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The Story Of Alhaji KOLA OSENI
Have you ever wondered how Pres. Tinubu got into Politics? Do you know one of the men who told him to go into politics when he did years back? We can tell you about the man. This is the story of Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni, who passed on, a few days ago. In his lifetime, he was simply called Alhaji Kola Oseni. Many didn’t know he was one of Pres. Bola Tinubu’s political godfather’s. He revealed this in his Special Tribute on 3rd July 2026, few days after his death.
“Goodnight, Alhaji Kola Oseni, goodnight, my brother
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.
Alhaji Kola Oseni was a visionary administrator, an elder statesman, a progressive politician, and a trailblazer.
His inspiring leadership, vision and industry stood him apart. He was restless in his determination to do many things for our people
Kola Oseni’s immense contributions, first as Organising secretary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria in Lagos in the Second Republic, laid the foundation for the establishment of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, among others, for which a Central mosque in the company was recently dedicated in his name.
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.
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.
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.
Kola Oseni was a Warrior for Democracy. He believed in the ideals of democracy and good governance and fought for them.
Together, we fought for the sanctity of the June 12 election won by the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, and together, we struggled to end military dictatorship in the land.
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. As President, I’m implementing some of the ideas and reforms we discussed, determined to make Nigeria better and stronger.
Thank you for your service to Lagos State. Thank you for your service to Nigeria. Thank you for being a brother and a friend and for standing by me over the years.
Indeed, a brother and a bosom friend has fallen. An Iroko among us has fallen. I give thanks to Allah that Alhaji Oseni lived well, lived to an advanced age, and left behind worthy children.
I will never forget Kola Oseni. I will never forget all that he stood for. I pray that Almighty Allah comfort and protect his immediate family, particularly the wife and children. May they have the fortitude and strength to continue from where he stopped.
As Kola Oseni’s remains are laid to rest, Remi and I wish him eternal rest. May Almighty Allah grant him the best part of Aljanna”.
Who Was Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni? Let’s tell you more about him. He was a Progressive politician who helped shape Lagos politics and mentored President Bola Tinubu
The death of Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni marked the end of an era in Nigeria’s progressive political movement. Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Lagos politics, Oseni was an accomplished administrator, grassroots mobiliser, elder statesman and unwavering advocate of democracy whose influence extended across several generations of political leaders.
Though he maintained a relatively low public profile compared to many of his contemporaries, those who worked closely with him described him as a strategic thinker, trusted adviser and consummate political organiser whose contributions to Lagos State’s political development remain significant.
Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni emerged as one of the leading figures of Nigeria’s progressive political family during the Second Republic. He became actively involved in the political movement led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and was recognised for his exceptional organisational abilities.
He served as the Organising Secretary of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Lagos State, one of the most influential political positions within the party structure at the time. In that capacity, he coordinated party activities, built grassroots structures and played a pivotal role in strengthening the progressive movement across Lagos State.
Beyond partisan politics, Oseni contributed to institutional development in Lagos State. He was closely associated with the establishment and growth of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, an organisation created to support government printing and publishing services.
His role in laying the foundation for the corporation was so significant that a central mosque within the corporation was later dedicated in his honour—a testament to the lasting impact of his service.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Alhaji Oseni’s legacy was his mentorship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the President, it was Alhaji Oseni who introduced him into mainstream politics and remained one of his strongest supporters throughout his political career.
Tinubu revealed that Oseni stood firmly behind him during: His emergence as Senator representing Lagos West., His successful election as Governor of Lagos State., The pro-democracy struggle against military rule., His eventual presidential ambition.
The President further disclosed that many of the reforms currently being implemented by his administration were ideas he had discussed with the late elder statesman over many years.
Like many leaders of the progressive movement, Alhaji Oseni remained steadfast during Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
He was actively involved in the campaign for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and worked alongside fellow democracy activists to resist military dictatorship.
His unwavering commitment to democratic ideals earned him widespread respect among politicians across generations.
Leadership Style
Associates consistently described Oseni as:
A visionary administrator.
A disciplined political organiser.
A bridge-builder across political divides.
A grassroots mobiliser.
A mentor to younger politicians.
A man of integrity and uncommon humility.
President Tinubu referred to him as “an Iroko”, symbolising strength, wisdom and endurance, while noting that his vision and industry distinguished him throughout his public life.
For decades, Alhaji Oseni remained one of the respected elders of Lagos’ progressive political establishment. Although he rarely sought public attention, he was widely consulted on strategic political matters and maintained close relationships with many influential political leaders in Lagos and across Nigeria.
His counsel was particularly valued because of his deep institutional memory and understanding of the evolution of progressive politics from the Awolowo era through the Fourth Republic.
Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. He was buried according to Islamic rites at Oke-Suna Muslim Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, on July 2.
His death attracted tributes from political leaders, associates, friends and members of the progressive family, all of whom celebrated a life devoted to public service, democratic ideals and nation-building.
Alhaji Ganiyu Kolapo Oseni’s greatest legacy lies not only in the offices he held but in the leaders he nurtured and the institutions he helped build. His work as a political organiser strengthened the progressive movement in Lagos State, while his mentorship influenced one of Nigeria’s most consequential political careers.
His life remains a powerful reminder that some of the most enduring contributions to public service are made quietly—through mentorship, institution-building, principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to democratic values. Though he has departed, his influence continues to resonate in Lagos politics and Nigeria’s democratic journey.
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