Former Minister of Communications, Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd.), has congratulated elder statesman, Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Olanrewaju described Okunnu as one of the few remaining nationalists of his era, noting that he was at the forefront of the struggle as a freedom fighter in his youth and later stood firm in efforts to free Lagos from Western Regional subjugation.
The statement read: “One of the few remaining nationalists of his time, he was at the forefront as a freedom fighter in his youth and later at the barricades to free Lagos from the apron strings of Western Regional subjugation.”
Olanrewaju further stated that Okunnu became a strong advocate of “Gbedege L’Eko Wa,” a liberation movement led by Oba Adeniji-Adele, Prince Akitoye, T. O. S. Benson, and other prominent leaders who were determined to make Lagos State a separate entity from the Western Regional Government.
“Alhaji has fought his battles and prevailed through strength and resilience. It is now left to the remaining prominent Omo Eko Pataki and the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation to continue the pathway laid by our elders and ensure that Lagos State remains free from exploitation, domination and marginalisation,” he said.
Olanrewaju added: “I want to use this moment to wish Alhaji Lateef Olufemi Okunnu a happy birthday and a peaceful, fulfilling life.”
