*Buhari, Ambode, Saraki, Aregbesola, Osoba, others pay tributes

*We haven’t paid for his services to Lagos @50 committee — LASG

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

Lagos—The remains of author, industrialist and former chairman of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, was yesterday interred at his Ikorodu residence, amid eulogies.

Late Rasheed Gbadamosi

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, commiserated with the government and people of Lagos State on the passing of the former Minister of National Planning.

The President also extended his “condolences to the family members, friends and professional colleagues of the late acclaimed economist, eminent industrialist, playwright and promoter of arts and culture.”

Also, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki described late Gbadamosi, as a multi-talented economist and industrialist who was also an arts activist.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, stated that the late Gbadamosi would be remembered for his immense contributions to the socio-political development of the country in both public and private sectors.

In his own condolence message, Governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday described the late Gbadamosi as a leading industrialist, humanist, art and culture promoter and writer.

We haven’t paid for his services to Lagos@50 committee — LASG
Lagos State Government also paid tributes to Gbadamosi, saying, “We have not paid him for the services he rendered as co-chairman of the Lagos at 50th anniversary next year.”
Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Ojo, who led other members of the cabinet to the burial.

Former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, and Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro were among dignitaries who paid tributes to the former minister, yesterday.

Also present were the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, and White Cap Chiefs of Lagos, among others.

Alhaji Seifudeen Olowo-oribi, the Chief Imam, Ikorodu Division, in his homily said, “we must all remember that death is one debt that we all must pay.

“We have taken him from his place of comfort – his house – to a place where there would be nothing like air, light or anything to feed. No one will come here to visit and rejoice with him.’’

In his eulogy, Osoba urged youths to emulate the late Gbadamosi’s virtues of commitment and passion for things that uplift humanity.

“We grew up together, we were classmates at Methodist Boys High School, Lagos and we’ve been together for over 60 years of his 72 years on earth; you can then see the length of our relationship.

“He was the youngest commissioner, a man that is known for creating records.

“He was the youngest in our class, one of the brightest, and in all his lifetime he created serious heritage that will be long lasting.

“He committed himself to everything that he believed in – the field of art, writing, music, Osoba said.

Also speaking to newsmen, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana,  described the late businessman as one who had a positive impact on many Nigerians.

“Uncle Rasheed Gbadamosi was more than a former minister to me; he was my benefactor, a man who had so many positive interventions in my life.

“As a young boy growing up in `Isale-Eko’, he was one of the role model that we looked up to at that time.

Mr Rilwan Gbadamosi, son of the deceased, described the late economist as having lived a life that was exemplary.

“At age 29, he was the youngest commissioner.

“He left a lasting legacy for the rest of his children. He’d educated all of us and we couldn’t have asked for more.

Mrs Kunbi Oshinnoike, daughter of the late economist said her father “was a wonderful man with big heart.

“He was passionate about so many things, passionate about helping people, the arts, and serving his country. He will be very, very missed.”

Minister of State for Defence, Ademola Seriki, in an interview with Vanguard, said “Gbadamosi was a man with great heart and philosophy. When he is with you, it is as good as God is with someone. He was loyal to his cause and I will always remember his meaningful contribution during the time we both served on the same committee.

We are still in shock — Justice Adeyinka (retd), Kuti
For former Chairman of Lagos State Independent National Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Abdulfatai Adeyinka (retd) and Yeni Kuti, daughter of Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the death of the late minister was still a shock to them.

“He is very patient, cheerful and doesn’t keep malice with anyone. And that was why we gave him that nickname. The announcement of his death is still a shock to me. I was very close to his father. It would take a long time to fill his vacuum,” Adeyinka added.

Representing the Fela Anikulapo-Kuti family at the burial, Yeni lamented, “Since yesterday, when the news filtered in, I am still in shock. He left a good legacy that one can emulate. He was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed.’’

I am still in a dream — Son
Speaking on the death of his father, Sharif Gbadamosi, said he was yet to come to terms with his death.

He said: “Words cannot describe how I will miss my father. It is still a dream to me. I don’t know maybe I will wake up from it tomorrow. I am yet to come to terms with his demise. I know that he will rest with the great that had gone before him.”

Chief Gbadamosi passed on Wednesday in his Ikorodu, Lagos home.