Press Releases

Fashola Visits, Condoles With Family Of Late Ambassador Olusola
• "He brought a unique quality into life", says the Governor

Jun 24, 2012 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Sunday paid a condolence visit to the family of late Ambassador Segun Olusola describing the culture icon and founder of the African Refugee Foundation (AFRF) as one who has brought a unique quality into life.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, a veteran broadcaster and creator of the national television series, The Village Headmaster, passed on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at the Royal Specialist Hospital, Pako Aguda in Surulere Local Government Area of the State at the age of 78 years.

In his remarks while condoling with members of the Olusola Family at their Surulere residence, Governor Fashola described the death of the former diplomat as a loss not only to the Nigerian family but also to the African Continent.

He told the family members, including widow of the deceased, Mrs. Fehintola Olusola and his first son, Olujimi Olusola, "In consoling you, I console myself also. He was like a father to me in every sense of the word just as he was to Jimi and to all his biological children".

"I and the many others who are not his biological children drank from his very unending pot of wisdom and benefitted from his generosity and his time. He had time for everybody and that was actually the hallmark of being a parent to all of us who were privileged to cross his path", the Governor said.

Noting that the former chairman of the National Festival Committee and the Nigerian Art Council "had many families apart from his biological family", Governor Fashola declared, "Many people will share in his loss, the Nigerian Broadcasting Institution will miss him in so many ways", adding that this could be seen from the assemblage of people from all walks of life who have been trouping into his home to pay tribute since the death of the ace broadcaster.

"Even his exit has created some uniqueness, bringing so many of us together. Many people I have not seen for ages are walking into this place to pay tribute to this icon of the African Arts. It represents the character of the man who has just passed on. One could go on but I am sure that as we plan the rites of exit of his passage, the appropriate forum will exist for many more people to come and pay tribute", the Governor said.

Praying for the sweet repose of the former Nigerian diplomat, Governor Fashola added, "This is a big loss to the African Continent, the Nigeria Household and the human community at large", asking God to give members of his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

In the condolence register opened at the Olusola residence, Governor Fashola wrote, "A true icon of Africa, father of the Nigerian Television and Broadcasting, succour of the homeless, defender of the defenseless, has taken a glorious exit from the stage of life. But we will remain inspired by your simplicity and compassion. Rest in peace".

Earlier while welcoming the Governor to the Olusola Family house, first son of the deceased, Mr. Olujimi Olusola thanked the Governor for the visit and closeness to the family during the lifetime of his father as well as his support since the passage of the seasoned broadcaster adding that the family has always supported and will continue to support the Fashola administration.

Aside members of the immediate family members of the deceased, Nigeria's former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade and other notable Nigerians from all walks of were present during the visit.