The Lagos State Governor, alongside his counterpart from Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, came together on Thursday to pay their final respects to Chief Akintola Williams. Chief Akintola Williams, the first indigenous chartered accountant in Nigeria and an elder statesman, was honored at a funeral service held at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, near the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo.
Several prominent figures attended the funeral service, including former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (retired).
In a statement released by the chief press secretary of the Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu paid tribute to Chief Akintola Williams during the service. He described the late Williams as a man blessed with a long and healthy life, a true leader, and an outstanding Nigerian who had made significant contributions to his profession and society at large.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “At 104, how well would you describe a man that God first blessed with a long life and for a very long time, good health, and he had shown leadership at all levels? He was an outstanding Nigerian; a man who took his professional colleagues to an enviable level worldwide. He was also a lover of God, a churchgoer, and a man who built the altar of a church. He had all of the pillars to tick as a good man. We can only wish the family all the very best. To the country, we have lost an outstanding Nigerian, and for us in Lagos, we lost a big Lagosian. We will continue to have memories of the hospitable life that he lived. I will miss him personally. I believe he lived a good life.”
Prince Dapo Abiodun praised Chief Akintola Williams for his enduring legacy, noting that his impact would be remembered for many years due to the principles he upheld throughout his lifetime.
During the service, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, called on family, friends, and associates to immortalize Chief Akintola Williams by supporting the Akintola Williams Centenary Building Project of the church.
The funeral service brought together captains of industry, bank executives, bishops, priests, family members, friends, and associates of the late Chief Akintola Williams from both local and international communities, signifying the profound impact he had on a wide spectrum of society.