Akokostars’s Blog

Ondo stands still for Fawehinmi:

Ondo politicians unite to bury Gani

Akure beggars protest non-inclusion in the programme

 Beginning with the beautiful designer invitation card from the government of Ondo State, a public holiday declared, and the massive turn out of people the funeral ceremony oganised for the late human rights crusader, Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi had all the trappings of a historic event.

A colourful event attended by all shades of people from different ideologies, religions and persuasions, it was a unifying experience during which emotions were given a free rein as an outpouring of euologies gushed out for the inimitable laywer who was christened the Senior Advocate of the Masses for his contributions to the cause of freeing the Nigerian masses from the shackles of poverty as well as educational and political oppression.

At times the atmosphere was sober and at others it was electric as similar sentiments ran through those who felt a sense of loss; the passage of one of the greatest sons of Ondo State and indeed Nigeria.

As they say, it was a red letter day. Because of Gani’s philosophy, all arrangements geared towards his burial from the state government were aimed at showing to the world how much he was loved by the people.

The lavish package of the event, according to the Commissioner of Information, Ranti Akerele, was just an open demonstration of the pricelessness of Gani’s worth.

The event scheduled to take off at about 11a.m kicked off earlier than schedule as visitors and sympathizers began to throng the Akure Township Stadium as early as 8.00 am.

Though it was a bit hectic to control the crowd, it was well managed because of the heavy presence of armed police, secret service officials and some paramilitary men. Information from the government circles revealed that the event was commissioned to the Event and Public Relation Agency known as TPT Event Company owned by Tokunbo Modupe a frontline African media consultant.

From the posters of Chief Gani Fawehinmi that littered the major cities of Ondo State and the entrance to the venue of the event, it was a beauty to behold as large banners and flexi posters of the deceased adorned the stadium complex.

The arrival of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko leading his cabinet members and some top government functionaries in the state to witness the event signalled the beginning proper. Different religious groups, political groups, labour unions, students associations and cultural organisations were heavily represented within the stadium complex as they all filed out to pay their last homage to the senior advocate of the masses.

One of the most remarkable phenomenon that characterised the death of Chief Gani Fawehinmi was that it also brought to the state unity among the political class.

The people of Ondo State for the first time threw away their irreconcilable differences and joined hands with the government to give Gani a befitting burial. Political leaders across the divides were seen conspicuously at the venue without any recourse to being afraid of been molested.

Unlike during other state events which members of the State House of Assembly had always been absent, Honourable Taofik Abdusalam the Speaker, apart from honouring the deceased with his presence, he was given all the compliment of his office and he was one of the guest speakers and he was seen interacting freely with everybody.

Apart from the Action Congress [AC] posters pasted in conspicuous places around the city bidding farewell, some key members were also at the event from within and outside the state. Politicians including Mr Femi Falana, Dr Kayode Fayemi Ekiti State governorship aspirant and Dr. Bode Ademodi the coordinator of the Afenifere Renewal Group [ARG] and former Special Adviser to Governor Adebayo Adefarati on Bitumen were all on hand to support the Labour Party government to give Gani a world class burial.

If tributes were yardstick to measure a man destined for paradise or if words of exultation were yardsticks for a dead man to wake up, it will be most likely Gani will rise again as speakers had one good thing or the other to tell the world about the deceased.

The only set of people whose interest were left unattended to were Akure beggars who were hoping to have a field day. They were disappointed as they were not included in the programme.

 Speaking with our reporter at the venue of the event two of the physically challenged persons the duo of Emmanuel Olojede and Dapo Olusanya said they squeezed themselves into the arena. They berated the government for negating Gani’s ideals and desire to create avenue for the downtrodden to be at his burial.

 ‘After all, we are aware Chief Gani instructed that we should be cared for. That was why his burial was delayed. He wanted beggars to attend his burial. That was why many blind and beggars were feted at his Lagos home. Why can’t Mimiko care for us today?’ they queried.

They concluded that the government’s attitude will not stop them from giving Gani their last respect a they plan to storm Ondo Town the venue of the final burial en masse today. Roll Call @ Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s burial Alhaji Ali Olanusi –Deputy Governor of Ondo State Rt. Hon. Taofik Olawale Abdusalam-The Speaker Ondo State House of Assembly [ODHA] Kemi Mimiko-First Lady of Ondo State Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola –Governor Osun State Mrs Salmat Badru –Deputy Governor Ogun State Senator Polycarp Nwite – Political Adviser to President Umaru YarAdua Chief Olaiya Oni-State Chairman Labour Party[LP] Dr Bode Olajumoke – Representing the Senate President Dr Olu Agunloye – E-government Dr & Mrs. Tunji Abayomi Dan Nwanyanwu-Labour Party [LP] National Chairman Dr Ayo Fasoye – Former governor of Ekiti State Mr. Femi Falana, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi Dr Kayode Fayemi, AC gubernatorial candidate in Ekiti Victor Duru, Director State Security Services [SSS] Chief Rotimi Akeredolu – President NBA, Dr. Kola Ademujimi – Chief Of Staff to Gov.Mimiko Dr. Rotimi Adelola – Secretary to the State Government Filani Akinbade – SSG Ledun Mitee, MOSOP Leader Dr Joe Odumakin Col. Roland Omowa – Oka Akoko Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye Dr. Kalejaiye Olabode Pa. Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi Major Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo Chief Olu Falae Chief Ruben Fasoranti Rev. Fadoju Mr I.O Momoh –the Principal Victory College,Ikare Akoko. Cliff Sama-Gospel Artiste Yemi Sax – saxophonist King Sunny Ade [KSA] Lord of Ajasa Eminent Dancing Groups