Tinubu pays emotional tribute as man who brought him into politics dies

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing and emotional tribute to prominent Lagosian, politician and his political ally, Alhaji Kola Oseni who passed on on Friday.

The President, in a statement he personally signed on Friday, described the late Oseni as his leader, ally, comrade, friend and a brother rolled into one as he revealed that the deceased brought him into politics.

“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,” Tinubu said in the emotional tribute titled: “Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni, goodnight, my brother”

The President said he received the news of the passage of the deceased with heavy heart and deep sadness.

“Though he is no longer with us, the memories of the time we shared and the legacy he left will endure,” he said.

The President further described late Oseni a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer.

According to him, the deceased’s inspiring leadership, vision and industry stood him apart as he was restless in his determination to do many things for our people

He recalled that Oseni as organising secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos in 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.

President Tinubu also described Oseni as his ally in the struggle for democratic rule.

“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.

“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,” said Tinubu.

The President also said late Oseni supported his presidential bid in 2022.

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

“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 has 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 the wife and children. May they have the fortitude and strength to continue from where he stopped.

“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,” President Tinubu concluded.