By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid an emotional tribute to elder statesman and progressive politician Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, describing him as the man who introduced him to politics and stood firmly behind his rise to public office.

In a personal tribute released on Friday following Oseni’s death, the President said he had lost “a brother and a bosom friend,” recalling decades of political collaboration, pro-democracy struggles and personal friendship.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President described Oseni as “a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer,” whose leadership and commitment to public service left lasting contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria.

Tinubu said Oseni’s role as Organising Secretary of the former Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos during the Second Republic helped lay the foundation for several institutions, including the Lagos State Printing Corporation.

Reflecting on their relationship, the President said Oseni played a defining role in his political journey.

“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 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 also recalled their joint participation in the struggle to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

“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.

“Kola Oseni was a warrior for democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them.”

Tinubu added that Oseni remained a source of encouragement even in his quest for the presidency.

“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.”

The President disclosed that some of the policies being implemented by his administration were ideas both men had discussed 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.

Describing Oseni’s death as the fall of “an Iroko,” Tinubu thanked the late politician for his loyalty and service.

“Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen. I will never forget Kola Oseni. I will never forget all that he stood for.”

The President prayed for Allah to grant the deceased Aljanna and comfort his family, saying he and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wished Oseni eternal rest.