby Momoh, Arch. Adedeji Adebiyi & Mr. Soji Adebowale

Sade Adeniyi & Hon. (Mrs.) Titi Oseni

H.E. Segun Adesegun & Segun Adesanya

Omoba (Arch.) Tunde Payne & wife, Mrs. Payne

Debo Laditan, Debisi Akinde, Justice Sola Williams & Ronke Owotomo

Mr. Kunle Adebowale, Mr. Bode Netufo & Wale Edward

187

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Arch. Ozitse Momodu, Olu Otedola & Robert Metsese

Ola Kukoyi & Lord Mayor Akinpelu

Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Hon. (Mrs.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Mr. Soji Adebowale & Mrs. Kunle Adebowale

Bayo Abdul

188

Funke Bucknor-Obruthe (left)

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Tunde Folawiyo, Kola Abiola & Femi Otedola

Ali Baba, Saheeto, Basket Mouth & Seyi Law

Leke Adefala, Kola Alagbada & Gogo Karibi-Whyte

Kayode Odukoya, Chief (Mr.) Sena Anthony & guest

Kayode Odukoya & Lai Mohammed

189

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Dr. Yemi Onabowale greeting Kola Abiola

Hon. (Mrs.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa & Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola & Captain Dapo Olumide

Ola Otedola & friend

Hon. Shelle Tunji, Saheeto & Leke Adefala

Lord Mayor Akinpelu & Segun Adesanya

190

Leke Adefala & Tunde Osinowo

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Saheeto & Mr. Segun Erewa

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Yemi Oyenuga, Deola Bali, Reni Folawiyo & Tola Adegbite

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu & Kola Abiola

Juwon Ikuomola, Sisi Wande & Tosin Ogayemi

Kola Abiola (left)

Mr. Femi Otedola greeting a guest

Mr. Kola Abiola exchange pleasantries with guests

Mr. Femi Otedola greeting a guest

(L) Oba Otudeko

191

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Ms. Tayo Ladipo, Deola Bali, Nana Otedola & Emilia Okumagba

King Sunny Ade & Dr. Deji Adeleke

192

King Sunny Ade & Mr. Philip Akinola

King Sunny Ade, Tiwa Savage & husband, TJ

(L ) King Sunny Ade

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Mr. Oliver & Mrs. Ify Okeke

King Sunny Ade & Kola Abiola

Aremo Segun Osoba & Charles Ahize

Alhaji Aliko Dangote with guests

Lord Mayor Akinpelu & Chief Demola Seriki

Tunde Folawiyo (Middle)

193

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Ola, DJ Cuppy, Temi Otedola with Segun Sebanjo

Tunde Folawiyo (middle) & Sina Ogunbanwo

194

Mayor Akinpelu, Demola Seriki & Sen. Gbenga Ashafa

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Oba Otudeko with the Knights

Femi Otedola with the Knights

195

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Mr. Femi Otedola with Late Micheal Otedola’s friends

Prince Lanre Tejuoso, Demola Seriki & Sen. Gbenga Ashafa

196

Mr. Segun Adesanya & Aremo Segun Osoba

(R-L) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa & Hon .Mrs. Titi Oseni

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Femi Otedola & Akin Akinfemiwa

Rtd. Admiral Ezeoba, Femi Otedola & Alh. Mohammed Abubakar

Enitan Olukokun & Hon. Adeoye

197

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Femi Otedola & Lord Mayor Akinpelu

Segun Adesanya, Jacquline Aki & Prince Lanre Tejuosho

Mr. Femi Otedola in a warm pleasantries with a guest

( L ) Dola Bamgboye

Mr. Segun Erewa & Patrick Doyle

198

(R ) Mr. Ola Kukoyi

Tunde Folawiyo & Edmund Otudeko

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Bayo Fatunsin, IGP Mohammed Abubakar & Femi Otedola

Reni & Tunde Folawiyo

Mr. Segun Alawaye & (Middle ) Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Captain Micheal & Segun Lawal

Mrs. Odushagun with colleagues

199

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From 2nd left: Kola Abiola, Femi Otedola & Tunde Folawiyo & Akin Kekere-Ekun

Zaphaire Staff

200

Nike Adewole, Yetunde George & Aisha

(R-L) Aita Ighodaro, Richard Thoborn & Mary Ikeora

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Balogun

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Kola Abiola & Femi Otedola

Sam Iwuajoku, Dr. Deji Adeleke & Otunba Funsho Lawal

Ola Kukoyi (2nd left) with guests

Zaphaire Staff

Mrs. Odunsagun, Mrs. Toyin Odumosun & Mrs. Kemi

201

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Ali Baba

Basketmouth performing

Seyi Law on stage

Mrs. Afi Oniru

202

Titilayomi

Zaphaire Staff

Jacquie Aki (r)

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Oba Otundeko, Otunba Funsho Lawal & Sam Iwuajoku

Muyiwa Bakare, Nogie Meggison & Aliko Dangote

Aremo Olusegun Osoba & Chief Mike Oghiadome

Bola Ogundogba , Princess Ayo Sonariwo & Olori Sonariwo

Funmi Adeleye & Seun

Mrs. Reni Folawiyo (m) with friends

Andrew Omosebi & Funto Adebayo

203

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9ice with The Otedolas

Mrs. Ify Okeke, Mr. Oliver & Mr. Nicholas Okoye

204

Omosheri Andrew, Mrs. Keji Adebayo, Mr. Funto Adebayo, Mr. Eubukun Adebayo & Mrs. Koko Atta

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The Otunba Adekunle Ojora & Mrs. Nana Otedola

Mrs. Nana Otedola greeting The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora

Koye Edu with Alh. Aliko Dangote

Muyiwa Bakare, Toyin Pinherio & Alh. Aliko Dangote

Mrs. Nana Otedola & friends

205

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H.E. Segun Adesegun & Otunba Niyi Adebayo

Jide Ologun & Joseph Okonmah

Kayode Olanshile Alfred & wife, Lanre Alfred with Azuka Ogujiuba

Mama Ashola & Mrs. Atta

Mr. Baba Atta & wife, Mrs. Saba Atta

206

Mrs. Kemi Marinho & Ms. Tayo Ladipo

Mr. Deda Atta & Mrs. Ibi Oke Atta

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Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Chief Demola Seriki

Ruth Benemasia-Opia (right)

Adeyemi Oniru, Jacquie Aki & Taba Allwell-Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Daba

Engr. Adenuga & Ganiyu Adisa

Mr. John Babalola & Mrs. Judith Babalola

Mrs. Cecilia Atta & Mrs. Jokotola Akara

207

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Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Mrs. Nana Otedola & Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Lai Beladuro & Tubosun Kola Daisi

208

Mr. Ma Jian & Mr. Zhao Yu

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R-l: Jide Coker, Femi Otedola & friends

Jide Ologun, Alhaji Lai Mohammed & Joseph Okonmah

Enitan Osibodu & Joseph Okonma

Akin Kekere-Ekun, Femi Otedola & Otunba Funsho Lawal

Kesbena Scrase & Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu

Niki Omera & Yomi Adufe Aisha

Aisha Anthonio & Tinu Jimo

209

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Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu & Nnenna Nwogwugwu

Femi Otedola with Senator Gbenga Ogunniya

Dotun Olaribigbe (Lobito Disco) & Femi Otedola

210

Gbenga, Olutoyin & Ajao

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Koye Edu & Femi Otedola

Tunde Oshinowo (left)

Tope, Titilayomi & Teju

Toyin Ajayi & Omotunde Moronkeji

Tunde Odewole & Kayode Odusanya

Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu & Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

211

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Ola, Temi & Nana Otedola

Nana Otedola & Kim Otedola

Akogun Osayemi

Tosin Ogayemi, Ikuomolan Juwon & Sisi Wande

Mrs. Bisi Awolola & Mrs. Mojirade Amoje

212

Hon. Titi Oseni & Mr. Tunde Oshilowo

Dele Oluyomi

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Jacquie Aki (r)

Gogo Karibi-White, Kola Alagbada & Seton Kunuji

Kemi Fatogbe & Yinka Fatoye

Tiwa Savage & Seyi Law

Aita Ighodaro, Segun Sebanjo, May Ikeora & Seton Kunuji

213

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Dr. Yemi Onabowale (left) & Toyin Pinheiro, SAN (right)

Gbenga Owolabi & Ayo Owolabi

Mrs. Chika Omoruyi, Dr. Dorothy Jeff-Nnamami & Mrs. Chinedo Egbuna

The Adesidas

The families of Odunuga & Adetiba

214

Musa Bigmus, Becky Agho & Aishat Asuni

Mr. Ogunubi & wife, Mrs. Patience Ogunubi

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Mr. & Mrs. Micheal Ayo Otedola with friends

Mr. & Mrs. Ade Ogunsanya

Mrs. Folayemi Olaitan, Mrs. Toyin Akande & Mrs. Kemi Okoya

Mrs. Tayo Pinheiro & Miss. Bimpe Aderoju

Kim Otedola & Jason Otedola

215

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Tope Omolewa

Enitan Osibodu & Nike Ademola

Amaka Obi & Olajumoke

216

Dola Bamgboye (left) & Dele Gbajumo

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Mrs. Kemi Adekoya with Mrs. Kemi Erukusia

Mr. Shakiru Shiro, Mrs. Juliana Ogunniyi with Mr. Abass Shiro

Mr. & Mrs. Tunji Osifeso

Mrs. Delano with Mrs. Bameke

J.B Owotuga, Tunji Babiu, Dare Arinde, Allen Olagbenle, Kenneth Olisa, Iyimola Akinbola, Najeem Alaka & Toyin Leo

217

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Taba Allwell-Brown with Enitan Osibodu

Fadake, Adeolu, Sandra & Linda

Kunle Gbajumo, Al Moroof Osundara & Dele Gbajumo

218

Motunde Suara with Ronke Thomas

Mrs. Adewuyi with Mrs. Fasola

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Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Olaluyi

Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) Olusesan Alabi

Ruth Benamisia with Ronke Ayuba

Tunde Kadiri, Rotimi Kadiri with Jumoke Kadiri

Mr. & Mrs. Akpeki

Bayo Abdul, Isa Abdulrazaq with Dr. Tunde Oshinowo

Boye Otudeko with Felix Ogunmade

Mr. & Mrs. Onabamiro

219

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Chief Lanre Razak

Bimpe Adeniran Ogunsanya

Mrs. Kenny Okosun

Mr. Wole Goriola

220

Ovation’s Dele Salako

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Otunba Ikuomola

Ethel Okosuns

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Jacqueline Aki, Shade Odusuga-Lufadeju with Taba Allwell- Brown

Charles Ahize, Kola Alagbada with Gogo Karibi-Whyte

Mr. Lanre Alfred with Azuka Ogujiuba

Mr. & Mrs. Mukhfar Daba

Korede Omolaja, Lara Adeyemi, Eucharia Agbame with Ajiugo Udeozor

Foluso Inegbenebor, Laide Onakomaiya with Kemi Inegbenebor

Ali Baba with Basketmouth

Funmi Adeleye, Seun Wey with Halima Kyari

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Irama Vega Pueyo, Tati Valle, Rudi Muller with Kesiena

Justyna Sitarska with Toke Alex Ibru

Ademola Fafowora, Zhao Yu with Ma Jian

Mrs. Titi Agbalojobi with Chief Olayemi

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Mrs. Ify Okeke, Mr. Oliver with Mrs. Nana Otedola

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Mrs. Bisi Awolola, Mrs. Mojirade Amoje, Mrs. Moji Jaji with Mrs. Funmi Odusanya

Dr. Tunde Amoje, Chief Layi Amoje with Akogun Osayemi

Mr. & Mrs. Tunde Abdul-Olowu

Olori Oba of Epe with Olori Elemoro

Olori Elejinrin, Olori Olowu with Olori Onileki

Olori Alara with Olori Olofin Ajaiye

Olori Tolu Ogunlaja, Olori Abimbola with Olori Aribike Adewale

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Alibaba with Seyi Law

DJ Cuppy (Otedola) with Archie Campbell

Mrs. Fola Ayeni with Rashidat Adegbite

Amaka, Obi with Jumoke

Sebastian Thorpe, Temi Otedola with Ola Otedola

Mrs. Usman with Mrs. Ariyo

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Mrs. Bello Bola with Morinsola Owosho

Engr. & Mrs. Adebayo Daga with Folake Olajoto

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Olori Funmilayo Monisola Ogunlaja with Olori Afolake Onakoya

Debo Laditan with Lola Idahor

Kemi Inegbenebor, Foluso Inegbenebor & Temitope Ogunbanwo

Princess Ayo, Bolanle with Pat Faniran

Motunde Sura with Ronke Thomas

Ola Otedola, Kim with Temi Otedola

Mr. & Mrs. Bash Adesaida

Tope, Titilayomi with Teju

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Dr. & Mrs. Adeyemo

Dolapo, Bisi & Sikiru

Mariam Okoya with Abayomi Adeleke

Juwon Ikuomola, Sisi Wande with Tosin Ogunyemi

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TOP QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT

KING SUNNY ADE

King Sunny Ade’s & his band performing on stage

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9ICE

9ice performing

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FLORENCE

IFEOLUWA

OTEDOLA AKA

DJ CUPPY

DJ Cuppy (Otedola)

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TIWA

SAVAGE

Tiwa Savage entertaining guests

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DON

JAZZ

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DR. SID

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MAVIN

RECORDS CREW

The Mavin Records crew performing

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DANCING TIME

Otedola family at the band stand

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Femi Otedola & family members dancing on stage

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The loving family enjoying King Sunny Ade’s song

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Femi Otedola & family members dancing on stage

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Dr. Sid & Don Jazzy

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EULOGIES

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