President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun, on his 87th birthday, describing him as “a brother in purpose” whose life has been defined by service, integrity and commitment to democratic ideals.
In a birthday tribute issued on Wednesday, Tinubu said he
and Osoba have shared decades of friendship rooted in a common belief that
Nigeria should be governed with competence, respect for institutions and
accountability.
“I have known Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba for so many years
that we could easily write a book about one another,” the president said.
“We entered public life from different doorways, but we
found ourselves in the same house: the house of an idea – that Nigeria could be
governed with competence, respect for institutions, and an unyielding belief
that our people deserve better.”
Tinubu said the shared ideals have guided both of them
through political struggles, campaigns and governance, adding that Osoba has
consistently championed federalism, press freedom and accessible leadership.
He praised the former governor’s background as a journalist,
recalling how he mentored young reporters by encouraging them to focus on the
human impact of stories.
“I watched how he treated young reporters — never with
condescension, always with a correction and a story to go with it,” Tinubu
said.
“He would take a bad headline, mark it in red, and then ask,
‘But what is the human angle here? Who is affected?’”
The president said Osoba’s calm disposition and historical
perspective had provided steady guidance during difficult political moments.
“There were times when the path was unclear, and the cost of
staying the course felt high. On those days, Chief Osoba’s calm demeanour was
an anchor,” he said.
Tinubu also described the former governor as a man of
consistency whose character remained unchanged in both public and private life.
“What I admire most in Aremo is his consistency. In public
and in private, he is the same man,” he said.
“He will firmly disagree with you, then walk with you to
your car, because the argument is about the work and its outcome, not about the
person.”
The president prayed for Osoba’s continued good health and
long life, expressing hope that they would continue working together to deepen
good governance in Nigeria.
“Aremo, thank you for being a brother in purpose. Thank you
for the counsel, your laughter, and for the reminder that leadership without
character is worthless,” Tinubu said.
“May your new year bring you peace, and may we continue the
work together.”
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