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Fashola, Bola Tinubu, Others Honour Kafaru Tinubu At 2nd Memorial Lecture

Aug 15, 2010 - Encomiums poured forth on Sunday from Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others in honour of the memory of late Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu at the 2nd Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Ramadan Lecture in Lagos.

The Ramadan Lecture, which took place at the LTV8 Blue Roof Hall on Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi in Ikeja, was organized by the family and children of late Alhaji K.O. Tinubu who died on October 27, 2003 at the age of 71.

Speaking at the occasion which had the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu 1, former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith and scores of Muslim clerics as well as hundreds of Muslim faithful in attendance, Governor Fashola described the Late Kafaru Tinubu as a worthy leader who contributed so much to the life of so many people including himself (the Governor).

According to Governor Fashola, if the good deeds of the late K.O. Tinubu were to be listed, the recitation would continue beyond the month of Ramadan, adding that he was a selfless leader who always thought and cared more about others' well-being.

Describing the late K.O.Tinubu as a disciplined police officer and an erudite lawyer after retiring from the police force, the Governor declared, "We are happy that despite the fact that he is dead, the legacies he left behind are speaking volumes about him. Alhaji Kafaru Tinubu made me love the Nigerian Police because he served with the fear of God. He was nice to all".

"God bequeathed him with good life which he also passed unto others", the Governor said.

Praying for members of the Tinubu Family, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for their contribution to the development of both the State and the country, Governor Fashola declared, "The Tinubu Family is known for political great strides. Aside Alhaji K.O. Tinubu's contributions, the other Tinubu family members left behind, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have continued to bring light, development and progress to Lagos and Nigeria. The peace and development for which the Tinubu Family is noted shall continue to wax stronger".

Governor Fashola enjoined Muslims to emulate the good life of the late K. O. Tinubu by imbibing the tenets of the Islamic Faith especially in the Holy Month of Ramadan adding that this is the only means to receive the maximum blessings and reward of Ramadan.

The Governor prayed for good health and good life for all Muslims, especially as they observe the Month of Ramadan beseeching them to make supplications to Allah during this period so that the blessing of the Ramadan would be complete in their lives.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola- Alao, urged Muslims to take their faith seriously like the late K.O.Tinubu by following the tenets of Islam. The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland also implored Nigerians to pray and have respect for those in leadership position because they were ordained to be there by God as the ultimate giver of power.

In his lecture titled, "Good Governance: Islamic Perspective", the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Legislative Matters, Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem enjoined all Nigerians, including Muslims, to participate in politics saying it is the only way to ensure good governance.

According to him, "Muslims must participate in politics; they must get registered and get involved instead of sitting on the fence and complaining afterwards". The Special Adviser also enjoined leaders in the country to exhibit the fear of God towards all in the discharge of their duties.

"Good governance in Allah's will means government of peace. Allah is against all form of violence. Lagos has been administered by standard bearers of peace", AbdulHakeem said, adding, "Religious tolerance and legitimacy are critical factors of governance in Islam". He described Asiwaju Tinubu as a hero of constitutional democracy adding that Governor Fashola has continued in line with that legacy.

Calling on all Nigerians to register for the next election, Hon. AbdulHakeem declared, "Professor Jega, this is the time to make a change in governance. This is a great opportunity to save Nigeria".

Also in her lecture titled "Rights of Women in Islam", Mrs. Seyidat Zinat Kalejaiye said the Islamic Religion enhances the rights of women adding, however, that such rights must be exercised under the control of their husbands and with the fear of Allah.

Such rights, she listed, include the right to life, the right to be educated, the right to choose a husband, the right to participate in politics, the right to have a job and the right to spend happy and quiet life with their husbands among others.

Giving the vote of thanks, Asiwaju Tinubu said the late K.O. Tinubu meant so much to many people adding, "He did so much for people; family members and ordinary people alike".

According to him, "An Annual Lecture such as this is just to show gratitude for his commitment to humanity; he was selfless and always willing to assist others. He was always telling me about the people to help until the final moment".

The former Governor thanked all those who came to honour the late K.O. Tinubu, including Alhaji Arisekola Alao whom he said has always identified with the Tinubu Family.

Asiwaju also commended the Matriarch of the Tinubu Family Alhaja Bintu Tinubu, for being "a dutiful woman who has made selfless strides in the family. He also commended the two lecturers for their erudite presentations, agreeing with Ustaz AbdulHakeem that Nigerians must participate in the electoral process rather than castigate the political environment of the country and those in political leadership.

The former Governor also agreed with Mrs. Kalejaiye that women should participate in politics adding, however, that they must exercise their rights with the fear of God and under the tenets of Islam.

Also present at the occasion were, Chief Missioner of Anwal-UR-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji Babatunde Yusuf, widow of the late K.O.Tinubu, Alhaja Bintu Tinubu, Ustaz Nosirudeen Abubakar, an Islamic Scholar, Dr. Musbau Junaid of the University of Lagos who moderated at the occasion among other eminent Islamic scholars and faithful.