Fashola vs Tinubu: APC leaders shun Fashola’s book launch

The chilled political relationship between the two immediate past governors of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola came to fore Tuesday as the launch of three books on Fashola was boycotted by the political class.

However, a testimony to Fashola’s credentials among the technocrats was evident as the occasion had a surplus of technocrats from various sectors of the society.


From left:Olori Titilola Akiolu, Mr. Dapo Adeniyi, Co-Author, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser on medial to Mr. Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, and Authors of the Book, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Guest Honour, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, Chief Judge of Lagos state, Alhaja Lateefah Okunnun, former deputy governor of Lagos state, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, Chief of staff to Senate president and representing the senate president and Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, representing Governor of Ogun state, during the Presentation of Three New titles Books, The Great Leap, In Bold Print and The Lagos Blow Dawn in the Honour of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos state by Hakeem Bello, at Mosum centre, Lagos Island. on. 18/08/2015. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

The anxiety that preceded Tuesday’s book launch was aptly echoed by the chairman of the ceremony, Mr. Fola Adeola who said that only very brave people were bold enough to come for the ceremony.

Nevertheless, the ceremony was thronged by dignitaries from the various professions outside the political realm. The notable political players present were immediate political associates of the former governor including, former governorship aspirant Mr. Supo Sashore, former deputy Governor, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, former Commissioner for finance in Lagos state, Mr Wale Edun, former Senator Munirudeen Muse.

Others are Chief Judge of Lagos state, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Mr Gbenga Makanjuola, Professor Tunde Samuel who represented the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Lanre Babalola, Jide Sanwolu, Rotimi Oyeko among others.

Speaking at the event, former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Fola Adeola said he considered those who attended as those who have the interest of the former Governor of Lagos at heart.

Adeola hails attendees for bravery

According to him, “I believe everybody that came here today considers Fashola as a friend, brother, cousin, so I greet everyone and welcome them here. I will also say some people are here just because they are brave and not afraid. I believe in fullness of time, everything evolves and dissolves, things come and go. Fashola, SAN and a former Governor is now the only thing that will remain constant and the people who are here today are simply telling him that no matter what, they still remained his friend”.