Tributes and encomiums for a life well spent were showered on the late Director-general of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAMN) Commission, Mr Dipo Famakinwa, in Ibadan, on Monday, at an event kick starting his final burial rites.
From one tribute or rendition to another, Nigerians lauded the doggedness, commitment of the late Famakinwa to the integration of the Southwest and propagation of the Yoruba race as ‘Omoluwabi’.
Rendering his tribute, Group Managing Director, Odua Investment, Mr Adewale Raji especially lauded the effort of Famakinwa at ensuring that Lagos was admitted as part of Oodua states.
Raji also noted that Famakinwa believed in the greatness of Yoruba land and that each component of the country must be successful for the entire country, as a whole, to be great.
Famakinwa, is survived by wife, Ibukun; three children namely Oluwatimilehin, Oluwatofarati and Abisola.
Also speaking, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state described Famakinwa as a great organiser skilled in motivating and mobilising required resources for social reconstruction.
Ajimobi, represented by Secretary to the state government, Mr Olalekan Alli, further appreciated the vigour with which Famakinwa pursued the South West integration agenda, showing understanding of the peculiarities of people and their history.
Noting that the Yoruba race suffered a great loss, National Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Group, Mr Wale Oshun, remarked that Famakinwa combined commitment and his powerful intellect to total development of human beings taking into cognizance welfare and well-being of the ordinary people.
He averred that Yoruba groups were compelled to push the South West integration agenda and ensure the restoration of the greatness that the region was known for.
Executive Director of the Yoruba Academy, Dr Ade Adeagbo said Famakinwa stood for the ideals of fiscal federalism, integration of the Southwest, Yoruba identity and philosophy.
“Dipo is not dead, we just lost him and we have to find him,” Adeagbo said.
In her tear-laden voice, Famakinwa’s sole daughter, Abisola noted her dad was so hardworking, a good man who devoted time to his family.
She urged Yorubas and Nigerians, in general, to ensure that the legacies that Famakinwa stood for were sustained, adding that her dad was loaded with great dreams.
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