President Bola Tinubu has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, revealing that the respected Lagos politician played a defining role in launching his political journey.
Tinubu described him as a brother, trusted ally and one of the men who stood firmly behind him from the beginning of his public life.
The tribute was contained in a statement personally signed by the President following the death of Oseni, whom he described as a visionary administrator, progressive politician and one of the frontline figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Tinubu said Oseni’s influence went far beyond politics, recalling how the late statesman encouraged him into active political participation and remained by his side through major milestones.
“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.
Tinubu said their friendship was forged through years of shared sacrifice, political struggles and commitment to democratic ideals, stressing that those memories would remain with him.
“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 described Oseni as a steadfast defender of democracy whose contributions stretched from his days as Organising Secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos during the Second Republic to his role in advancing progressive politics in the state.
He noted that Oseni’s efforts helped lay the foundation for the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where a central mosque was recently dedicated in his honour.
Tinubu also recalled their joint participation in the struggle to validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola and their campaign against military rule.
“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,” Tinubu revealed.
The President disclosed that Oseni also supported his presidential ambition before relocating to the United States, offering prayers for his success.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu thanked the late elder statesman for his years of service to Lagos State and Nigeria, saying his legacy would endure despite his passing.
“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,” he expressed.