By Monsuru Olowoopejo

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and his wife, Bolanle yesterday led a retinue of dignitaries to the home of the former military governor of Lagos state, Brig. General Mobolaji Johnson to console him over the death of his wife, Funmilayo.

Mrs Johnson died last Saturday at the age of 76 after a brief illness.

Other dignitaries, who also stormed the Ilupeju home of the  first military governor of the state, were: Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu 1, immediate past first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, former chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, first female vice chancellor in Nigeria, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and Senator Ganiyu Solomon.

The first executive governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife have not left the home of the Johnson since madam Funmilayo died.

Funmilayo, who was born on December 6th, 1939 died Saturday night at a Hospital in Lagos Island at age 76 after brief illness.

Ambode and his wife arrived the home of the Johnson at Ilupeju, Mushin Local Government about 8:30a.m and were received by the widower, Mobolaji. He expressed his grief over the death of the first lady of the state.

 We have lost a selfless supporter of Lagos — Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle)and his wife, Bolanle, during a condolence visit to the 1st Military Governor of Lagos State, Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (retd) over his wife’s demise, at his residence in Lagos yesterday.

The governor in his message on the condolence register, described the late Funmilayo as a pillar and a selfless supporter of Lagos, as the State clocks 50 this year.

He said “The first lady of all ladies in Lagos State. She is the pioneer and selfless supporter of the growth of Lagos State. We love you. Rest in Peace.” The wife added “Mama (Funmilayo) rest in perfect peace.”

Before his visit the governor  described the late Mrs. Funmi Johnson, wife of the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Brigader Mobolaji Johnson (retd) as an epitome of humility, uprightness and one who had passion for teaching.

Ambode who was one of the early callers to the residence of the bereaved family, made the remarks in a condolence message released yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.

The governor, who expressed sadness over the death, recalled her time as first lady of the state, saying she did not let the position her husband occupied to get into her, instead choosing to maintain her simple way of life.

“She was a virtuous woman. As wife of the military Governor, she still went about her normal duties. She was seen in the market, she related with her colleagues at the Yaba College of Technology and the Federal Training Centre as well as her friends as she used to before her husband became Governor. That for me is the height of humility.” Ambode said.

While praying for the peaceful repose of her soul, he urged her husband, Johnson, to take solace in the fact that she has gone to a better place and draw strength from the fruitful years they shared together.

Ambode, at the home of the  Johnsons in company of his wife, Bolanle and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said:

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) on this great and irreparable loss”, he said.

 I cannot believe Funmilayo is dead — Akiolu

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1 in an interview with newsmen described the death of the former first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Funmilayo Johnson as shocking, saying “I cannot believe she is dead.”

Akiolu, who was represented by a delegation of white cap chiefs led by the Opeoluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, said that he was yet to get over her death, saying “May Almighty GOD in his mercies grant her eternal rest.”

 I have lost a mentor — Fashola

The former first lady, Abimbola Fashola described the deceased as a caring woman and a mentor to every first lady after her.

Her words, “All through my tenure as the first lady of Lagos, she often counselled me on how to behave and how I could better assist my husband in becoming a successful governor in the state.

“Part of the counsel was that I should often walk within residents of the state to know what they feel about my husband and his policies. Through that, I was able to advice my husband on what the public feels about his policies and how he could best go about the policies without inflicting pains on the residents.

”Also, she counselled me on the need to cater for the less privileged in the society because they need care to contribute their quota to the development of the state,” she added.