Anthony Olufunsho Williams, just like yesterday, it is 15years some individuals snuffed life out of your ever bubbling physical self…….
Funsho Williams was a thorough Lagos Breed, having started his primary education at St Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute Metta and then on to St Gregory’s College, Obalende, before he attained a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
He however, needed to have a feel of the other side of the World, hence, he left the shores of Nigeria for the United States of America for his Master’s Degree.
His love for Lagos as a State, spurred his return in 1974 to join the Lagos State Civil Service, to lend his own quota towards the development of the state.
To this effect, it is on record that about 70% of the roads and bridges in Lagos State today, were built under his stewardship.
He retired from the Lagos State Civil Service as a Permanent Secretary.
His undiluted Love for Lagos State, propelled his return to serve as a Commissioner under the Military Administration of Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Still with the Love and development of the State in his mind, he went into politics with the mindset of being a Policy Formulator rather that a “stooge” who would just carry out policies formulated by others.
He initially joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), before moving to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and then finally moved “home” to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Engr Anthony Olufunsho Williams had organised a formidable Political Structure in Lagos State, his group the “Network Alliance” had such a strong grassroot following that at some point, he was touted as the next Governor of Lagos State.
He had openly vowed, to wrestle Lagos State out of the hands of the “slave masters.”
Funsho Williams also known as “Captain” on the Political terrain, was seen as a “Moving Train” and a lot of people who could not match his Political Prowess and Intellectual Capacity felt threatened, and thus had the hidden agendas to have him stopped.
His about six feet physical self was stopped, as he was gruesomely murdered in his home on the 27th of July, 2006.
However, his ever bubbling spirit still lives on in our hearts, even 15years on.
Funsho Williams was a True Patriot, a True Lagosian(Omo Eko gidi), and he was an embodiment of True Love.
Though it is a known fact, that those who killed him are still amongst us, we however strongly believe in God as the final arbiter.
We Love you Engr Anthony Olufunsho Williams, but we are consoled by the fact that you are already with Him who loves you even more.
May your ever gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
