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By Faheem Lawal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos Mainland Local Government yesterday held a memorial service to mark 20 years since the murder of Olufunso Williams, popularly known as Funsho Williams, former Lagos governorship aspirant, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba.
Williams was killed at his home in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, on July 27, 2006, days before PDP was to pick its candidate for the 2007 governorship election, no one has been convicted for his murder.
The service, held at the church was themed “A life of service. A legacy of integrity. An inspiration forever.”
Chief Bode George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, said he was among the first people to find Williams’ body after the murder.
“Funsho was an epitome of civility, an icon, a humanist, a gentle but very deep human spirit, we lost a gem,” George said.
“It’s a very sad memory for me in particular, because I was the one that saw him on the floor, we called the police, and the president at that time invited Scotland Yard from London to join the investigation. It was all messed up.” George said
George called on the current government to learn from Williams’ death.
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“Those in government today, let them use today as a pointer, that we should alter course for the good of this country,” he said.
“Our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, will never, ever die in this country.”he added
The gubernatorial candidate for the NDC party, Funso Doherty, said Williams left a legacy that spans beyond PDP.
“Late Funsho Williams is a man who has a shining legacy, not just within one political party, but across the state and indeed the nation the he has left giant footprints.”
Doherty said Nigeria’s political space has grown more difficult for opposition parties since Williams died.
“PDP, like all other opposition parties today is under threat, the space for the opposition is very limited,we seem to have regressed since Funsho Williams’ time.”
The event programme also included a tribute poem for Williams written by Dr. Saheed Okeneye, the African Peoples Movement candidate for Lagos Mainland Constituency II a sign that Williams’ memory is now honoured by figures outside PDP as well.
