Former Minister of National Planning, Rasheed Gbadamosi, was on Thursday buried at his residence in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Kabiru Shotobi, and Lagos White Cap Chiefs, family members, friends and sympathisers who participated in the funeral rites of the playwright.
Chief Imam of Ikorodu, Seifudeen Olowo-Oribi, in his homily said, “We must all remember that death is one debt that we all must pay.
“We have taken him from his place of comfort – his house – to a place where there would be nothing like air, light or anything to feed. No one will come here to visit and rejoice with him.
“It therefore behoves on us all to ensure we live a good life while on earth.”
In his eulogy, former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, urged youth to emulate the late ex-minister’s virtues of commitment and passion for things that uplift humanity.
“We grew up together, we were classmates at Methodist Boys High School, Lagos and we’ve been together for over 60 years of his 72 years on earth; you can then see the length of our relationship.
“He was the youngest commissioner, a man that is known for creating records.
“He was the youngest in our class, one of the brightest, and in all his lifetime he created serious heritage that will be long lasting.
“He committed himself to everything that he believed in – the field of art, writing, music.”
Also speaking to journalists, former Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, described the late businessman as one who had a positive impact on many Nigerians.
“Uncle Rasheed Gbadamosi was more than a former minister to me; he was my benefactor, a man who had so many positive interventions in my life.
“As a young boy growing up in Isale-Eko, he was one of the role models that we looked up to at that time.
“It’s beyond what I can do with words because he meant so many things to so many people.
“Is it the cultural aspect of him, the literal aspect of him, and the educational? Whichever you want to look at it he was exceptional in terms of his contribution.
“He was very prominent in everything. He will be missed.”
Rasheed Gbadamosi died on Wednesday at his residence in Ikorodu.
