Encomium
It was a sober, emotional day for the Disu family as late Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Ltd, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu was laid to rest amid tears and eulogies on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Mr. Disu was gunned down when Ibeju-Lekki villagers and mobile policemen clashed in Okunraiye Community near Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, October 12, 2015 morning.
The villagers had reportedly embarked on a protest against forceful takeover of their land by the Lagos State Government for the Lekki Free Zone Ltd but were resisted by men of the police.
He was lower into mother earth according to Islamic rites at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, Obalende, Lagos; special prayers and condolences were then held afterwards at City Hall, Lagos Island, Lagos.
The event had dignitaries from the political sphere in attendance, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello; former deputy governors of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro and Princess Sarah Sosan; former commissioners, Mr. Babatunde Balogun, Mrs. Teju Phillips and Mr. Taofiq Tijani; former Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business
District (CBD); Chief Remi Makanjuola, former chairman of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and Chairman of Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Otunba Olusegun Jawando, alongside other members of LFTZ.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was at the event and spoke with some members of his family…
‘My dad was a loving man; I will miss the laughs’- TOLULOPE DISU, Daughter
How would you describe your dad?
My dad was a loving man, he loved everyone. He wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of.
What will you miss about your dad?
I’ll miss the laughs. It was nice being around him, you get to hear funny and interesting stories. You always have a good time around him. I’ll definitely miss the laughs.
What’s the one thing you’d say you learnt from your time with your dad?
The one thing he always impressed on us is don’t be afraid to fail, but make sure you learn from it.
What’s your prayer for your family?
I just pray that we’re able to move from this because he was a very significant part of the whole family. I pray we’re able to carry on by ourselves and continue his legacy.
‘He was a very straight-forward person’
-OTUNBA OLUSEGUN JAWANDO;
Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company
How will you describe him?
He was a very straightforward person and compassionate to the people at the grass roots level. It’s very unfortunate and tragic that such a hardworking and visionary person has been cut down in his prime. The work he was doing was a long term project and we all hope that it will succeed and continue what he started.
How did you know him and for how long?
I had known him for years, we worked together some time ago, and he was very astute at his project. He really wanted the project to succeed. By the grace of God, those of us who are left, including the workers, the management and everyone involved, will ensure it does.
What’s your prayer for the family?
I pray that God should console them. God should give them strength. When the head of a family departs, it’s tough. So, I pray that God should give them succour to be able to bear the loss.
‘In five minutes, all the responsibilities for his funeral was taken care of’’
-IBRAHIM DISU, Son
Ibrahim Disu, son, in his vote of thanks said: “I knew my father was great but I didn’t know to what extent until his death. Five minutes after his death, I could say all the responsibilities for the burial ceremony was taken care of. I thank everyone who rallied round the family since his death.”
‘He was a gentleman’ -ALHAJI TOYIN OLOMOWEWE, Relative
How have you been coping since you heard the news?
It’s very sad, he’s my younger brother. It’s been very hard on me, but we just have to accept the will of Allah.
How would you describe him?
He was a very nice person, a gentleman. Someone that everybody liked, he mixed freely with everyone.
