President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and progressive politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as a brother, ally, comrade and one of the strong pillars of the pro-democracy struggle in Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a personal tribute issued on Friday following Oseni’s passing, said he received the news of the former political leader’s death with “a heavy heart and deep sadness,” noting that the late statesman played a defining role in his political journey and in the struggle to restore democracy in the country.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I received the news of Alhaji Kola Oseni’s passing. Though he is no longer with us, the memories of the time we shared and the legacy he left will endure,” the President said.
Tinubu described Oseni as “a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer,” whose leadership, vision and industry distinguished him over the years.
According to the President, Oseni made significant contributions to Lagos politics and governance, particularly during the Second Republic when he served as organising secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos.
He noted that Oseni’s contributions helped lay the foundation for the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where a central mosque was recently dedicated in his honour.
But beyond his public accomplishments, Tinubu said the late Oseni occupied a deeply personal place in his life and political evolution.
“To me, however, he was much more than that. He was a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled that Oseni was one of the political leaders who brought him into partisan politics and stood firmly by him as he rose through the ranks.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on their shared history, Tinubu said he and the late Oseni stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against military dictatorship and in defence of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
“We shared good moments and also made sacrifices for our country and our people. I can never forget all we went through together in the struggle to restore democracy in our land,” Tinubu said.
“Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them. Together, we fought for the sanctity of the June 12 election won by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, and together, we struggled to end military dictatorship in the land.”
Tinubu also revealed that Oseni gave him his blessings and prayers when he declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2022, although ill health and relocation to the United States limited his direct involvement.
“In 2022, when I indicated interest in contesting for the presidency, Kola Oseni blessed my aspiration and offered prayers. But he could do little because by then he had relocated to America,” he said.
The President added that some of the reforms being implemented by his administration were rooted in ideas and discussions he had shared with the late political associate.
“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” he stated.
Paying a final tribute, Tinubu thanked the deceased for his service to Lagos State and Nigeria, and for his loyalty and friendship over the years.
“Thank you for your service to Lagos State. Thank you for your service to Nigeria. Thank you for being a brother and a friend and for standing by me over the years,” he said.
In an emotional close, the President described Oseni’s death as a personal and national loss.
“Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen. I give thanks to Allah that Alhaji Oseni lived well, lived to an advanced age, and left behind worthy children,” Tinubu said.
He prayed for divine comfort for the late statesman’s family and for Allah to grant him eternal rest.
“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 added.