Tinubu mourns political mentor Kola Oseni, crediting him for his rise

President Bola Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, an elder statesman and progressive politician, whom he described as the individual who brought him into politics and steadfastly supported him throughout his career. Oseni, who recently passed away, was remembered by Tinubu as a visionary administrator, a democrat, and a dear friend and brother whose impact on Lagos State and Nigeria is unforgettable.

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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.

In a personal tribute, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his longtime ally. He recalled Oseni's significant contributions to public service, including his role as Organising Secretary for Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos during the Second Republic. Tinubu also noted Oseni's foundational work at the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where a central mosque was recently dedicated in his honor.

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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.

Reflecting on their personal bond, Tinubu stated that Oseni was instrumental in shaping his 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," Tinubu said. He credited Oseni and others for supporting his journey to becoming the Senator representing Lagos West and later the governor of Lagos State.

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Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them.

Tinubu also reminisced about their shared sacrifices during Nigeria's pro-democracy movement, particularly their fight to actualize the June 12, 1993 presidential election and end military rule. "Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them," the President stated. He added that some reforms his administration is currently implementing were ideas they had discussed over the years. Describing Oseni's death as the loss of "a brother and a bosom friend," Tinubu declared that Nigeria had lost an "Iroko" whose life exemplified service, integrity, and commitment to the progressive cause.

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As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger.