I will miss my father – Lagos Speaker, Obasa

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa says he  will  miss his late father, Pa Suleiman Obasa ,not only  because of his great attributes ,but also the great moments they shared together.

The Speaker’s  father died on May 21 at 83.

Speaking at his father’s  8th-Day Fidau and Final Burial Ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, Obasa said his deceased instilled  hard work, contentment, forthrightness and perseverance in him.

Obasa recalled how his father constantly guided him and his siblings throughout his lifetime,saying  that his father lived his life well and  that he was in charge of his home.

“As we are offering prayers for my darling father, Pa Suleiman Atanda Obasa ,who passed away on May 21., I will remember his love, devotion and generosity.

“I will always cherish the time we had together and the values of hard work, forthrightness and perseverance he instilled in me. May Allah continue to rest his soul”,he said.

The Speaker said the things his father taught him helped him to live a straight life ,growing up .

He said his father frequently warned him against intake of illicit substances and always told all his children not to do anything that could  tarnish the family name.

The Speaker described his father as irreplaceable,saying he would be sorely missed.

Obasa thanked the state government  state, residents for identifying  with the family at this difficult period.

Speaking,   Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu extolled the deceased’d virtues ,saying he  believed that the Lagos Speaker drew his strength and love for humanity from his father.

“The gathering here shows that the Speaker has built bridges across the Niger and all around the country.

“I greet all those that have come to identify with the Obasa family and I thank you very much, our party faithful.

“Mudashiru Obasa is one of our bests and I thank all that have come to honour him. We are thanking God for being with him and sustaining his family to give their father a befitting burial.”he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, said the Speaker’s late father “lived a life of giving”

“Three or four years after this event, nobody will know what happened here. What people will remember is the legacy that Baba left behind.”he said.

Abiodun tasked public office holders to follow the path of honour and service to humanity at all times.

Gov. Sheriff  Oborevwori of Delta  described the demise of the Speaker’s father as shocking .

He said despite belonging to a different party, he remained close to the Lagos Speaker and family.

The Delta governor described Obasa as a strong and loyal politician.

The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Debo Ogundoyin ,also  commended Obasa for setting the standard upon which the association now thrives.

“All the Speakers in the country commiserate with you. God will be with you and your family, support you, comfort you and show you directions. We at the conference of Speakers will always be there and make sure that your legacies continue,” he said.

A grandchild of the deceased, Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, announced at the programme that Pa Obasa’s  grandchildren would embark on water projects across the state in honour of their grandfather.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdul Rahman  Ahmad said Pa Obasa lived a forthright life ,adding he touched lives.

He urged Muslims to emulate the exemplary life of the deceased.

NAN reports among the dignitaries that attended the programme were former governors of Lagos, the Iya Olaja of Nigeria, Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the wife of Lagos governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and council chairmen in Lagos.

Others were representatives of Oba of Lagos, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), A former minister, Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe, and Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde.

The Speakers of Osun, Oyo, and Delta , some members of the National Assembly as well as  members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were also present(