President Bola Tinubu has celebrated elder statesman and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, saying their decades-long friendship is so deep that “we could easily write a book about one another.”
In a birthday message on Wednesday, Tinubu described Osoba as “a brother in purpose” whose commitment to service, integrity and democratic ideals has never wavered. He said they have 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. His hearty laughter when sharing a joke, his stern expression when focused, and his depth in moments of decision are all familiar to me. Behind the titles, the pen, and the politics, stands a man whose first instinct is always to serve,” Tinubu wrote.
Tinubu said although they entered public life through different paths, they were united by the belief that Nigerians deserved better governance.
He recalled years of political struggles, strategy meetings and advocacy, saying Osoba consistently demonstrated dedication to public service and democratic values.
The President also praised Osoba’s contributions to journalism, saying he patiently mentored younger reporters and constantly reminded them to focus on the people affected by every story.
“I watched how he treated young reporters — never with condescension, always with a correction and a story to go with it. He would take a bad headline, mark it in red, and then ask, “But what is the human angle here? Who is affected?” In strategy rooms where everyone was cracking their brains about votes and victory, Chief Osoba would remind them about the newspaper vendor at CMS or the classroom teacher in Ijebu-Ode,” the president said.
Tinubu said Osoba remained committed to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, often urging political leaders to consider the needs of everyday citizens when making decisions.
He described the former governor as a dependable ally whose calm disposition and deep knowledge of Nigeria’s political history had provided guidance during difficult moments.
The President said one of Osoba’s defining qualities was his consistency, noting that he remained the same in both public and private life. He added that the elder statesman values courtesy, places people above politics and separates policy disagreements from personal relationships.
Expressing gratitude for Osoba’s friendship and counsel, Tinubu wished him good health and many more years of fulfilment.
“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. May your new year bring you peace, and may we continue the work together,” Tinubu prayed.
He also expressed hope that the ideals they had pursued together would continue to flourish through better schools, durable infrastructure and a government that remains accountable to the people.
(The Whistler)
