•At His Mum’s Grand Burial In LAGOS
Last week Saturday, 10th of June, 2017 was the day Nigeria ruling party, APC and its opposition PDP reunited after their age long rivalry. Guess who made it happen? It was former Minister of Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who threw a one in town 8-day Fidau prayer for his late mother, late Alhaja Ejide Obanikoro, who died in June 3rd, 2017.
It was at the event the age long bitterness PDP has for APC was buried, as they all came out enmasse to support Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.
Though, the news of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro dumping PDP for APC is still fresh in the air but there is no doubt that his PDP friends hold no grudges against his decision. They are not ready to cut ties with him and that was why over 100 PDP stelwarts stormed his mother’s burial few days ago. His old party numbers were also not left out of the political ‘reunion’ as they came out en masse.
His gubernatorial contender, Jimi Agbaje (PDP), was one of those who made the burial of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro’s mum’s burial. So also is former Ogun State PDP candidate, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala (PDP), Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Buruju Kashamu (PDP), Senator Ben Bruce (PDP), among others.
As expected, his former party APC and its top members were also not left out as they were notably seen at the event. Also, sighted was Minister for Works, Governor Babatunde Fashola, APC Woman Leader, Kemi Nelson, Commissioner for Housing, Gbolahan Lawal, Mr. Kamal Olorunoje, Mr. Femi Carena, Mr. Kayode Bawa-Allah, Alhaji Mutiu Are, Senator Tayo Alaso Adura, Senator Demola Seriki, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, APC Legal Advicer, Muiz Banire, Akeem Alobo-Bakare, Ogun State Commissional for Culture, Lagos SSG (represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode) and host of others.
At few minutes past 3pm, the whole hall was thrown into excitement as the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki stepped in. He was not alone, he walked in with Senator Olamilekan Yayi and Senator Tayo Alaso-Adura. There was no ill feelings as the PDP and APC bigwigs partied till the wee hours of the night.
The elated “Omo Oloku” in his closing remarks also used the medium to appreciate both parties for being guests at his mother’s burial. His word: I am happy to see all my friends at this event. The Lagos State Governor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is ably represented here by SSG. The governor is not here with us, but I want to confess to the general public here that he is an “Omoluabi” (a good fellow).
He has played a very good role since my mum passed away. For those of you who know what “Omoluabi” means, I leave you to do the interpretation. (General laughter). I thank all my colleagues, senators. Before I do that let me thank the Governor, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Oyo State Governor, Alao Akala and Governor Amosun who is my mother’s governor and was represented by 3 Commissioners who kept to time. I also thank them. “eyan o gbo do ni ile iya, ko ma ni ile baba” (you can’t have a mother’s family and not have father’s lineage). I recognise former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Amosun, I thank you sincerely, Otunba Femi Pedro and my own worthy brother, “Omo-Eko Pataki”, Minister of Housing, Works and Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola”.
Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Senator Teslim Folarin “Aburo Mi”, former Speaker Oyo State, Hon. Alarape, I thank you all” he said as he appreciated all the eminent personalities that came.
