Tears, eulogies as Disu goes home

AMIDST tears, the late Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, (LFTZ) Mr. Tajudeen Disu, who was killed on Monday at Lekki, was yesterday buried at Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos. He was allegedly shot in the neck while pacifying residents of the community, who had earlier in the day protested acquisition of their land by investors and the Lagos State government.

Since his death, the community has become a ghost town as residents have deserted the community for fear of arrest. But some villagers in neighbouring communities in Ibeju Lekki had alleged that Monday’s protest at Okunraiye, which led to Disu’s death, was instigated by some leaders of the community.

At his burial, tears flowed freely, amid eulogies as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led other dignitaries to pay their last respect. Besides the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, other dignitaries at the event were: Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, former deputy governors of Lagos, Mr. Femi Pedro and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.

Also at the event were former Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Babatunde Balogun, former Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Tijani, former Special Adviser to the governor on Central Business District, Mrs. Derin Disu, Chief Remi Makanjuola, former chairman of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Board, chairman, Lekki Free Trade Zone Development Company, Otunba Olusegun Jawando, who led other members of the LFTZ to the event, among others.
Dr. Zikrulahi Adenugba, lecturer from Al-Hikma University, Ilorin, while delivered the sermon at the ceremony held at City Hall, Lagos Island, said: “He died as a martyr.”

The late LFTZ boss was also described as a visionary, who saw possibilities when others saw obstacles. According to the Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, it was his can-do spirit that gave needed impetus to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and other laudable initiatives in the area.
“He lived every moment to drive that initiative designed to financially emancipate the people of Lagos, particularly the constituents of the Lagos East Senatorial Constituency, by creating job opportunities and attracting billions of dollars in investment. His dream was to significantly ramp up the revenue generation contribution of our people to the national pot and it had just began to bear fruit.
“He was a patriot, a true Lagosian and should be remembered as such. The humility and dexterity he brought to his job was exemplary. His mind manners and ability to negotiate the best deals to benefit the state was always a reference point. He was kind to all, rich or poor. He was a great man. I will miss him,” he added.

Meanwhile, scores of sympathisers have continued to throng his home to pay condolence to his wife, Dr. Folashade Disu, his children and other members of the Eletu-Odibo royal family. Also at the home of the deceased were several imams from Surulere, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who prayed for the repose of his soul.

The widow, Dr. Folashade Disu, lamented that her husband was shot in the neck while addressing the community representatives over the issue he was called to address.

It was learnt that the deceased, who was in his late 60s, received a call from residents in the community, asking him to resolve an ongoing protest over the acquisition of the land for the EPZ project.

He had often mediated whenever residents raised issues against the government and investors. He was reportedly shot from behind and was rushed to St. Nicolas Hospital on Lagos Island and later transferred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where the bullet was removed.
For the chairman of Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC), Otunba Olusegun Jawando, his death was very tragic.
“It should not have happened. We have been working on this project for almost ten years. We never expected it; we had reached accord with the community, so we did not expect such a tragedy to befall him.”

Also, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Oworu, lamented the death of late Tajudeen. Oworu wrote in the condolence register: “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

For Bashiru Disu, the younger brother of Tajudeen, the deceased was the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. ‘’In fact, we have lost a pillar in our family. He was a very hard working and honest person.”

He was very interested in his work. He was very accommodating. He was a nice man. He is often concerned about people. He catered for the needs of his relatives. We never believed that he wouldn’t survive. But we were shocked that yesterday (Monday) was his last day on earth.
“They (killers) are criminals and are not fit to live among us (Nigerians). We don’t need such people in our society. They have brought shame to the country. Their act may scare investors away from the country.”

The late Disu studied in United State of America, USA. Thereafter, he returned to the country and joined the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN; where he rose to the post of Deputy Director. After leaving the apex bank, Tajudeen worked with African Development Bank, ADB. He returned to the country eight years ago to work on the LFZ.