Mrs Lola Segun-Idahor, a daughter of former governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola, on Tuesday said she lost not just a father, but a friend who was always “a phone call away’’.
Segun-Idahor spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria at the Epe residence of her late father as sympathisers continued to flood the premises to extend their condolence to the family.
She said that her only consolation was that her father lived a good life, noting that as governor of Lagos, he served the state with everything God gave him.
“He was a man filled with great wisdom, a good listener and a principled man; a disciplined man who never took anything that belonged to another person.
“We thank God for giving him to us as a gift; he was a great daddy to all his children,” said Segun-Idahor, who identified herself as one of the identical twins which the late Otedola had.
She said that her late father valued education and believed that one good reason why one could borrow money from the bank was for education.
The daughter said that she was always happy to see people who benefited from her father’s scholarship scheme in several fields.
Segun-Idahor said that the arrangements for the burial would come out in due course, noting that apart from the family, the state government and the church would be involved.
She thanked the Lagos State Government for the support it had rendered so far, explaining that Gov. Babatunde Fashola came early in the day to visit the family.
NAN reports that drummers and singers were in the compound as sympathisers poured in to condole with the family.
Fashola, in the condolence register wrote: “The government and people of Lagos bid farewell to a patriot and public servant who served them valiantly and faithfully.
“We value your service and will never forget it. You were a man of great honour.
“Rest in peace with your maker. The race is finished and it was well run’’.
NAN also reports that some youths, who benefited from the scholarship scheme provided by the late Otedola, were also at the Epe residence to condole with the family.
Mr Moshood Adams, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Epe Chapter, told NAN that the late Otedola made Epe proud as a governor and gave hope that they too could govern well.
“He affected the lives of many of our youths by his scholarship and we will really miss him. We pray that the family will continue with it,’’ he said.
Adams said that the youths also looked forward to another person from Epe to become governor of the state to build on the achievements of late Otedola.
Mr Abiodun Jankdawi, another of the youths, told NAN that they referred to the late Otedola as a “Civillian General’’and they would miss him.
“He made the youths happy,’’ he said and prayed that his soul would rest in peace.
NAN reports that Otedola, who governed Lagos State from 1992 to 1993, died on Monday at 87. (NAN)
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