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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Tinubu mourns Kola Oseni, calls him 'brother' and political mentor

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • President Bola Tinubu mourned the death of elder statesman Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, remembering him as a trusted ally and the person who introduced him to politics.
  • Tinubu highlighted Oseni's role in his political career, including his support during the struggle to restore democracy and his presidential ambition.
  • The President praised Oseni's contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria, calling his death a personal loss and noting that some of his ideas are being implemented.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, a former Lagos politician and elder statesman. Tinubu described Oseni as a "trusted ally, brother, and the man who introduced him to politics," emphasizing the profound personal loss.

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.

— President Bola TinubuIn a special tribute mourning the death of Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni.

In a special tribute, Tinubu recalled Oseni's "inspiring leadership and industry," noting his steadfast support during Nigeria's struggle to restore democracy. The President credited Oseni with being instrumental in launching his political career, stating, "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."

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.

— President Bola TinubuDescribing his relationship with the late Alhaji Kola Oseni.

Tinubu lauded Oseni as a "visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer" whose commitment left a lasting impact on Lagos State and the nation. He recalled their shared "good moments" and "sacrifices for our country and our people" during the fight against military dictatorship and for the "sanctity of the June 12 election." Oseni also supported Tinubu's presidential bid in 2022, even after relocating to the United States.

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.

— President Bola TinubuRecounting Alhaji Kola Oseni's role in his political career.

Reflecting on Oseni's legacy, Tinubu stated, "As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger." He thanked the late statesman for his service, calling his death the fall of "an Iroko among us" and giving thanks that Oseni "lived well, lived to an advanced age, and left behind" a significant legacy.

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.

— President Bola TinubuRemembering Alhaji Kola Oseni's fight for democracy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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