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Funsho Williams: The Man Who Could Have Become Governor of Lagos

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Few names in Lagos politics evoke as much reflection and sorrow as that of Engr. Anthony Olufunsho Williams, popularly known as Funsho Williams. His life journey—from a humble student in Ebute-Metta to a top civil servant, businessman, and formidable political figure—was marked by excellence, ambition, and ultimately, tragedy.

Early Life and Education

Funsho Williams was born in 1948. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School, Ebute-Metta, and later St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Nigeria at the time.

In 1968, he gained admission into the University of Lagos, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Determined to deepen his knowledge, he proceeded to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA, for a Master’s degree in Engineering.

Career in Civil Service

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1974, Williams joined the Lagos State Civil Service. For the next 17 years, he played a pivotal role in shaping the physical development of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

By the time he rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Funsho Williams had overseen the construction of nearly 70% of the roads and bridges in Lagos State. His work contributed to the modernization of Lagos, providing critical infrastructure for its growing population and booming economy.

Williams left the civil service in 1991, briefly ventured into private business, but soon returned to public service as a Commissioner under the military administration of Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Entry into Politics

Frustrated by the limitations of public service, Williams turned to politics in the mid-1990s, seeking a platform to influence policy rather than just execute it.

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He first joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during General Sani Abacha’s regime.
Following Abacha’s death, he moved to the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Eventually, he crossed over to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which won the 2003 national elections under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Twice, he contested the Lagos State governorship elections but was unsuccessful. Still, he remained undeterred, building grassroots support and gaining recognition as a serious contender who could finally challenge the AD’s dominance in Lagos.

The 2007 Ambition

By 2006, Williams was widely tipped to emerge as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State. His candidacy represented the best chance the PDP had at breaking the stronghold of the opposition in Lagos.

Many saw him as the man who could transform Lagos, given his technocratic experience and proven record in public works.

Assassination

Tragically, his dream was cut short. On July 27, 2006, Funsho Williams was found dead in his Dolphin Estate residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to forensic evidence presented in court:

His hands were bound, and he was discovered lying face down in a pool of blood.

He had been stabbed and showed signs of a violent struggle.

The cause of death was asphyxia (manual strangulation), compounded by knife wounds sustained while resisting his attackers.

The violent killing shocked the nation. His assassination was widely interpreted as politically motivated, linked to the fierce battles over the Lagos governorship race within the PDP.

Two arrests were made, including his campaign manager and former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, but no conviction was ever secured.

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Burial and Legacy

Funsho Williams was laid to rest at the Victoria Court Cemetery, Lagos, survived by his wife, Hilda, and their four children.

Today, his name lives on through the Funsho Williams Avenue (formerly Western Avenue) in Surulere, Lagos. For many Lagosians, his memory symbolizes both the promise of visionary leadership and the dangers of Nigeria’s volatile political culture.

Funsho Williams’ story is not just about politics, but about dreams, service, and sacrifice. He was a civil servant who became a politician, a builder of bridges and roads who also wanted to build a stronger Lagos.

His assassination remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile unresolved political murders, leaving behind the haunting question: What would Lagos have become if Funsho Williams had lived to govern?

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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7 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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