Lagos Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Kasunmu Pays Tribute To Late Mum 20 Years On, Set To Launch Leadership Fellowship In Remembrance
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Hon. (Prince) Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, Chief Mrs. Arafat Abiodun Kasunmu, as the family marks the 20th anniversary of her passing.
In the deeply personal tribute titled “Twenty Years On… The Woman Behind My Journey,”
Hon. Kasunmu reflected on the life, values and enduring influence of his mother, describing her as his first teacher, disciplinarian, mentor, pride, joy and eternal inspiration.
One of the phrases his mother repeatedly used while raising him was:
“Ranti omo ẹni tí ìwọ ń ṣe!”
“Remember the son of who you are!”
Kasunmu said that what once sounded like a simple reminder from his mother has, over the years, become a profound guiding principle in his life.
He explained that she was reminding him not merely of his parentage, but of the values, character, dignity and responsibility that came with being her son.
A WOMAN WHO SHAPED HIS JOURNEY
Kasunmu described his late mother as a strict but loving disciplinarian who believed strongly in excellence, education, discipline and character.
Recalling his childhood, he wrote that she could be firm in correcting him while remaining deeply affectionate, adding that her high standards prepared him for the responsibilities he would encounter later in life.
He also reminisced about her distinctive elegance, recalling her love for fashionable trouser suits, three-piece outfits, suits and skirts, as well as her favourite fragrances, including Elizabeth Arden, Red Door, Beautiful, Estée Lauder and Anaïs Anaïs.
For Hon. Kasunmu, these memories have become more than recollections of his childhood; they are cherished reminders of a mother whose personality and values left an indelible imprint on him.
AN EDUCATIONIST AND WOMAN OF PURPOSE
The lawmaker also paid tribute to his mother’s contribution to education and society, describing her as an educationist par excellence who understood education as more than the pursuit of certificates.
He said she believed education should transform lives, build character, open minds and equip people to improve their circumstances and society.
Beyond the classroom, Kasunmu remembered her as a woman who demonstrated courage, resilience and commitment to her family and community.
“MAY YOUR ROAD BE ROUGH”
One of the most emotional parts of the tribute was Kasunmu’s recollection of a prayer his mother used to make for him as a young man:
“May your road be rough.”
He recalled that he did not understand or appreciate the prayer at the time, wondering why his mother would wish for a difficult road for her son.
However, two decades after her passing, he said he now understands the deeper meaning behind those words.
According to him, she was not praying for suffering but for strength, resilience, courage and the capacity to overcome adversity.
Hon. ARK said the prayer has remained with him throughout his journey, particularly as he continues to navigate the responsibilities of public service.
FROM MOTHER’S VALUES TO PUBLIC SERVICE
Reflecting on his political journey, Kasunmu said many of the values that guide him today were first cultivated by his mother.
He linked his passion for education, concern for young people, commitment to inclusion, interest in women’s empowerment and approach to leadership as a responsibility to the lessons he learnt from her.
He noted that before becoming a lawmaker, he was first and foremost his mother’s son, adding that his earliest understanding of leadership and service came from watching her interact with people and commit herself to causes she believed in.
HON. KASUNMU TO LAUNCH LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP
As part of efforts to extend the values he inherited from his mother to a new generation, Kasunmu announced plans to launch the T.A.R.K.L.E Fellowship — The Adedamola Richard Kasunmu Leadership and Engagement Fellowship.
According to him, the initiative will be dedicated to knowledge, leadership, engagement, mentorship and service, with the broader objective of benefiting humanity.
The Visionary lawmaker, Hon. Kasunmu explained that T.A.R.K.L.E is more than an initiative bearing his name, describing it as a continuation of the legacy of a mother who believed in education, discipline, character, mentorship and purposeful leadership.
He expressed the hope that through the fellowship, young people would gain the courage to lead, the discipline to serve, the knowledge to engage and the humility to learn.
“I CARRY YOU”
Reflecting on two decades without his mother, Kasunmu said her influence has remained an integral part of his identity.
“I don’t simply remember you. I carry you.”
He said he carries her voice, lessons, discipline, prayers, values, name and love, adding that every step forward in his journey reminds him of the woman who helped prepare him for life.
He further wondered what his mother would say if she were alive to witness his political journey and current position as Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He said he believed she would celebrate his achievements but would also remind him that every position comes with responsibility and that he must remain humble.
“MUMMY, I HOPE YOU ARE PROUD”
In the closing portion of the tribute, Kasunmu expressed his hope that his late mother would be proud of the man he has become and the journey he continues to undertake.
He said that although 20 years have passed since her death, her presence remains evident in his memories, character, public service, leadership and family.
He also described the planned *T.A.R.K.L.E* Fellowship as another avenue through which her values can continue to influence people beyond her lifetime.
Concluding the emotional tribute, Kasunmu returned to the words that have remained with him since childhood:
“Ranti omo ẹni tí ìwọ ń ṣe!”
He responded:
“I remember, Mummy. I remember.”
For the ranking Ikeja Constituency 2 Lawmaker, Hon Kasunmu, the 20th anniversary is therefore not only a moment to mourn a beloved mother, but also an opportunity to celebrate her life, honour her values and continue the legacy she began.
“Twenty years gone. Twenty years remembered. Twenty years loved. Twenty years missed. Twenty years of carrying your legacy,” he wrote.
He prayed for the continued repose of his mother’s soul, adding:
“You were my mother in life, and you remain my inspiration in death.”
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Twenty years may have passed, but the values, lessons and love of Chief Mrs. Arafat Abiodun Kasunmu continue to live on through her son and the lives he touches.
Forever loved.
Forever remembered. Forever an inspiration.
©️ ARK_2027 MEDIA
Office of the Deputy Majority Leader
Hon. (Prince) Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (ARK)
Lagos State House of Assembly
