By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to the late elder statesman and progressive politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as the man who introduced him to politics and stood unwaveringly by his side through the defining moments of his political journey.
In a special tribute issued on Friday, 3 July , 2026 President Tinubu said the death of Oseni was a deeply personal loss, recalling that the late political strategist was not only his mentor but also a trusted ally, confidant and brother whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria would remain indelible.
“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, an elder statesman, a progressive politician and a trailblazer,” noting that his uncommon leadership, foresight and industry distinguished him throughout a lifetime devoted to public service.
He said Oseni’s political career began as Organising Secretary of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos during the Second Republic, where he helped lay the foundation for several enduring institutions, including the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
The President recalled that the central mosque within the corporation was recently dedicated in Oseni’s honour in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
However, Tinubu said the late statesman meant much more to him than his public accomplishments.
“To me, however, he was much more than that. He was a leader, my ally, my comrade, a friend and a brother rolled into one,” he stated.
The President disclosed that Oseni played a pivotal role in his political emergence, revealing that he was instrumental in bringing him into partisan politics and supporting his rise to public office.
“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,” Tinubu recalled.
He said they shared memorable moments and endured difficult periods together, particularly during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu described the late Oseni as a warrior for democracy, who remained steadfast in defending democratic ideals and good governance.
“Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them,” he said.
According to the President, both men stood together in the campaign to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and later joined forces in the struggle that eventually ended military rule in Nigeria.
“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 said.
The President also revealed that Oseni offered prayers and blessings when he declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2022, although his relocation to the United States limited his active involvement.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu further disclosed that several reforms currently being implemented by his administration were products of discussions he had with the late elder statesman.
