Present and former elective officer holders poured out praises and prayers for late Chief Moses Hungbo Owolabani, as the former Chairman, Badagry Local Government between 1999 to 2023 was on Saturday laid to rest.
Owolabani, born on April 19, 1941, to Owolabani Royal Family of Ajara, died on Oct.19, 2024 and was committed to the earth at about 2.10.p.m, in his Ajara house, after prayers and preaching by Christian clerics.
The Superior Evangelist Peter Jiwemeto, Celestial Church of Christ, Ileri Oluwa Central Parish, Apa, in his sermon and prayer was full of praises for the deceased saying he lived his life for the masses.
Jiwemeto said God has determined the day and year one will spend on earth no matter ones good deeds in life.
Speaking shortly after the burial, Mr Olusegun Onilude, the Chairman BLG said he was thrilled that the whole Badagry federation rose to celebrate the life well spent of the former chairman.
According to the chairman, everywhere is covered. In our own estimate Owolabani, fondly called “Naminadu” has done well and that’s why everyone throned out to celebrate him.
“Owolabani was one of the few chairmen that had distinguished themselves in term of performance in infrastructural development that we can make references to.
“Those of us who want to make impact has taken his exemplary tenure as a blueprint too.
“The former chairman had left an indelible blueprint, it is not the number of years that one spent that mattered, but what impact did you leave behind,” he said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende said that Owolabani was a great man who cared and served his people meritoriously when he had the opportunity.
Mr Setonji David, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 2 in Lagos State House of Assembly and Deputy Chief-Whip in the house described the former chairman as a compassionate leader.
According to him, Owolabani was ready to do anything for the development of Badagry. He was uncompromised when it comes to issues that affect his people.
Mr Bonus Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in LAHA said “If you do good or bad today, definitely it will be rewarded tomorrow.
“Baba Naminadu, has lived a life worthy of emulation.
“He did a lot that the generations yet unborn will never forget,” he said
Dr Sunny Ajose, the APC Apex Leader Badagry and GAC member, Lagos prayed that the Lord accepts the soul of chairman with glorious mercy.
Ajose said Owolabani had impacted the lives of so many generations.
Mr Ibrahim Layode, the Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs, described the former chairman described Jakande as an embodiment of all the positives in Badagry federation.
The former Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr Abiodun Hundeyin said Owolabani showed commitment to serving humanity.
“For me, I believe if politicians in Badagry, we share his inspiration from his devotion to duty, service to humanity and development, Badagry will be a better place,” he said.
Immediately past lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Mr Babatunde Hunpe described the deceased as a political pillar, role model and man with that sees tomorrow on Badagry politics.
“When he was on sick bed, he was thinking and talking about development of Badagry, a man that has passion for humanity,” he said.
Also former House of Representatives between 2015 to 2019, Mr Joseph Bamgbose said the deceased contributed in no small measures to the development of Badagry federation.
According to him, he was a man of his word, had given his best to serve his people.
“I pray that the house and the party he left behind will not suffer in any form,” he said.
Mr Joseph Gbenu, the Chairman, Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) described Owolabani as a great leader.
He said that most of them are following his precedents.
Mr Samson Olatunde, the Chairman, Olorunda LCDA said Badagry federation had lost one that is like a million to them.
“May God in His infinite be pleased with him and reward him,” he said.
A former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Babatunde Mesewaku used the occasion to launch a book titled: “Exit of A Colossus”.
Mesewaku in his book said ” What sets Owolabani apart was not just his administrative acumen, but his deeply rooted commitment to community development.
“His leadership style, as documented in this book, reflects a profound understanding of local governance’s fundamental purpose: serving the people.
“The highlights of his achievements stand as a testament to his vision and dedication to improving the lives of Badagry’s residents”.
Political gladiators in Lagos and Badagry federation graced the funeral ceremony of the late former chairman.
