The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, has urged the good people of Oyo State and the family of the late Chief Adeniyi Koleoso to celebrate and rejoice instead of grieving excessively over his passing, stating that Baba lived a fulfilled life.
Lawal who led a powerful delegation of the Oyo state government on a condolence visit to the family of the late deceased at his Akobo home on Tuesday, described Chief Koleoso as a revered father and iconic leader who lived exemplary life in all ramifications.
According to him, Baba Koleoso bestrode the landscape of business, politics as a colossal, and has made significant achievements for his people as a community leader.
The Acting Governor, who said Baba knew he was leaving, quoting him as stating, “Bayo Motin lo, Eyin di owo yin,” during his three-hour discussion with him at his residence last week, noted that his political trajectory started way back in the first republic, second republic, third republic and to the present republic.
He emphasised that prior to becoming a commissioner in the second republic, he ran and won a House of Assembly election.
He added that Baba played a pivotal role as one of the leading light that fought for the democracy we all enjoy today.
He said: “Chief Koleoso and his compatriots in Southwest suffered humiliation and denials while fighting for democracy and freedom. And all of us are enjoying the fruit of their labor.
“Even in the immediate government that succeeded the military junta, Baba was appointed as the Secretary to State Government of Oyo state and he performed creditably well.
“His Excellency, Chief Iyiola Oladokun was the then Deputy Governor and I was the sitting Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. While Chief Dotun Oyelade was a private secretary to the then Governor of Oyo state, Alhaji Lam Adesina, several other people that are here can also bear witness. He was a rallying point in that administration.
“Even at the exist of that government, Baba became the chairman of Alliance for Democracy, AD, a political party which was indeed a catalyst for democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Baba was an astute politician. He became a reservoir of knowledge from where all upcoming politicians were tapping until his last. Even when we all knew that things were not moving well in the environment, baba decided to step back, he was always fighting for his community, Oke-ogun and Oyo state.”
The Acting Governor who disclosed he has been directed by His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, to fly flags at hal-mast for 7 days in honor of late Koleoso, equally recounted how he supported the current administration and how the Governor also loved him.
He added that not only Oke-ogun zone or Oyo state that he has contributed to, but Nigeria stressing that he had lived a fulfilled life and that his impact is felt across the country.
The Acting Governor further said: “Oyo state government will be part of the programs leading to his burial. Baba was a strong personality in Oke Ogun because of many things he had brought to Saki in terms of development.
“His death should rather unite us in Oyo state rather than divide us. His leadership cut across all parties. To those who he left behind, let’s all come together and move the state forward irrespective of political affiliations or religion. Baba was indeed an advocate of one united Nigeria.
“So, on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo state, and the good people of Oyo state, I hereby extend our profound condolences to the family of our revered father, iconic leader Chief Adeniyi Koleoso who just departed. May his soul rest in peace.
“Chief Koleoso bestrode the landscape of business, politics as a colossal. He made significant achievements for his people for which we are all grateful.
“Oyo state appreciates his contributions, even at critical moments of our lives. May the good lord accept his homecoming. Amen.”
One of the children who spoke on behalf of the family, Mrs. Yemisi Koleoso, expressed gratitude to the Oyo government for the condolence visit and the gesture of affection, describing the death of their father as a big loss.
“We want you to pass our message to Governor Makinde who was a son to Baba, and we pray God Almighty continue to move the state forward.
“We thank you. It’s indeed a big vacuum. But I know that God will hold and sustain us. Thank you so much.”
On the entourage of the Acting Governor included Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olanike Adeyemo, Commissioners and other top government functionaries.
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