The “leader who brought Tinubu into politics” is dead; The president cries

*SPECIAL TRIBUTE FROM PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ALHAJI GANIYU KOLAPO OSENI

Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni, goodnight, my brother

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I received the news of the passing away of Alhaji Kola Oseni. Even though he is no longer with us, the memories of the time we shared and the legacy he left will last.

Alhaji Kola Oseni was a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician and a pioneer.

His inspiring leadership, vision and industry set him apart. He was restless in his determination to do many things for our people

Kola Oseni’s immense contributions, first as the organizing secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Nigeria Unity Party in Lagos in the Second Republic, laid the foundation for the foundation of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, among others, for which a central mosque in the corporation was recently dedicated in his name.

For me, though, it was much more than that. He was a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one.

He took me into politics and stood by me alongside others to become the senator representing Lagos West and later the governor of our Lagos State.

We shared good times and also made sacrifices for our country and our people. I will never forget everything we experienced together in the fight to restore democracy in our land.

Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good government and fought for them.

Together, we fought for the sanctity of the June 12 elections won by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, and together we fought to end military dictatorship in the country.

In 2022, when I expressed interest in running for president, Kola Oseni blessed my aspiration and offered prayers. But there was little he could do because he had now moved to America.

As President, I am implementing some of the ideas and reforms we have 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 these years.

Indeed, a brother and a best 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 worthy children.

I will never forget Kola Oseni. I will never forget everything it represented. I pray that Allah Almighty comforts and protects his immediate family, especially his wife and children. May they have the fortitude and strength to continue from where they left off.

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.

*Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
July 3, 2026