Lagos Politicians Honour Funsho Williams On 20th Anniversary Of His Death

Tributes have poured in for the late former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Funsho Williams, as political leaders commemorated the 20th anniversary of his death.

Former Lagos governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, described Williams as a visionary leader whose legacy of integrity, accountability and selfless service continues to inspire the quest for good governance in the state.

In a message shared on Monday, Doherty remembered Williams as a statesman of “rare competence, deep integrity and unflinching commitment to public service.”

“Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the tragic loss of Engr. Funsho Williams, a great icon, Omo Eko Pataki, Omoluabi Eko, we remember a statesman of rare competence, deep integrity and unflinching commitment to public service,” he said.

Doherty said Williams viewed governance as “a sacred duty” centred on structural planning, accountability and service to ordinary citizens rather than personal enrichment.

“Twenty years later, the values he stood for—peaceful politics, transparency and true accountability—still inspire everyone fighting for a better Lagos,” he added.

He prayed that the ideals for which Williams lived and died would be realised in Lagos and Nigeria, concluding his tribute with the words: “Forever in our hearts, rest on, Captain.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, also paid tribute to the late politician.

In a brief post on his X account, Rhodes-Vivour shared a photograph of Williams with the caption:

“We remember. Omoluabi Eko. Rest on, Captain.”

Similarly, the MPD governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos election, Prince Laja Adeoye, described Williams as “a rare gem” whose vision, integrity and courage remain an enduring example for public office holders.

“Twenty years ago, on this solemn day, Lagos and the democratic family of our great party lost a rare gem, a man of vision, integrity and uncommon courage. Late Engr. Funsho Williams was taken from us on 27th July 2006, but his light has never dimmed,” Adeoye said.

He urged political leaders to honour Williams’ memory by remaining united, serving the people faithfully and preserving the ideals of transparency, integrity and public service for which the late politician was widely respected.

Williams, a former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos State, was killed on July 27, 2006, in a case that remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile unsolved political murders.

His legacy continues to be remembered across political divides as a symbol of principled leadership and public service.