President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound grief over the passing of elder statesman and veteran Lagos politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, honoring him as a trusted ally, brother, and the man who first introduced him to the political arena.
In a special tribute released on Friday, President Tinubu praised Oseni’s inspiring leadership, noting that he remained a steadfast figure during the prolonged struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.
“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 remembered the late politician as “a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer,” whose dedication to public service significantly shaped both Lagos State and the nation.
Recounting Oseni’s history, the President highlighted his role as the organizing secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos during the Second Republic under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as well as his contribution to founding the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
Reflecting on their deep personal bond, the President noted that Oseni was pivotal in launching his own political trajectory.
“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. 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. 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 further described Oseni as “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,” the president said.
He also shared that Oseni remained a source of support for his 2022 presidential bid, even after relocating to the United States.
“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. As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger.”
Concluding the tribute, the President described Oseni’s death as a profound personal 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. I will never forget Kola Oseni. I will never forget all that he stood for.”
President Tinubu, joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and offered comfort to the Oseni family, wishing the elder statesman “the best part of Aljanna.”
