President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has expressed deep condolences to his nephew, Hon. (Prince) Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, commonly known as ARK, following the death of his father, High Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu. The elder Kasunmu passed away on May 10, 2024, at the age of 75.
In an official letter dated June 9, 2024, President Tinubu conveyed his sympathy and support to Hon. Kasunmu, who serves as the Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The letter highlighted the close family ties and the significant legacy left by Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu.
“My Dear Damola,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you, your siblings, and the entire Kasunmu, Williams, and Coker families on the passing of your dear father, Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu.
Your Dad, whom I knew closely as the husband to my late sister, your mother, Abiodun Arafat, was a jolly good fellow and a remarkable individual who made significant contributions to family, community, and society.
I also remember his late mother, Chief (Mrs.) Elfrida Williams Kasunmu (a.k.a. Mama Loke), your paternal grandmother, who was a successful career woman, an active political amazon, and an intimate friend of my mother, Alhaja Abibatu Ashabi Mogaji, of blessed memory.
We thank God your Dad left behind a worthy heir such as you, and we also thank God for the lives of the siblings and family members he left behind, such as Chief (Mrs.) Olubunmi Anyaoku, wife of our statesman and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON and his widow, Mrs. Kemi Kasunmu.
Be assured that the entire Tinubu/Mogaji families stand with you and your siblings now and always.
May God grant him eternal rest, and may the souls of your mother, Rafa; our darling aburo, Modupe; our beloved Kemi Nelson; our matriarch, Mama Abibatu Ashabi Mogaji; and all other departed souls continue to rest peacefully. Take heart.
Sincerely,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Hon. Kasunmu’s mother, the late Mrs. Abiodun Arafat Kasunmu, was a younger sister to President Tinubu and passed away in October 2006. Hon. Kasunmu, who shares a birthday with President Tinubu on March 29th, has since risen to a prominent position in the Lagos State House of Assembly as the only child of his parents.
The late Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu was renowned for his philanthropic efforts and leadership within the community and held numerous titles, including Amoye Ilu of Lagos, Akeweje of Egbaland, and Fiwagboye of Abuja.
The President also extended his condolences to Chief (Mrs.) Olubunmi Anyaoku, the elder sister of the deceased and wife of former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku GCON, highlighting the close-knit nature of the family ties.
Chief Kasunmu’s final burial rites are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, with a Service of Songs at St. John’s Anglican Church, Iju. This will be followed by a Wake Keep Service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, culminating in the final funeral service at the same church on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The entire Tinubu and Kasunmu families, alongside the wider community, are expected to gather in solidarity to honor the life and legacy of High Chief Adekunle Olaosebikan Kasunmu.
