Oyo Ag Gov. Sen Alli, Oladokun, others mourn Chief Koleoso

Joseph Okwuofu, Ibadan.

Top politicians in Oyo state have extolled the virtues of the National Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy ( AD) , Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso who died in the early hours of Tuesday at 86 .

The late politician who was of the old block served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government ( SSG) under governor Lam Adesina between 1999 and 2003.

Eminent politicians in the state irrespective of their political parties have continued to pour sympathies and pay tributes on the late politician.

The Acting Governor in the state, Barrister Bayo Lawal has directed that nation’s flag be flown at half mast for seven days in honour of the departed politician and businessman.

The Acting Governor, described the death of the former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and former National Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso, as the end of an era.

Former Deputy Governor and leader of All Peoples Congress (APC) in the State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun has described late Michael Koleoso’s death as a blow to the political class in Nigeria .

Also, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji,

The governor said Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great patriot and a political icon, who played outstanding roles in national development.

Lawal , in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Koleoso, who until his death was the Babalaje of Saki, was one of the last men standing from a generation of great men and women who gave their best to serving Oyo State and Nigeria.

He expressed his condolences to the immediate and political families of the deceased leader, the people of Saki and all residents of Oyo State, praying to God to grant everyone the fortitude to bear the loss.

He said: “I received the news of the death of Baba Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki with shock and sadness.

“Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great patriot and selfless leader, one of the last men standing in the batch of leaders who gave their all to make Nigeria a better place.

“People who know me know that I had a special bond with Babalaje; I held him as a father and had the utmost regard for him, as he was a courageous and upright leader who spoke truth to power.

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has described the death of a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho, as the exit of a “patriotic father and great counsellor.”

Adedeji, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, said Chief Koleosho would be remembered as a progressive leader who stood for truth and devoted himself to championing fairness and equity.

“I received the news of the passing of Papa, as I fondly called him, with sadness, even though he was 86 years. No matter how old our parents are, we always want them to be with us forever. But I take solace in the fact that Papa lived a good and disciplined life.

“Papa was more than a father figure to me. He was a great counsellor who mentored young people like me. I learnt a lot of invaluable lessons about life and living from my several interactions with him.

“He was totally committed to worthy causes that promote growth and development. Papa served Saki, Oyo State and even Nigeria with all the atom of strength God gave him. He was a thoroughbred progressive leader. In fact, one of the last of the originals.

“I condole with the family of this great patriarch, particularly my brother and my Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, on this painful but glorious departure of their iconic father,” said Adedeji.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a former Secretary to Oyo State Government and Babalaje of Saki land, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso,

This is contained In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli described the death of the 86-year-old political leader, Chief Koleoso, who passed away on Monday, as a significant loss to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The lawmaker praised Chief Koleoso’s immense contributions to the development of Oyo State and the nation.

He acknowledged Koleoso’s role as a seasoned politician, renowned businessman and respected community leader who served the people of Oyo State with dedication and integrity.

Senator Alli recalled with admiration Chief Koleoso’s commitment to the growth and prosperity of Saki land and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of its people.

Former Deputy Governor and leader of All Peoples Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun also described late Michael Koleoso, death as a blow to political class in Nigeria .

Chief Oladokun described the late former Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State as embodiment of humility and one of the last set of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s welfarist School of politics.

“The death of Chief Koleoso is painful especially during this period that the nation needs the advise and wealth of experience of his likes to salvage economic and political stability of the country.

“He was a tripod stand of Lam Adesina’s political camp that midwifed democracy and rescued the country from the military junta that derailed third Republic “Chief Oladokun recalled.

“Chief Koleoso, was an astute leader, planner, motivator and political ICON whose vacuum will be very difficult to fill.
Chief Koleoso brought glamour and sincerity to the polity in Oyo State and Nigeria. He was a listening leader, a man of God who combined politics with industrious activities to better the lots of mankind ,”The APC leader stressed
He prayed that God will give Chief Koleoso’s family his political followers and entire people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear the great loss

” A political star has dimed and gone into extinction. It will be difficult to have his like back ” he lamented.

Chief Oladokun however prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest,adding that the people of Oyo State and entire progressive class will for ever remember the good works and foundation laid by its great, late Chief  Koleoso,