Tinubu pays emotional tribute to late political ally, mentor, Kola Oseni

President Bola Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to the late elder statesman and progressive politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as a brother, mentor and one of the architects of his political journey whose contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria would remain indelible.

Tinubu released the deeply emotional tribute in a personally signed statement on Friday, titled “Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni, goodnight, my brother.”

Alhaji Oseni passed away on July 1, 2026, at the age of 80.

The President said he received the news with a heavy heart, noting that although the late politician had passed on, the memories they shared and the legacy he left behind would endure.

President Tinubu described Oseni as a visionary administrator, trailblazer, elder statesman and progressive politician whose inspiring leadership, vision and industry distinguished him throughout his public life.

According to Tinubu, Oseni’s contributions as the organising secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos during the Second Republic helped lay the foundation for several institutions, including the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where a central mosque was recently dedicated in his honour.

The President, however, stressed that beyond his public accomplishments, Oseni occupied a unique place in his personal and political life.

“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”, Tinubu said.

He recalled that Oseni played a pivotal role in introducing him to partisan politics and remained steadfast in supporting his emergence first as the Senator representing Lagos West and later as Governor of Lagos State.

Tinubu said they shared memorable moments and endured enormous sacrifices in their collective struggle to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.

He described the late politician as a committed democrat who remained unwavering in his belief in democratic ideals and good governance.

The President noted that both men fought together for the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola and joined forces in resisting military dictatorship.

Tinubu also revealed that despite relocating to the United States, Oseni blessed and prayed for his presidential ambition when he declared his intention to contest the 2023 election.

He added that some of the reforms currently being implemented by his administration were rooted in ideas and discussions he shared with the late elder statesman over the years.

“As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger,” he said.

The President thanked Oseni for his decades of service to Lagos State and Nigeria, describing him as a dependable friend who stood by him through critical moments of his political career.

He lamented that Nigeria had lost one of its finest progressive leaders, saying, “Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen”.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to God that Oseni lived to an advanced age and left behind children worthy of continuing his legacy.

He pledged never to forget the late politician or the ideals for which he stood, and prayed to Allah to grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannatul-Firdaus.

The President also prayed for divine comfort and strength for Oseni’s wife, children and other members of his family as they mourn his passing and continue the legacy he left behind.

Tinubu concluded the tribute by saying that he and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wished the late statesman eternal rest as his remains were laid to rest.