It evidently marks the commencement of an eternal journey to the great beyond as his mortal body takes on immortality.

Pa Kasunmu who held the following titles prior to his demise- Amoye-Ilu of Lagos, Fiwagboye of Abuja and Akeweje of Egbaland exemplifies what it really means to be an enigma, as prominent Nigerians thronged the venues of his burial programmes.

In his lifetime, the late High Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu, was a very industrious personality, a renowned socialite, an astute political leader in Ifako Ijaye local government, a consummate Christian and community leader. He was a successful civil engineer and business personality who made made great impacts on a lot of lives.

His late mother, Chief (Mrs) Elfrida Williams originated from the Coker and Williams families of Iporo Ake, Abeokuta while his father came from Onilegbale royal family of Lagos. As a young man, he got married to Abiodun Arafat, the beautiful daughter of the late Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, who was then the best friend of Mama Elfrida Williams. The marriage produced only one child, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, who is currently the Deputy Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly. Chief (Mrs) Abiodun Kasunmu died in 2006.

Chief Kasunmu’s second marriage to Mrs Oluwakemi Kasunmu (a beautiful Customs officer) is blessed with three wonderful daughters who are currently doing very well in their educational pursuits.

His only surviving sibling, Chief (Mrs) Olubunmi Anyaoku is married to former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

This explains why the Anyaoku siblings, Mrs Adiba Anyaoku Ighodaro and Yemi Anyaoku were fully involved in the planning and execution of the burial ceremony. During the event Hon. Kasunmu commended them immensely for their contributions and support towards the success of the ceremony.

It is worthy of note to state that the Kasunmu’s are traditionally Anglican by faith and this fact resonated loudly from the Service of Songs held at St. John Anglican Church Iju Ishaga Lagos on Tuesday 18th June, 2024 followed by a well-attended Wake Keep Service at St Peters Church, Faji, Lagos Island on Wednesday 19th June,2024 and which climaxed in a final interment service at the Church on 20th June,2024 before his body was finally committed to the mother earth at Ikoyi Cemetery.

The final burial ceremony of Pa Kasunmu started on a cool note on Thursday with regally attired pall bearers from Lagos-based elite funeral handlers, TOS Funerals arrived at the church premises with his remains amidst dancing, drumming and singing under the early morning drizzle.

At exactly 10am the final interment service commenced in his honour and was handled with precision by the officiating priests led by the lead Vicar, who eulogized the deceased for his commitment to the things of God and urged his children and everyone present to emulate his fatherly legacies.

Dignitaries present at the church service include Oba of Lagos, who was represented by his Staff of Office and 10 white cap chiefs.

Others include the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Oluremi Hazmat; Secretary to the Government of Lagos State (SSG), Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin(who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu); former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku,; Chairman of APC in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

Also present were Sen. Babajide Omoworare; Afrobeat Star, Darey Art Alade; Executive Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Engr. Mojeed Alabi Balogun and his cabinet; the Iyalode of Lagos; Chief (Mrs) Bintu Tinubu; mother of Former Governor Fashola, Mrs Omolara Fashola; Chief Funso Ologunde; Prince Ranti Olufon and his wife; Ikeja LGA Vice Chairman, Hon. Yomi Mayungbe; Ikeja LGA SLG Comrade Akeem Dauda (AKOD); former House of Representatives member, and father of Hon. Kasunmu’s wife; Hon. Matthew Omegara; and many other dignitaries.

In course of the service, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu was inducted into the prestigious YMCA group of the church in order to sustain the legacies of his father.

A resplendent reception immediately kicks-off on the 5th Floor of The Bell Event Center on the island and was no gainsaying a 5-star class of an event, given the panache and finesse of the ambience that regaled the hall with mouth-watering cuisine listed on the order-guide placed on all the tables with ready hands to attend the needs of guest, it typifies an intense Caribbean theme common with Hollywood events.

The first son of the late patriarch of the Kasunmu dynasty-Hon Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (ARK) again asserts his tasteful style, by ensuring a classified arrangement for guests’ convenience while the eminent personalities, women and men graced the occasion well decked in the choice green and lemon Ankara Asoebi, painted a beautiful scenery with their different styles, designs and captivating comportment.

The ever-graceful compare Gbenga Adeyinka de 1^st was evidently at his best as he anchored the event flawlessly, making welcomed all gathered in honour of the late Pa Kasunmu.

Gospel Saxophone Minister, BeeJay Sax Hon. Kasunmu’s favourite artiste set the tone for an evening of praise, worship, entertainment and fun as he dished out various popular tunes, moving from table to table, creating a frenzy of dance and symphony of excitement among the guests. Faith Band and Ajobiewe’s son also thrilled guests to high pitch performances.

The arrival of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa at the event with a retinue of 10th Assembly lawmakers created a buzz that paused the event momentarily.

Mr. Speaker came to honour the No 4 Principal officer of the biggest State House of Assembly in Africa, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu.

Obasa left a charge with all gathered at the event while delivering a goodwill message, he urged the guests comprising both the high and mighty in the society to live a life of impact, touching lives in their various communities and neighbourhood positively while he also welcomed the son of the late Kasunmu to the orphan club which he declared he also join recently when his father died.

Hon Kasunmu while speaking with newsmen at the event recaptured the personae of his late father whom he said was caring, kind and compassionate, while taking out time to appreciate his uncle the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Yeye Oluremi Tinubu for the condolence letter and identifying with the family over the demise of his late Dad.

“My father now late, High Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu was a humane and compassionate person, who always have your best interest at heart no matter what and would go to any length to make sure it is satisfactory to what your heart desires are.

“He has also been a loving father. His giving spirit is second to known and I have emulated that from him, both my late mother Chief Mrs. Abiodun Arafat Kasunmu who was his wife before she passed on were givers and it is a trait that I have grown to imbibe over the last four decades and I am better off for it.

“I will miss so dearly his fifteen missed calls at 5:30 am.”

The wife of the lawmaker Mrs. Esther Morenike Kasunmu also shared fond memories of late Pa Kasunmu, she recounts how graceful her father-in-law is, citing his loving mien to life and his dispassionate style of showing care to all.

“Chief is a fantastic man and we are happy today to come celebrate a life well spent. He is resting in the bosom of the Lord now because he was a great man that had so much impact in the lives of so many.

“He had a beautiful caring characteristic he catered for everyone, chief loved everyone so dearly even if you are not his family and we his children learnt it from him so far it has been wonderful.

Stating what she would miss about the late Pa Kasunmu, “His consistent calls to check up on me. Chief will call me ten times between five and six am to ensure that I am fine. He loved me so dearly but we believe that he is in a better place.”

Hon. Kasunmu’s delectable wife, Princess (Mrs) Morenike Kasunmu stole the show with different enchanting assembles she adorned during the ceremony.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dassah Empire shone like a thousand stars as she looked after her husband’s guests and ensured they were well taken care of.

Her colleagues and fellow wives of legislators (LASLEWA) were also there in large numbers to support her because She’s well respected and loved among the group.

Political Apex Leaders and members of Hon. Kasunmu’s Ikeja Constituency 2 were fully present in large numbers.

Apart from Alhaji Adekunle Dally-Adeokun (Ikeja LGA APC Chairman and Conference 57 APC Chairmen), his deputy Prince Oluranti Olufon;  Engr. Kehinde Akinola; Barr. Adebola Ladigbolu, Comrade Kayode Ajakaiye, Chief Omolabi and other apex Leaders, there were over 200 political personalities from Ikeja Constituency 2 who came to rejoice with Hon. Kasunmu at his father’s burial. 

Siblings of Hon Kasunmu, Oluwaseun Kasunmu, Omorinsola Kasunmu and Omosalewa Kasunmu gave their patriarch a befitting burial honour as they participated fully in all the programmes even though the feelings of their father’s departure obviously still on their minds.

Their mum, Mrs Olukemi Kasunmu also did extremely well by comporting herself courageously.

Other dignitaries at the reception include: Hon. Lasbat Meranda (Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly); Hon. Noheem Adams (Majority Leader, LSHA); Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole (Former Speaker of House of representatives); Chief Jumoke Okoya Thomas (APC Woman Leader Lagos); Olu of Agudaland, Oba Agbaosi Eweobaja; Chief Nojeemu Aro, (Baale of Ojodu);

Mrs. Adiba Anyaoku Ighodaro and her husband, Mr. Ighodaro; Engineer Kehinde Akinola; Alhaji Adekunle Dally-Adeokun (Chairman, Lagos APC LGA Chairmen Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola (GM, Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency); Hon. Princess Funmi Tejuosho,Hon. Jude Idimogu:Clerk of the House of Assembly, Barr Lekan Onafeko; Hon. Sola Giwa; Mr. Ade Oyekan (GM, LNSA):

Alhaja Taibat Elemosho;(Montai); Olori Alara of Ilara Kingdom; Dare Art Alade; Hon. Ladi Ajomale; Hon. Ajani Owolabi; Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (OSMAK); Hon. Saka Fafunmi; General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, Mrs Yemisi Deji-Tinubu and several other dignitaries.

Other personalities who played key roles in the ceremony were His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos; Chief (Mrs) Oluyomi Coker-Okubamowo; Chief (Mrs) Fehintola Muri-Okunola; Princess Debo Odutola; Chief Mrs Omolara Fashola; Mrs. Adetoun Popoola; Mrs Yemisi Deji-Tinubu; Mr. Kofo Fashola; Alhaja Bintu Fatimah Tinubu; Alhaja Folasade Salako; Alhaja Badmus.

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This was as the House also called for the activation of some sections of the State health law to combat the health emergency which is said to have spread across some local governments leading to the death of 29 people as at Monday.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, further called for investigation into the source of the bacteria disease outbreak to enable the government strategise better in its bid for a solution.

“We must encourage the government to continue to sensitise the people in every language that is spoken in Lagos,” Dr. Obasa said while supporting the calls by his colleagues for the authorities to maintain drainages and canals and ensure proper sewage systems.

Raising a motion on the matter earlier, the chairman of the health committee of the House, Hon. Lawal Aina Musbau, moved that the government should urgently mobilise resources and personnel to combat the disease.

Among other demands, he said there was a need for the education of residents with emphasis on basic cleanliness while calling on sanitation officers to ensure they carry out their jobs effectively.

On their parts, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh and Gbolahan Yishawu, urged that more attention should be on the provision of drinkable water to the residents of the state as this is one way to check the spread or reoccurrence of the disease.

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The APCUKSWS General secretary Mr. Ayodele Adigun made the assertion in a statement issued in United Kingdom on Tuesday, citing the highly matured comportment of the new leader of the forum, while stating unequivocally the good ambience his emergence will bring for governance across the southern states.

According to Adigun, Abiodun remain a special breed of a leader whose word remains his bond and would go the whole hug to do what is right and beneficial to all.

“I on behalf of our group here in the UK want to specially appreciate the decision of the Southern Governors’ Forum in their choice of a new leader after the demise of the former Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.

“It gladdens one’s heart that Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun was favoured by the sixteen governors, owing to his possession of good leadership acumen.

“Of a truth he is up to the new task and we can just be on the lookout for good tidings of unmatched developments going forward.”

Corroborating Adigun’s take, the APCUKSWS Chairman Hon Andrew Taiwo added that Dapo Abiodun is a shining example amongst the governors whom the cap fits quite well.

Taiwo further stated that Abiodun’s competence and capacity speaks volumes in the fact that he emerged as a consensus preferred leader, which connotes one thing, that he has been of exceptional qualities amidst other governors from the southern part of Nigeria.

“I heartily felicitate with my Governor Dr. Prince Dapo Abiodun on this new win and pray that he succeeds even more in all ramifications. 

“Certainly, his good works did speak for him as evidently portrayed at the Southern Governors’ Forum parley in Abeokuta on Monday, may goodness be his lot all round.”

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The All-Progressives Congress (APC) UK South West states Caucus has urged the Senate of Nigeria to expedite the passage of South West Development Commission Bill, so as to fast track even development of South Western Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the group’s general secretary Mr. Ayodele Adigun on Friday in London, UK, the call for the Senate to tag along with the Federal House of Representatives which had already passed the bill was made.

The group maintained that this bill if passed into law aims to establish a commission that will coordinate and facilitate the development of the South Western Nigeria.

Adigun who commended the Governors of South West States for their tireless efforts in advancing the socioeconomic development of south western Nigeria.

He also congratulated the Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu the forum’s newly elected Chairman, who takes on the baton of leadership after the demise of its ex- chairman Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the former Governor of Ondo state.

The group’s chairman Hon Andrew Taiwo showered encomiums on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, which in his view is expected to boost economic growth and connectivity in the region.

Taiwo however, advocated for further road rehabilitation and infrastructure development to enhance the region’s economic potential.

The caucus also threw its weight behind the establishment of State Police and collaboration between security agencies and the Amotekun Corps, This, they believe, will improve security and safety in the region.

Speaking to the importance of DAWN Commission, the caucus opined the need for its enhancement, as it is responsible for promoting economic integration and development in the South West region.

The APC UK South West states caucus also calls for partnership and unfettered collaboration from stakeholders in other for it to make good its resolve for the socioeconomic progress and prosperity of South Western Nigeria.

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In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman Hon. Andrew Taiwo on Tuesday in UK, he described this year’s June 12 democracy day celebration as one which avails Nigerians, both the leaders and followers the opportunity of reflecting on the gains that this particular day in history has brought about in the country.

According to him the eventual victory of democracy was affirmed when Tinubu took on the reigns of power, as many great and impactful moves were made to better the lots of Nigerians.

“This date June 12 is historical and worth all the pomp it can harness, owing to its impact in our democratic experience, the emergence of our national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President also signed the pact with this history of hope renewed.

“We at APCUKSWSC believe strongly that given the proactive mien of our leader PBAT Nigeria and Nigerians will soon heave a sigh of relief in all facets of life.

“We want to also salute specially, South West Governors’ Forum now ably led by the Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the viable integration and thoughtful moves towards making the region safer and saner.”

Hon. Taiwo appreciates the worthy conclusions of the forum sequel their recent parley to chart way forward for the region, and as well suggest some required steps for the government at the national.

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The young and innovative council boss (Oshinowo) revealed the summation on Monday, at the monthly empowerment programme where another set of no fewer than 400 petty traders got empowered with N50,000 each to bolster their businesses.

Over N20 million grant was disbursed to mitigate the current socio-economic hardship through the council’s monthly “WeLift 400 Petty Traders Initiative” as Oshinowo harped on the fact that grassroots governance should be all about empowering the people and making life better for them.

The Lagos State Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and other party stalwart in the state all witnessed the direct transfer of N50,000 cash support to 400 traders selected from various markets in the council area.

“The WeLift400 initiative is designed to empower 400 residents of Agboyi-Ketu by providing them with a grant of 50,000 naira each, this financial support aims to enhance their means of livelihood, alleviate their burdens, and pave the way for greater economic stability.

“This is what I have been doing in the last five years. Our “WeLift Empowerment Programme” has just taken a new dimension now with better methodology to ensure transparency.

“The rational behind it is to lift people from abject poverty and alleviate their suffering. We have decided to help them with token we believe will have multiplier effects on their trade,” Oshinowo said.

Commenting on the criteria used in selecting the beneficiaries of the gesture, the council chief said that his team went round markets and streets to do on-the-spot assessment and market values of some traders, and those who met the criteria, were selected to enjoy the gesture.

According to him, the council partnered with Sterling Bank in the May Edition of the initiative which empowered 450 traders with N50,000 each, but decided to partner with Providus Bank in June gesture.

He said that all the beneficiaries had received the N50,000 bank alert right from the event and the ATM issued to them for withdrawal.

Oshinowo added: “Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the dreams and aspirations of every member of our community.

“Our administration will continue to be a pillar of support, fostering an environment where opportunity knows no bounds and every individual has the chance to realize their full potential.

“We will continue to do this, empowering our people is very important especially during this difficult time that our President is trying to put the country on the path of sustainable prosperity and progress.

“This is what we are doing and we are going to continue to do that till the end of my tenure. We will continue to empower our people, build infrastructure, improve on grassroots healthcare, helping our youths, elderly people, building our security and community.”

The council boss added that his team always engaged the community development associations CDA, so no political motivation behind the gesture as it really cuts across the divide.

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi showered encomium on Oshinowo for the laudable gesture while also recounting all his worthy developmental feat and populist programmes targeted at improving the welfare of the residents.

Ojelabi said that everyone including the party’s state executive had been watching Oshinowo’s initiatives for the betterment of the people, adding that the party was not disappointed in the council boss.

“You as truly serving the people with all your strengths, and complementing the efforts of the state government, promoting and expanding the goodwill of our party. You are growing the economy and putting food on the table of the vulnerable.

“With these you are doing, you are securing a better future for yourself. Continue to do what you know how to do best, you shall be rewarded,” he said.

While advising the beneficiaries to make the best use of the grant, Ojelabi urged Oshinowo to do more to make life better for the people at the grassroots.

Urging the people to persevere the more with the Federal Government in its efforts to right all wrongs, Ojelabi assured the people that there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

Also speaking, Chief Jumoko Okoya-Thomas, the APC Women Leader in Lagos State, applauded Oshinowo for prioritising the people above personal and political interest, she also was quick to state the chairman’s track records as it pertains helping the less privileged impressed her greatly.

Okoya-Thomas advised all the beneficiaries to see the N50,000 as a seed and turn it around and create wealth with it, ” it is not for party or social functions. The chairman has done very well and he deserves to go further politically, ” She said.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke glowingly about the empowerment initiative, note that their businesses would receive a boost and survive the present economic predicament.

Mrs Yemisi Ayeni from Ward G, who commended Oshinowo for the gesture, added that it would go a long way to alleviate the current economic challenges.

Also expressing her joy about the initiative, Mrs. Yinusa Adejoke a food vendor said, ” Oshinowo is doing well. He is always surprising us. May God reward him.”

Alhaja Kadijat Badejo said that the multiplier effect of the gesture would go beyond her trading activity as the daily sustenance of her immediate family better assured through the gesture.

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In a statement signed by the AYV convener Comrade Timilehin Abe, Hon. Adele’s unmatched feat that spanned through his first term in office makes it imperative for the group to urge him to stage a comeback to occupy the office again.

Abe maintained that the former chairman touched all facets of the local government with his magic wand of development.

“We at AYV have critically considered the trend of things within our locality and in clear comparison, we have come to the conclusion that our former Executive Chairman Hon. Adele Elijah Owolabi deserves to come back as our council boss, given his track records during his first term in office.

“He has been able to ameliorate the situation for many people; youths, women and the indigents in the community, his skills acquisition programs are second to none.

“His top-notch fashion design training for youths, empowerment programs for women, artisans and traders to upscale the scope of their businesses, in the area of security he left no stone unturned, giving assistance to the law enforcement units within the locality.

“During his time in office, he was able to surmount the overwhelming traffic congestion in Apapa. A lover of sport Hon. Adele used it as an avenue to gainfully and actively engage the youths, consequently taking them away from involvement in social vices and crime.

“Road rehabilitation and maintenance around Apapa and environs is another important effort of Adele led grassroots governance. We earnestly wish that he throws his hat in the ring again, to jostle for the chairmanship seat in the forth coming council poll.” Abe said.

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But the APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, disagreed with the opposition, which he labelled as a coalition of confused people.

 “Since coming to power, President Bola Tinubu has given the country a direction in almost everything it needs. Nigerians are now beginning to reap the benefits of his foresight and good planning. In fact, testimonies from the people have shown that come 2027, Nigerians are not just going to vote for him. They will vote for him overwhelmingly,” Ibrahim claimed.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party described Tinubu’s first year in office as the most challenging in Nigeria’s history since the Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

The President, who took office on May 29, 2023, riding on his policy document tagged the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said Tinubu’s economic policies had worsened things for Nigerians.

Ologunagba said, “The PDP insists that the current rising insecurity, excruciating poverty, economic hardship and general despondency in the country necessitating the fleeing of thousands of Nigerians, especially the youths, from our nation further confirm that there is no hope in sight with the APC in the saddle.

“It is apparent that inflicting pain and misery on Nigerians remains the policy thrust of successive APC administration,  which became heightened by the not well thought-out twin anti-people policies of removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira without due consideration for the citizens’ welfare and security.

“As if these were not enough, the APC administration continues in its anti-people policies in the arbitrary hike in electricity tariff and imposition of multiple taxes on the already impoverished Nigerians with no corresponding tangible development directed towards the welfare of the people.

“The consequences of these ill-thought and ill-implemented policies without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant rising cost and associated hardship on the masses have driven many into early death and extreme poverty.”

Ologunagba stated that the majority of Nigerians had become disillusioned with President Tinubu’s administration.

PDP Publicity scribe stated “The APC’s continuing use of poverty as a weapon of mass destruction is responsible for the widespread despondency in the country where people are only preoccupied with survival rather than show interest in the government policies and activities which largely alienate them.

“It is shocking that while the Federal Government announced the removal of fuel subsidy forcing Nigerians to pay more for fuel, trillions of naira is still being reportedly paid as fuel subsidy allegedly into private bank accounts associated with corrupt APC leaders.

“Sadly, the APC in its insensitivity and disregard for the people has not bordered to render an account to Nigerians with respect to the expected savings accruable to the Federation Account as a result of the announced fuel subsidy removal.”

Similarly, the National Chairman of Action Democratic Congress, Ralphs Okey  Nwosu,  lamented that President Tinubu’s policy failures had plunged the Nigerian economy into shambles.

Text except headline courtesy of Punch

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