‘He Made Me Politician’ — Tinubu Mourns Man Who Changed His Life

President Bola Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to the late Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as the man who introduced him to politics and stood firmly behind his rise to public office.

In a heartfelt message released on Friday following Oseni’s death, the president said he owed a significant part of his political journey to the elder statesman, whom he described as “a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one.”

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I received the news of Alhaji Kola Oseni’s passing,” Tinubu said.

And, provided more insights with “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.”

The president said Oseni was a visionary administrator, progressive politician and trailblazer whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria would remain enduring.

The Nigeria leader further revealed that , Oseni played a pivotal role as organising secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos during the Second Republic and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, among other achievements.

Reflecting on their long political association, Tinubu recalled that they fought together during the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola and to end military rule, he stated:

“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.”

The president also revealed that before the 2023 presidential election, Oseni endorsed his ambition and offered prayers for his success despite relocating to the United States.

“In 2022, when I indicated interest in contesting for the presidency, Kola Oseni blessed my aspiration and offered prayers.

“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” he made more disclosures.

Tinubu described Oseni’s death as a personal loss, saying he would never forget his lifelong friend and political associate.

“Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen.

“I will never forget Kola Oseni. I will never forget all that he stood for,” he declared.

The president prayed for the repose of Oseni’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant his family the strength to bear the loss.

“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,” he rounded off.