OLOGUDU: CHILDREN, RELATIVES, POLITICAL LEADERS, OTHERS BID FAREWELL WITH FIRDAU PRAYER

By Olusegun Apena and Taiwo Fadipe

The eight-day firdau prayer for the repose of the soul of the first Ologudu of Ogudu land, Oba Waheed Ayinla Fashola was held on Wednesday July 22, 2020 at Araromi street Ogudu as children, wives, relatives, royal fathers, political and religious leaders bid farewell to the departed nonagenarian traditional ruler who reigned on the throne of his ancestor for about 13 years. 

 

The firdau prayer which was held in accordance to the social distancing directives of government had Islamic clergy from Ogudu central mosque led by chief Imam Alhaji Yusuf Durojaye pray for the eternal repose of the deceased monarch.        

 

Oba Waheed Fashola died on Wednesday July 15, 2020 at the age of 95 years and was buried the same day according to Islamic rites. However, some of the offsprings of the late monarch, palace chiefs and notable public figures who spoke to Kosofe Reporters during the event extolled the virtues of the late monarch and described his death as a huge loss to Ogudu community. 

 

Hon. Adewunmi Ayinde Akinsanya, a member of Lagos state house of Assembly representing Mushin constituency 1 whose mother is a native of Ogudu said the late Ologudu was a father to him even though he is from the other side of the royal family, Aigo. He said the departed Ologudu was a nice man to be with and described him as a good man who could be counted upon at any time. 

 

The chief of staff to Kosofe Local Government chairman Hon. Fatai Gbadebo said the late Ologudu was one of the most reliable kings in Lagos state and kosofe in particular. He added that he was very close to his father and was a father figure to him as well. He disclosed that the late king played a pivotal role when he contested for the councillorship of Ojota/Ogudu/Mende under Somolu local government and also advised him to re-contest when Kosofe Local Government was created and which he eventually won. He said the late Ologudu was very passionate about the development of his community, saying before he became king he used to hold meeting with political friends and community leaders on how to develop Ojota/Ogudu. He concluded by saying that the late king has left a big shoe which would be very difficult to fill. 

 

Alhaja B.B Balogun, the Iyalaje general for Kosofe wished the late Ologudu Aljanna Firdaus. She said the late King was the first Babaloja general for Lagos state as well as Kosofe local government area.                            

 

          

 The second son of the late Oba, Prince Mutiu Abisoye Fashola described his father as an icon and a caring person who cherished the tradition and culture of his ancestor a great deal. He added that the entire Ogudu community would miss his generosity, kindness, love and friendship.  

 

While the Eletu Omoba Ogudu, Prince Sakiru Owolabi Mumuni said the late Oba was a highly revered and beloved traditional ruler with a God-fearing disposition who dedicated his entire life for the unity and happiness of his community and family, stressing that his absence would obviously be felt by his entire subjects. 

 

For Alakoso of Ogudu, Chief Ibrahim Durojaiye who also doubled as his personal assistant, the late Oba was an achiever. He said for instance, he singlehandedly built the new palace without any financial assistance from the government. He also said the late Oba was very nice and used to treat people equally. 

 

And Baale Ajase, Chief Yahaya Yusuf, described the late Ologudu as a honest and peace-loving person. He disclosed that Oba Waheed Fashola had amicably settled all the rifts among royal families at Ogudu before his death as the issue of chieftaincy tussle is no longer a problem.      

 

While the councillor of ward G Ogudu, Hon. Bolaji Kareem said he had known the late Ologudu for 30 years and he was a straightforward person. He added that the late king used to conduct himself with dignity and as such was placed on a high pedestal by kosofe local government when he was alive and that Kosofe Local government played active role in his burial. 

 

Another son of his, Prince Yusuf Fashola simply said his father was a man of honour and was very caring to all of them.   

 

So also Prince Adebisi Fashola described his father as great man who contributed immensely to the development of Ogudu and Kosofe Local Government in general. He also stated that he was very generous and caring to them and his people. 

 

One of the daughters of the late Ologudu, Princess Kafilat Adebayo-Fashola, said his father was very caring as he took good care of her and grandchildren. She said she would miss him a lot. 

 

Late Oba Waheed Ayinla Fashola, the Fagbemi 1 of Ogudu, became the first King of Ogudu land 13 years ago. He is survived by 19 children and 4 wives.