15th June, 2023
By Adekunle Williams
Dr Olatokunbo Osinowo has paid an emotional tribute to his Nephew, Sen. Bayo Osinowo, who died on June 15, 2020, for his contributions to June 12 struggle and a better Nigeria.
In his tribute in Lagos on Thursday, Osinowo, a Lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, said his nephew would be remembered as a key figure in the struggle for democracy.
Bayo Osinowo, also known as Pepperito, died of complications from COVID-19 on June 15, 2023, at the age of 65.
Osinowo was elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Kosofe I Constituency from 2003 to 2019.
In 2019, the late lawmaker was elected as the senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District.
He was subsequently appointed as the chairman, Senate Committee on Industries before his demise on June 15.
Olatokunbo, in his tribute, said Bayo Osinowo’s contributions to the June 12 struggle and his tireless advocacy for a better Nigeria would always be remembered and revered by all lovers of democracy and justice.
“Osinowo, born on Nov. 28, 1955, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State began his political career in the early 1990s, actively participating in the pro-democracy movement against the military regime that held power at the time.
“My nephew was a vocal advocate for the restoration of democratic governance and played a crucial role in mobilising support for the June 12 struggle, which refers to the historic presidential election held on June 12, 1993, in Nigeria.
“The election, widely regarded as one of the freest, fairest and most credible in the country’s history, saw Chief MKO Abiola, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, emerge as the winner.
“However, the military regime, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election, sparking widespread protests and civil unrest across Nigeria,” he said.
Osinowo noted that his late nephew actively participated in various demonstrations, rallies, and public campaigns in support of the June 12 struggle.