- Tinubu mourns Kola Oseni as brother, comrade and June 12 pro-democracy ally.
- Says he’s still implementing ideas and reforms they discussed together.
- Credits Oseni with launching his political career and prays for his family.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Alhaji Kola Oseni, describing his late ally as a brother, comrade and “Iroko” whose ideas continue to shape the his reform agenda.
EKO HOT BLOG had earlier reported that Oseni, a veteran chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was buried on Thursday at the Oke-Suna Muslim Cemetery, Lagos, with a prayer session for the repose of his soul holding afterward at Ebony Vaults.
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In a statement titled “Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni, goodnight, my brother,” Tinubu said he received the news with a heavy heart, describing Oseni as a visionary administrator, elder statesman, progressive politician and trailblazer whose restless leadership “stood him apart” in his determination to serve Lagosians.
The President traced Oseni’s public service back to the Second Republic, when he served as organising secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos under Chief Obafemi Awolowo — work Tinubu credited with laying the foundation for institutions including the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where a central mosque was recently dedicated in Oseni’s name.
Beyond politics, Tinubu described Oseni as personally indispensable to his own journey, crediting him with bringing him into politics and standing by him through his emergence as Senator for Lagos West and later as Governor of Lagos State.
“He was a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one,” Tinubu said, recalling shared sacrifices and struggles the two went through together in the fight to restore democracy in Nigeria.
The President specifically honoured Oseni’s role in the pro-democracy movement, recalling their joint struggle to defend the mandate of the June 12, 1993 election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola and to end military rule.
“Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also disclosed that Oseni blessed his 2022 presidential ambition with prayers, though age and his relocation to the United States limited how much he could actively participate. That connection, the President said, lives on in governance today.
“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” Tinubu said.
He thanked Oseni for his service to both Lagos State and Nigeria, and for decades of loyalty and friendship.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu extended condolences to Oseni’s immediate family, particularly his wife and children, praying for their fortitude to carry on his legacy. He closed the tribute by wishing the deceased eternal rest alongside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“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,” the statement read.
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The President’s tribute adds to condolences already pouring in for Oseni, including from key figures within the Eko Club International such as its former President, Otunba T.J. Abass, who had earlier described the late APC chieftain as a generous and dedicated friend of Eko Club International whose “entire life was centered around Lagos State.”
Click to watch the video of the week below:
