President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Chairman of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, on his 90th birthday, describing him as an embodiment of honour, selfless service, uncommon loyalty and principled leadership.
In a special tribute personally signed , President Tinubu celebrated the nonagenarian as an iconic figure in Lagos politics, a custodian of the progressive political heritage and a father figure whose wisdom and guidance have shaped generations of leaders.
The President described Prince Olusi as an institution whose contributions to public service span more than six decades, beginning with his election as a Councillor in the Lagos Town Council in 1962.
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He recalled the elder statesman’s subsequent service in the House of Representatives during the Second Republic, his appointment as Commissioner for Commerce in Lagos State and his present leadership of the Governance Advisory Council, noting that his political journey exemplified dedication, loyalty and unwavering principles.
“Baba is not just a politician; he is an institution. From his early days as a Councillor in the Lagos Town Council in 1962, to his service in the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, to his role as Commissioner for Commerce in Lagos, and now as Chairman of our GAC, his life is a masterclass in selfless public service, loyalty, and unwavering principle,” the President stated.
President Tinubu acknowledged Prince Olusi’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s progressive political movement, describing him as a vital link between its historical foundations and the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the elder statesman’s influence extended beyond Lagos, particularly through his ancestral connections to Lagos and Ado-Ekiti, which, according to him, symbolised the unity and shared heritage of the Yoruba people.
“As a prince of Lagos by paternity and a prince of Ado-Ekiti by maternity, Baba Olusi embodies the unity and oneness of Yorubaland,” he said.
The President further congratulated Prince Olusi on his recent installation as the Baba Adini of Yorubaland, describing the honour as a fitting recognition of his deep religious convictions, moral uprightness and contributions to Islam and community development.
Reflecting on their longstanding personal relationship, President Tinubu expressed profound gratitude for the guidance, encouragement and support he had received from the elder statesman over several decades.
“What he has given Lagos and Nigeria- love, support, guidance and direction- Baba has given to me personally. For decades, he has been my leader, my mentor, my ally, my guide and my counsellor,” the President declared.
He described Prince Olusi as a stabilising influence within the progressive political family, whose wisdom and steadfast commitment had provided direction during periods of uncertainty and strengthened the movement through challenging times.
“Baba Olusi is a stabilising force in our progressive family. When we wavered, he steadied us. When we needed wisdom, he provided it without reservations,“ he stated.
President Tinubu observed that Prince Olusi’s loyalty to the progressive cause and his commitment to the development of Lagos and Nigeria had remained consistent throughout his political career, driven principally by his concern for the welfare of the people.
He also praised the elder statesman’s humility despite his considerable political influence, describing the quality as a defining attribute of genuine royalty and responsible leadership.
The President expressed appreciation for Prince Olusi’s unwavering support for political associates and successive generations of progressive leaders in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“Thank you, Baba, for who you are. Thank you for being there for all of us in Lagos and the progressive family across the country,“ he said.
Beyond politics, President Tinubu commended Prince Olusi’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, advancing educational opportunities through the newly launched Prince Tajudeen Olusi Educational Fund and preserving the history and cultural traditions of Lagos through documentation.
He noted that these initiatives reflected the elder statesman’s enduring dedication to education, cultural preservation and the development of future generations.
President Tinubu offered prayers for Prince Olusi’s continued good health, renewed strength and many more years of meaningful contributions to Lagos State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I pray to Almighty Allah to grant you continued good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to Lagos State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria,” he stated.
The President prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Pa Olusi, wishing him good health, sound mind and longevity to celebrate his centenary.
