Segun Atanda/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to the late Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as the man who introduced him to politics and stood firmly behind his rise to become a senator, governor and eventually President of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday following Oseni’s death, President Tinubu said he received the news “with a heavy heart and deep sadness,” describing the deceased as “a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one.”
The President disclosed that Oseni played a pivotal role in shaping his political journey, saying: “He brought me into politics and stood by me along with others to become the Senator representing Lagos West and later the governor of our Lagos State.”
Tinubu recalled that beyond his personal relationship with him, Oseni was an accomplished administrator, elder statesman, progressive politician and one of the key architects of progressive politics in Lagos.
According to the President, Oseni served as organising secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos during the Second Republic under Obafemi Awolowo, where he helped lay the foundation for major institutions, including the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to Oseni’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, describing him as “a warrior for democracy” who remained committed to the ideals of democratic governance throughout his life.
The President said they stood shoulder to shoulder during the pro-democracy movement that followed the annulment of the historic 1993 Nigerian presidential election won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, adding that together they fought tirelessly to end military rule in Nigeria.
Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Tinubu revealed that Oseni also supported his presidential ambition in 2022, offering prayers and blessings despite living in the United States at the time.
“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” Tinubu stated.
Describing Oseni’s death as a profound personal loss, the President said: “Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen.”
He expressed gratitude to Allah for granting Oseni a long, impactful life and prayed for strength and comfort for his family, particularly his wife and children.
“As Kola Oseni’s remains are laid to rest, Remi and I wish him eternal rest. May Almighty Allah grant him the best part of Aljanna,” the President said.
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