“Fallen from his high estate, and weltering in his blood: deserted at his utmost need, by those his former bounty fed; on the bare earth exposed he lies, with not a friend to close his eyes,” wrote John Dryden, the late English poet, playwright, and literary critic in his literary masterpiece, “Alexander’s Feast.” Were they of the same epoch, we could say Dryden had the late Funso Williams in mind.
That is because his words, grim as they are, vividly capture the situation of things with respect to the Lagos politician, particularly his desertion after his demise by friends and associates. They could not even bring themselves to remember him, prompting insinuations that most of our politicians have short memories indeed. Or could it be that they think less of the dead and their accomplishments.
Recently, it was exactly the tenth anniversary of the untimely death of Williams, former Commissioner for Works in Lagos State and leading governorship aspirant at the time, and only a few politician remembered him talk less acknowledged his political achievements. The gruesome and shocking murder of Williams was one pill too bitter to swallow for most of the people who knew him. Many of his friends and associates were inconsolable following his murder. It is therefore a surprise that ten years after, many have forgotten all about him. Funny how time obscures our world’s best heroes you might say.
