- Ganiyu Oseni Was the Man Who Launched My Political Journey – Tinubu
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- Tinubu also disclosed that Oseni supported his presidential ambition in 2022, despite having relocated to the United States.
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and former Lagos politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as a trusted ally, brother and the man who introduced him to politics.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a tribute issued on Friday, Tinubu said the late Oseni played a defining role in shaping his political journey and remained one of the committed progressives who stood firmly for democracy throughout his lifetime.
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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,” the President said.
Tinubu described Oseni as a visionary administrator, elder statesman, progressive politician and trailblazer whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria would not be forgotten.
Reflecting on their long relationship, the President said Oseni was instrumental in launching his political career.
“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.
“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,” he said
The President recalled that Oseni served as the Organising Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos during the Second Republic under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He also acknowledged Oseni’s contributions to the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
Tinubu described the deceased as “a warrior for democracy,” noting that he played a key role in the campaign to defend the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and in the struggle against military rule.
“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 and struggled to end military dictatorship in the land,” the President said.
Tinubu also disclosed that Oseni supported his presidential ambition in 2022, despite having relocated to the United States.
According to him, the late politician prayed for his success and encouraged him, although distance limited his active involvement in the campaign.
“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” Tinubu added.
Describing Oseni’s death as a personal loss, the President thanked him for his years of service and dedication to Lagos State and Nigeria.
“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.”
Tinubu prayed for Allah to grant the late elder statesman eternal rest and comfort his family, adding that he and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wished him the best place in Aljanna.
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