By Olayiwola Balogun – The news of the sudden death of a prominent UK based Nigerian reverberated in the community as it spread over the social media on Saturday 08 August 2020.
Leading and notable figures in the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom expressed their heartfelt pain. Otunba (Dr.) Dapo Williams was reported to have died as a result of heart attack.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family, Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora over the sad loss of Dr (Otunba) Dapo Williams, a prominent member of the Nigerian UK Diaspora.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), described the death of Dr Dapo Williams as an irreparable loss to his family, Nigeria and the UK communities.
The APC UK lamented the loss of Otunba Dapo Williams in a media release made available to the African Voice: “On behalf of All Progressives Congress, UK chapter and with a heavy heart, we would like to announce the passing of Otunba Dapo Williams, one of our UK chapter senior members and a leader within the Nigerian UK Diaspora community.”
A very close friend and associate of Dr. Dapo Williams, Akintokunbo Adejumo said, “With deepest pain and grief in our heart and gratitude to Almighty God, I announce the untimely passage of my friend, brother, Chairman, Champion, An erudite, humble, generous, a perfect gentleman, jovial Nigerian community leader in the UK, who never takes a fellow human being for granted.”
Cllr, Susan Jumoke Fajana – Thomas wrote, “This is a great loss to Nigerians in the Diaspora. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Your kindness, humility, generosity and commitments to the community will continue to remind us of you.”
Yemisi Jenkins Mbe: “l still wish someone will post on Face Book that it was all a mistake. But l guess, you have come to the end of your journey on earth. Otunba Dapo Williams (DW) l pray your soul rests in peace.”
Alistair Soyode, founder of BEN TV lamented in shock, “Kai, whaoo. Hard to believe, we were together Monday morning in a virtual meeting and now he’s gone from this zone. RIP”
Prince Mike Abiola Publisher of African Voice Newspaper UK said, “With heavy heart, I sympathise with the family and friends of Otunba (Dr) Dapo Williams, a prominent member of the Nigerian community in the UK. This is such a shocking and sad news. We will miss him dearly.”
Ayan De First described Dr. Dapo Williams as an irreplaceable community leader. He said, “nobody saw this coming your way. Good night Otunba may your soul rest in peace.”
Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan said, “He was a great community mobiliser, philanthropist and leader. May his soul rest in peace. May God give the wife, daughter, family, friends and our community the strength to bear this loss.”
Dr Dayo Olomu was in total shock, full of emotions and speechless at the sudden demise of Dr. Dapo Williams.
Baronessj Olajumoke Ariyo said, “In this community I have 3 solid brothers who stand solidly by me, and support every one of my projects and initiatives gidigba – physically, mentally and financially. Otunba Chief Dr Dapo William’s was one of them. Iku maa seka o. Rest in peace, egbon mi.”
Abass Tijani (DJ Abass) media and entertainment consultant said, “Great tributes have gone out to an exemplary man – testament to the many lives you touched and impacted positively. A community leader, a philanthropist, an achiever. Rest in peace.”
Ronke Adeagbo wrote, “RIP Dr Dapo Williams. You were a nice, warm, bridge builder and leader in the Nigerian community in the UK.”
Dr Anna Mbachu – Ogbuebile in her comment said, “Nigeria community home and abroad, especially in the UK have lost one of the pillars. Otunba Dr Dapo Williams just passed. I am still in shock, speechless and numb.”
Jimmy Eniola expressed his death as “the sudden exit one of the highly intelligent and successful Nigerians in the diaspora, Dr Dapo Williams, our beloved exemplary diaspora leader, that see humanity first, a great philanthropist and champion of good cause.”
Olukayode Okenla said, “Shocking. A huge loss indeed, we still spoke and chatted recently. Very sad news of a great pillar.”
Jenny Okafor exclaimed in disbelieve, “Gone! Just like that? Death is indeed the most powerful thing in this world. Otherwise why would my kind hearted, generous and most loving brother OTUNBA DR DAPO WILLIAMS be snatched away by the cold hands of death?”
Prince Tade Olusile lamented in deep shock, “Otunba Dr. Dapo Williams, every second by second I think of you. How can all of this be true? I can’t believe you’re really gone. I still can’t accept it.”
Susie Retty added, “Lord why? Sir Dapo rest in perfect peace. This was a few hours before you left the world on the 3rd of August. Looking so well. U were so close to my ex husband Dele, u use to be at our house all the time. Your car number I’ll always remember. One day we will all meet again. Till then.”
Dr. Abbey Akinoshun in his tribute wrote, “I have lost a good friend, confidant, advisor, and mentor. We had a chat on whatsapp on Sunday 2nd August 2020, without realising that would be our last interaction together.”
Lady Yemi Akande wrote, “You sent me this picture on Eid day and I wished you a happy one. We chatted a bit more and you promised to speak later. Oh what a life.”
Ronke Ali Udofia wrote, “Thank you Otunba for your Evergreen Inspiration RIP.”
Otunba Obafemi Adenuga Chairman, FEMADE (UK) said, “The death of Dr. Dapo Williams came as a shock and very sad not only to his family, but to his numerous associates and the Nigerian community at large.”
Toyin Jaiye – Daramola described Otunba Dapo Williams as “Ever bubbling and highly supportive in all areas. Sleep well my brother. You will be sorely missed. May your kind soul rest in peace, amen.”
Erelu Abike Ade Olagoke: “Where is the tree, the tree sleep like a mountain, can’t rise. My brother, my elder brother, my helper Dr. Dapo Williams laughter is gone, who will help me good night,” cried out in total disbelieve.
Doyin Ola said, “My bubbly and fashionista uncle, Patron Doyen’s Industry Night, so humble, supportive of everyone/events, selfless, and easy going, we will all miss you.”
Chief Ayodapo Oyebade wrote, Sending deepest condolences to Otunba’s family and loved ones. A great man, a generous friend and wise community leader. Rest in perfect peace”
Chief (Mrs) Yemisi Sanusi described Dr. Dapo Williams as “Irreplaceable, generous, hard working, humble, responsible, dependable, kind hearted, community centred, selfless, easy going, brilliant, bold champion. Who will fill the vacuum of organising and sponsorship of community events in the UK?”
Kashif Da Flash was taken aback and said, “Haaaa!!! Why Dr. Dapo? May Allah grants you the highest place in heaven.”
Princess Moradeun Adedoyin – Solarin lamented, “This has still Not Quite Sunk In. “The Sad News of Otunba (Dr) Dapo Williams’ Passing came as a rude shock, that continues to Ricochet across the Nigerian community in the UK, other parts of the world & the homeland Nigeria.”
Dr. Boma Douglas the Chairman (CANUK) who was saddened by the sudden passing of Otunba Dr Dapo Williams described him as “a Community Leader, a philanthropist and a vast academician. He has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) further said, “Dr Williams, was a quintessential gentleman, a worthy patriot, and highly respected leader in the UK Nigerian Diaspora community as well as in Nigeria.
“Until his death, Dapo Williams was a real estate practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the Building Maintenance Industry and a highly respected community leader in the United Kingdom.
“He was also an expert in the Oil and Gas, Automobile Products Retailing, Construction, Education, Employment, Legal Advice and Guidance Industry Sectors.
Dr Williams was also the Chair of Forecourt Petroleum Product retailing outfit in Kent and member of the institute of Directors (IoD) in London and Kent.
With his death, the Nigerian Community in London has been thrown into deep mourning and an indescribable sense of loss as the news of his passage was announced.
A generous and kind-hearted man, Dr Williams, popularly known as DW was loved and respected by many who met and knew him. He was humble, modest, lively and down to earth.
He was the Patron of many UK-Nigerian Community Projects and President of many socio-political organisations.
He supported many community initiatives and organisations including the Nigerian Events Awards UK, Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB Award) and Uncelebrated Nigerians Awards.
He was a dedicated APC-UK member and a founding member of the Buhari Campaign Organisation in the UK.
He was conferred with the title of Otunba Fiwagboye and Otunba Tayese and he has been awarded several community and professional awards.”
We at the African Voice Newspaper UK wish the family the fortitude to bear this great loss. And may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
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