President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and former Lagos State politician, Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as a fearless democracy advocate, trusted political ally and one of the men who played a major role in shaping his political career.
In a statement personally signed and shared on his verified X account on Friday, the President paid glowing tribute to the late politician, saying Oseni dedicated his life to public service, democratic governance and the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Tinubu described the late politician as a visionary administrator whose commitment, hard work and leadership distinguished him throughout his years in politics.
According to the President, Oseni remained passionate about improving society and was always ready to make sacrifices in the interest of the people.
“He was a warrior of democracy and a visionary administrator,” Tinubu said, adding that the late politician’s inspiring leadership, vision and industry set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
The President noted that Oseni was restless in his determination to contribute to the progress of Lagos State and the country, saying his impact would remain part of the state’s political and developmental history.
Tinubu recalled that Oseni made significant contributions during the Second Republic as the Organising Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos State under the leadership of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said Oseni’s efforts during that period helped lay the foundation for several important institutions, including the Lagos State Printing Corporation.
According to the President, the contributions of the late politician were recognised with the recent dedication of the corporation’s central mosque in his honour.
Beyond his public achievements, Tinubu said Oseni played a personal role in his own political journey.
The President revealed that the late elder statesman introduced him to active politics and remained one of his strongest supporters through the various stages of his political career.
“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.
The President added that Oseni stood firmly by him when he contested for public office, beginning with his election as Senator representing Lagos West before later becoming Governor of Lagos State.
“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,” he stated.
Tinubu also reflected on the years both men spent fighting for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria, saying those experiences created a lifelong bond between them.
“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.
Although the statement did not disclose the cause of Oseni’s death or details of his funeral arrangements, Tinubu said the late politician would be remembered for his commitment to democratic ideals and service to humanity.
The President extended his condolences to Oseni’s family, friends, political associates and all those who worked closely with him over the years, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss.
Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni was regarded as one of the influential political figures in Lagos during Nigeria’s Second Republic. As Organising Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos, he worked closely with the party’s leadership during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most respected nationalist leaders and advocates of progressive politics.
Following the collapse of the Second Republic after the military coup of 1983, many politicians associated with the progressive movement continued their struggle for democratic governance.
During the military era, Tinubu, Oseni and several other pro-democracy activists remained active in the campaign for the restoration of civilian rule. Many of them later became leading figures in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic after democracy returned in 1999.
Tinubu served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 before becoming President in 2023. Throughout his political career, he has often acknowledged the influence of senior politicians and mentors who guided him in his early years in politics.
The President’s tribute to Oseni highlights the important role the late politician played, not only in the development of Lagos State but also in mentoring younger politicians who later assumed key leadership positions in the country.