President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to an elder statesman, political ally and advocate of good governance, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as one of the architects of his political journey whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria will remain indelible.
In a personally written tribute following the passing of the progressive politician, President Tinubu praised Oseni’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s democratic journey and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance.
Describing him as a visionary administrator and trailblazer, the President said Oseni’s inspiring leadership, vision and industry distinguished him throughout his public life.
“Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni; goodnight, my brother.
“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.
“Alhaji Kola Oseni was a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician and a trailblazer. His inspiring leadership, vision and industry stood him apart. He was relentless in his determination to do many things for our people,” the President said.
Recalling their days in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, President Tinubu described the late Oseni as a trusted political mentor, ally and brother whose contributions to Lagos politics helped shape key state institutions.
He credited Oseni with introducing him to politics and supporting his emergence as senator representing Lagos West and later Governor of Lagos State, while recalling their shared sacrifices in the struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.
“Kola Oseni’s immense contributions, first as organising secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos during the Second Republic, laid the foundation for the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, among others, for which a central mosque in the company was recently dedicated in his name.
“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 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,” he said.
President Tinubu also recalled that Oseni blessed and prayed for his 2022 presidential bid despite living in the United States, adding that his administration is implementing many of the reforms they envisioned together to build a stronger Nigeria.
“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.
“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 am implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” the President stated.
President Tinubu thanked the late Oseni for his selfless service to Lagos State and Nigeria, describing him as a loyal brother, trusted friend and steadfast ally who stood by him through 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.
“Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend have 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. I pray that Almighty Allah comfort and protect his immediate family, particularly his wife and children. May they have the fortitude and strength to continue from where he stopped,” he said.
President Tinubu also prayed for Almighty Allah to grant Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni eternal rest and admit him into Aljanna Firdaus while comforting his family.
“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 prayed.
