Tina Williams, widow of a leader of the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom, Dapo Williams barred her step-children from paying respect to their father during his funeral on Wednesday.
Tina sent Mr Williams’ first son Tolulope and daughter Simi away when they attempted to pay their last respect.
It was gathered that the woman had ordered that the children from Williams’ previous marriage be barred from the funeral.
“Tina asked the security men to remove Dapo’s two other children from the burial ground and there was a huge scene,” The Elites quoted a source.
“Eventually, Tolu and Simi, who were accompanied by their mother, were persuaded to allow Tina finish her tasks at the gravesite. Later, they went back to pay their last respect to their father.”
Tina is said to have a daughter with the deceased.
Despite being a Muslim, Williams was given a Christian burial in Sidcup, South East London.
The Otunba Tayese of Akokolabd, Ondo State died from a heart attack on August 4, shortly after taking part in a youth empowerment Zoom seminar.
Williams was also the founder of President Buhari Campaign Organisation in the UK.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in a statement by his spokesman Femi Adesina condoled with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora over Williams’ death.
The president, who recalled his meeting with Williams in January during a town hall meeting with Nigerian professionals in the United Kingdom, said: “He was passionate about our country, deeply committed to a Nigeria that attains her position in the comity of nations. It’s sad to lose such a hopeful, ebullient soul so soon.”
Williams was a leader and pioneer of the Nigerian Think Tank Group (NTTG) and staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was a fan of Formula 1, golf and Arsenal FC.
The respected socialite is survived by his wife Tina, three children, a grandson and siblings.
