Otunba Dapo Williams’ Widow, Tina Chases His Son, Daughter From Their Father’s Burial

An unusual scenario played out in the city of
London on Wednesday 26th August, 2020, when the widow of the Leader of the Nigerian Community in the United Kingdom, Otunba (Dr.) Oladapo Oshun-Williams, Tina chased his first son and daughter away from their father’s burial.

The embarrassing event prevented the children of the London big boy from performing burial rites for their late father.

It was revealed that Tina expressly ordered that the children from Dapo’s previous marriage be barred from the program.

blob:https://www.firstweeklymagazine.com/bce399fa-cacf-4351-ae62-fc586565aa25

“Tina asked the security men to remove Dapo’s two other children from the burial ground and there was a huge scene. Eventually, those kids let her finish and then went back to pay their last respect to their father.

“Another issue is that the man died a Muslim, there was no record of him ever going to church or becoming a Christian but he ended being buried as a Christian because Tina, who had only one daughter for him later in life, felt he should be buried as a Christian,” said a source.

The body of Otunba Dapo Williams was laid to rest in Sidcup, South East London on Wednesday.

The late Otunba Tayese of Akoko Ondo, Nigeria was buried at a small and intimate ceremony attended by just close family members and friends including Otunba Wale Kalejaiye, founder of the Nigerian Think Tank Group of which Dr Williams was a former Chairman and till his death, a Board of Trustees Member.

The death of the highly popular chieftain and erudite socialite caused great ripples of grief among his many friends and fans, as well as several beneficiaries of his generosity and mentorship.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The much loved and highly respected leader died of heart attack on the 4th of August shortly after taking part in a Youth Empowerment Zoom Seminar organised by the “Agba Ko Ni Tan L’orile Oodua” Group.

We were informed that the London big boy, who was an indigene of Lagos State, a qualified Architect, and Chartered Surveyor had said he was going to one of his construction sites, granted an interview to Alistair and minutes afterwards had an heart attack and died.

The incident happened 24 hours after his wife started looking for him.

The Police were informed of his disappearance and reports indicated that investigation started shortly after the police were informed that he was nowhere to be found.

Sources disclosed that the police couldn’t break into where he was last seen, and waited for another 48 hours because his car was in his office.

Chief Dapo Williams popularly known as DW was a high achiever and had several accomplishments to his credit, including the Project Management of the Canary Wharf Building in London, NMC property portfolio management, and Facilities Maintenance and property management for several high profile organisations .

He was a corporate real estate consultant with a deep involvement in the Gas and Oil sector as a forecourt Petroleum products retailer.

He was also the founder of President Buhari Campaign Organisation.

DW was a real community activist who constantly sought to create the spirit of unity, cohesion and collaboration within the UK Diasporan community. That is why DWs popularity transcended the “elitist ” segment of the community. He was “at home” in any kind of event or gathering and his appeal was “universal” without being outlandish or loud. Many have described him as humble, kind, jovial and fashionable.

He is mostly remembered by many community events, initiatives and projects organisers for his incredible generosity and encouraging spirit.

The impact of the sad death of Otunba Dr Oladapo Oshun-Williams will be felt by many especially those who knew him or were close to him for a very long time to come. He definitely left very big shoes that will be hard to fill.

Dapo Williams was a man of many parts, who was involved in many projects in his lifetime.

In an interview, Dapo Williams granted London-based Ben Television shortly before his death, he revealed that he got to the United Kingdom in 1987.

He stated that he worked with Chevron Oil Producing and later worked as an architect in project sites in the United Kingdom.

Dapo had studied Mechanical Engineering In Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, but had to go for training in architecture when he got to the United Kingdom.

“I attended the University of Reddington in the United Kingdom to study Estate Management. I used to work for the King of Saudi Arabia and managed their properties in the United Kingdom.

“I later met with the Queen of England in 1999. After this, I became the owner of a petrol station in Kent, Cambridge, England. I used to work in the upstream sector in my days in Chevron, but selling petroleum is downstream,” he said.

Dapo Williams used the opportunity of the interview to advise the younger ones to learn trades even if they had money, while urging them to keep their vision and be flexible with their plans.

“You must note the 4Ps, which are Price, Place, Product, and People. Keep your 4Ps. Keep your overhead at minimum level, keep your vision in sight and learn from others,” he said.

Dapo was a Nigerian from Lagos State. He was a qualified Architect, Chartered Surveyor and Commercially focused Real Estate FM strategist with over 35 years’ experience in the Real Estate procurement, Property FM and Building Construction industry.

Dapo was also a Petroleum Products Downstream Retailer in the Oil & Gas Sector.

He was a high achiever who has demonstrated his capabilities throughout his career. He develops property and facilities management solutions in response to commercial accommodation needs.

He was experienced in building architectural design, building construction project management, procurement and disposal of properties, building selection, lease management, dilapidation negotiations and renewable energy management.

Dapo was experienced in building mechanical services surveying, design and installation (Qualified BS/QS) with a passion for the environment. He specializes in proactive and reactive actions in managing the effects of climate change within the low-carbon economy.

His expertise included working on Oil and Gas (on-shore/off-shore) Subsea Install Base & Dehydration location; Computer-Aided Architectural Drawing for crude oil pipeline operations and maintenance projects.

Dapo was a motivator, an effective communicator and a member of the Association of Engineering Doctorates.
He is a researcher in the built environment arena, who enjoys the rigors of demanding challenges.

He had vast experience in various industry sectors, namely; Oil and Gas, Health Services, Automotive, Construction, Education, Employment, Legal Advice and Guidance Services.

Dapo was a member of the Nigerian Community Leadership Forum, Nigerian Think Tank Group, UK and also a patron to several charities in the UK.

Otunba Dapo Williams was a role model and mentor to black youths in the African/Caribbean community in the UK.

He enjoyed his Formula 1 car racing (Ferrari), Golf and watching his beloved Arsenal FC.

He is survived by his wife Tina, three children, a grandson & siblings.