President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and others have paid tribute to eminent politician, Alhaji Kola Oseni.
President Tinubu described the late Oseni as a courageous and principled man who never compromised his convictions.
He urged Nigerians to honour his memory by living lives of integrity, speaking the truth without fear, and remaining steadfast in the pursuit of what is right.
The President, who spoke on Wednesday at the Seventh-Day Fidau Prayer for the late Alhaji Kola Oseni, held at Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, through the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the deceased was renowned for speaking his mind and standing firmly by his convictions, regardless of prevailing opinions.
According to Tinubu, Oseni’s unwavering commitment to truth and principle earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
He said: “He’s a man who would express his opinion the way he saw it.
“He was not a follow-follow man; he would only follow what he believed was right.”
Recalling his last meeting with the deceased, Dr. Hamzat revealed the moment as a memorable conversation during which Alhaji Oseni expressed his unwavering support and generosity, adding that he had touched many lives through his courage, sincerity, and commitment to others.
Also speaking, the wife of the deceased, Karling Oseni, described Oseni as a charismatic leader, accomplished community organiser, and relentless achiever whose passion for excellence and service defined every stage of his life.
According to her: “He is a visionary family man who upheld discipline, accountability, and excellence, inspiring his children and everyone around him to pursue their dreams with courage and commitment.”
The first son of the deceased, Abdul Lateef Oseni, described his father as a man of unwavering authenticity, courage, and relentless determination whose legacy will continue to inspire generations, urging everyone who had been impacted by the deceased to celebrate his memory not only with words but by embracing the values he exemplified throughout his lifetime.
Earlier in his tribute, the vice-presidential running mate to Chief Moshood Abiola in the 1993 general election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, urged Nigerians to live righteous and purposeful lives in preparation for the inevitable return to their Creator.
Kingibe described Oseni as a devout Muslim whose life exemplified piety, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his faith.
He said he is a principled man who stood firmly by his convictions and never compromised what he believed was right.
The Chairman of the Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, Alhaji Kamurudeen Aremu Salami, called on members of the society to remain steadfast and united following the passing of Oseni, emphasising that while the society has lost a distinguished leader, its vision, mission, and commitment to service must remain unwavering.
Salami reminded members that “although Alhaji Ganiya Kolajo Oseni had departed, the ideals and aspirations for which the society stands must continue to thrive.”
Everyone who spoke prayed to Allah to forgive Alhaji Oseni’s shortcomings, grant him Aljanah Firdaus, comfort the family he left behind, and that his spirit lives on through the enduring legacy of his exemplary life.
