July 16, 2026 by Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta
Osoba, a man of remarkable consistency, humility, integrity, says President
• Tinubu, Abiodun, Salako, others felicitate Aremo at 87
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, ligious leaders, friends and associates as well as many other Nigerians yesterday showered encomiums on former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba for his contributions to democracy, good governance, media development, and other spheres of human life as he celebrated his 87th birthday.
The President, in particular, described him as a “brother in purpose” whose commitment to public service, responsible leadership and democratic ideals has remained unwavering over the years.
In a personal birthday message marking Osoba’s new age, the President reflected on their decades-long friendship and political partnership, saying they had shared a common vision of building a Nigeria founded on competence, respect for institutions and accountable leadership.
“I have known Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba for so many years that we could easily write a book about one another”, Tinubu said, recalling the former governor’s warmth, sense of humour and calm disposition in moments of critical national decision-making.
The President said although they entered public life through different paths, they were united by a shared conviction that Nigeria deserved better governance, adding that the belief had sustained them through difficult political campaigns, strategic engagements and years of democratic struggle.
According to him, Osoba consistently championed a functional federal system, a free but responsible press and leadership that remains connected to the people rather than driven by political optics.
President Tinubu praised Osoba’s transition from journalism to politics, saying he never lost sight of the ordinary Nigerian while making public policy or political decisions.
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He recalled how the former governor mentored younger journalists by challenging them to focus on the human impact of their stories and how, even during political strategy meetings, he remained concerned about the welfare of everyday Nigerians.
The President also commended Osoba’s steady leadership during difficult periods, describing him as a calming influence whose deep knowledge of Nigeria’s political history often helped place contemporary challenges in proper perspective.
“He reminds you that we are part of a longer story and that we do not have to get everything right today, but we must not get the important things wrong,” President Tinubu said.
The President further described Osoba as a man of remarkable consistency, noting that his humility, courtesy and integrity remained unchanged both in public office and in private life.
“What I admire most in Aremo is his consistency. In public and in private, he is the same man”, he said.
Congratulating the former governor on his birthday, Tinubu prayed for good health and many more years, expressing the hope that Osoba would continue to witness the realisation of the ideals they had pursued together, including quality education, enduring infrastructure and a responsive government.
“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”, the President stated.
Also, Abiodun described the ex-governor as an outstanding patriot, accomplished journalist, democrat and statesman.
The governor noted that the former governor’s life exemplifies courage, integrity, resilience and unwavering commitment to truth, justice and public service.
In a statement in Abeokuta, the state capital, he described the two-time governor as one of Nigeria’s finest political leaders whose contributions to democratic governance and nation-building remain enduring.
The governor said Osoba’s influence transcended public office through mentorship, bridge-building and guidance to generations of leaders.
“Today, we celebrate not just the passing of another year in the life of an exceptional leader, but a lifetime of uncommon service, courage and sacrifice.
“Aremo Olusegun Osoba belongs to that rare generation of Nigerians whose lives have profoundly impacted the course of our nation’s democratic evolution.
“From the newsroom, where he distinguished himself as one of Africa’s finest journalists, to the government house, where he provided visionary leadership for Ogun State, Chief Osoba has consistently demonstrated that public office is a sacred trust to be exercised with integrity, wisdom and compassion,” he said.
Abiodun said the elder statesman played a pivotal role in the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, standing firmly for justice, constitutional governance, and the rule of law during difficult periods.
He also described Osoba as a father figure whose counsel and political experience continue to guide leaders in Ogun and across the country.
The governor said he had personally benefited from Osoba’s advice, political insight and unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State.
According to him, Osoba’s passion for a greater Ogun remains undiminished and continues to inspire younger generations to embrace excellence, discipline and selfless service.
Abiodun congratulated the former governor on behalf of the Ogun Government and the people of the state, wishing him good health, peace, strength and many more years of service to the nation.
“As he marks this remarkable milestone of 87 years, I join his family, friends, associates and millions of admirers across Nigeria in celebrating a truly remarkable statesman whose name is permanently etched in the annals of our nation’s history,” he said
Also, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, described Osoba as one of the living consciences of Nigeria’s democracy and a foremost pillar of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Salako said this yesterday at Osoba’s residence in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, while addressing reporters after joining other dignitaries to celebrate the former governor and offer prayers for his long life.
The minister said the elder statesman played a defining role in Nigeria’s democratic journey both as a renowned journalist and later as an elected governor and pro-democracy activist.
He said Osoba made significant contributions to nation-building through journalism before venturing into politics, where he was elected governor of Ogun State in 1992 and again in 1999.
Salako also praised Osoba’s role during the pro-democracy struggle under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing him as one of the architects of the democratic system Nigerians enjoy today.
“Chief Olusegun Osoba is more or less one of the living consciences of the democracy we are currently enjoying in Nigeria,” Salako said.
He noted that despite his decades of public service, Osoba remains a respected voice in national politics and one of the strongest pillars of the APC in Ogun State and across the country.
Describing himself as one of the younger politicians following in Osoba’s footsteps, Salako thanked God for preserving the former governor’s life and celebrated his remarkable achievements in public service.
The minister also expressed optimism about the political future of Ogun State, saying he hoped Osoba would witness the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as governor in 2027.
He prayed that the elder statesman would remain alive, healthy and strong to witness Senator Adeola’s inauguration on May 29, 2027, serve through his first and second terms in office, and even see the transition to another administration after him.
“I congratulate him for the life he has lived, the accomplishments he has made, and I pray that Almighty God will grant him longer life, good health and more strength for continued service to humanity, particularly Ogun State,” Salako said.
Also yesterday, Osoba received an outpouring of goodwill as members of the Egba Anglican community, Muslim faithful, political associates and community leaders gathered at his Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta to celebrate his 87th birthday and offer prayers for his continued good health, wisdom and God’s abundant grace.
The thanksgiving and prayer session drew prominent personalities from across religious and political divides, reflecting Osoba’s enduring influence and widespread respect as a statesman.
Leading the Anglican delegation from St. Michael’s Church, Ago-Oba (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Egba West, Abeokuta, Venerable Isaiah Olayeni delivered a sermon centred on Matthew 6:24-34, Psalm 103:1-17 and Psalm 116:12-19.
He urged Christians to continually praise God with sincere hearts for His faithfulness, protection and countless blessings, stressing that gratitude remains a vital expression of faith.
According to him, Osoba’s remarkable journey in life and public service bears testimony to God’s unfailing mercy and preservation.
“God has blessed Chief Segun Osoba tremendously and has closed the mouth of the lion on his behalf. God has remained faithful to him and his family,” Olayeni said.
The cleric encouraged Nigerians to make God’s kingdom and righteousness their foremost priority, assuring that every other need would be provided by God.
Quoting the Scriptures, he said those who seek God first would enjoy His favour and divine provision.
Olayeni also paid glowing tribute to the former governor, describing him as “a great leader, a bridge builder and an elder statesman” whose life has positively impacted Ogun State and Nigeria.
The Muslim community also offered special prayers for the elder statesman.
The Imam of Ago-Oba Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Imam Morufudeen Alim, led Muslim faithful in praying for Osoba’s continued good health, long life and greater wisdom as he marked his 87th birthday.
The cleric praised the former governor for his remarkable achievements in office, particularly his commitment to rural development across Ogun State during his administration.
He noted that Osoba’s developmental projects transformed many rural communities and improved the living conditions of residents, describing his legacy as one that continues to resonate across the state.
Special prayers were later offered by both Christian and Muslim clerics for Osoba’s continued good health, long life, greater wisdom and strength to keep contributing to national development.
Speaker Oludaisi Elemide described Osoba as a grassroots politician and national leader whose legacies can’t be erased.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly,. Oludaisi Elemide; Muslim leaders, traditional and community leaders, political associates, family members and other well-wishers, who joined in celebrating the veteran journalist and former governor on his 87th birthday.
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