PDP, others commemorate Funsho Williams 20 years after killing

Twenty years after his death, the murder of Olufunsho Williams, a prominent Nigerian politician and former governorship candidate, remains a subject of public interest and an unresolved case.

A memorial service was held on Monday by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his killing. The service, themed “A Life of Service. A Legacy of Integrity. An Inspiration Forever,” took place at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Yaba.

Williams was murdered at his residence in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, on July 27, 2006. His death occurred just days before the PDP was expected to choose its candidate for the 2007 Lagos State governorship election. He had previously run for governor in 2003, losing to Bola Tinubu, who would later become Nigeria's president.

Despite the prosecution of six men in connection with the murder, the case has never been officially resolved. During the trial, the then Chief Forensic Pathologist of Lagos State, Oladapo Obafunwa, testified in 2014 that Williams died from strangulation. The post-mortem examination also revealed defensive wounds.

Williams, a civil engineer and technocrat, had a distinguished career in the Lagos State civil service, retiring as a Permanent Secretary in 1991 after 17 years. He also served as Commissioner for Works under a military administration and held positions on the boards of several major companies, including Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, before entering politics. He was considered a leading contender for the PDP's gubernatorial ticket at the time of his death. Then-Lagos Governor Tinubu, who faced accusations from some quarters regarding the assassination, maintained his innocence and offered a N10 million reward for information leading to the killers' arrest.

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We lost a gem