I am torn between mourning and celebrating the life of a most distinguished and accomplished son of Oweland; Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju, who in his lifetime, was not only a rare, special gift to Kabba community, Okun Nation, the old Kwara state (now Kwara and Kogi states), but also, to the entire country. I have chosen the latter – celebrate his life and times while on earth. Not because I am not deeply pained by the exit of a great man, BUT because he was a colossus who lived an enviable and fully fruitful life of service.
Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju was a loving and dear father not only to his immediate family, but to ALL of us who; at various times, passed through his tutelage and mentoring. He was a man in whose shadow multitudes have been nurtured; a role model to successful mentees; a veritable guardian to accomplished products; an indisputable achiever; a visionary, pace setting and altruistic personality.
Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju’s life meant many things to everyone that encountered him. His words were his bond; he was full of compassion; his legendary kindness knew no bounds. A man who was at home with ALL – irrespective of who you are, or where you come from; a solution provider, a true, dependable, reliable and ever-available friend and confidant to many. A natural bridge-builder, a highly resourceful, responsive and responsible leader, an unusual, uncommon manager of men and resources, a selfless and altruistic administrator and an iconic political strategist.
Our dear Patriarch; Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju was a man with staunch power, vision and strength of will, who at every time and in every situation, made people, the fulcrum of all his actions, advocacy and activities. As a repository of wisdom, his words of encouragement and inspiration to many were incomparable. At every of his academic, political, communal and religious odyssey he distinguished himself as an epitome of forthrightness, sincerity, discipline, equity and fairness.
Having emerged as pathfinder, achiever and visionary in his civil service career as an educationist, rising through the rungs to the top as, arguably, the very best Principal of St. Monica’s College Kabba, he was unanimously beckoned to serve his people in political positions. As a Member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, between 1979 and 1983, he emerged as a master strategist, mobiliser and political generalismo, whose sphere of influence and goodwill were very visible, intensive and extensive.
His doggedness, hardwork, dynamism and people-centred initiatives were generally recognized by colleagues, party leaders and faithful, and the entire Okun Nation. This massive endorsement culminated in his nomination and election as the Senator representing Kwara West District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sometime in October 1983.
Typical of him, Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju continued with his passion, and commitment towards offering quality service to his constituents and Nigeria. I recall with nostalgia; as a very young boy back then, how his apartment within the beautiful and artistic 1004 Housing Estates, Victoria Island, Lagos, became a mecca of sorts to many of the leading lights of the Second Republic. It was at his residence that I had the rare opportunity of knowing influential politicians including Late Senators Olusola Saraki, Uba Ahmed, Jonathan Odebiyi, Abraham Adesanya, Obi Wali, John Wash Pam, and Joseph Wayas amongst others.
Today, as we celebrate Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju, whose great, unique and enviable attributes of excellence, uprightness and selflessness will remain evergreen in our minds, I pray that we all; children, mentees, acquaintances, relations, benefactors, will imbibe and sustain his legendary legacy of service and integrity, Amen.
Adieu, our dear indefatigable Patriarch, and most distinguished Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju.
HON. TAJUDEEN YUSUF (TeeJay)
Member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu
Federal Constituency
National Assembly
Abuja
Wednesday, March 31st, 2021
