Oyo Gov attends Koleoso commendation service in Ibadan

The Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, attended the commendation service of late Chief Adeniyi Koleoso held at UI Conference Centre in Ibadan.

Notable political figures from all over the nation attended the event, which was the first day of the program planned for the four-day burial ceremony.

These included former Osun State Governors Chief Bisi Akande and Rauf Aregbesola; former Speaker and Senator Monsurat Sumonu; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin; Wife of late Lam Adeshina, Saratu Adeshina, and former Oyo Deputy Governors Hamid Gbadamosi Iyinola Oladokun, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, and Otunba Moses Adeyemo.

Also were army generals and retired; family members; commissioners, Oyo HoS Olubunmi Oni, Deputy Chief of Staff Fola Sunday Oyenkunle DON, Chief Saka Balogun, former minister Elder Wole Oyelese, Chief Niyi Akintola, Chief Jacob Adetoro, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Chief Bisi Ilaka, and other high-ranking Oyo government officials.

In his tribute to the late Koleoso, Governor Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, noted that Baba’s departure occurred at a time when the Oyo state government most needed his advice.

He praised the former SSG’s contribution to the running of the Makinde-led government and noted that he will be sorely missed.

Baba Koleoso and Governor Makinde fought a son-father relationship until death, according to the Deputy Governor, who recalled how he first met Chief Koleoso in 1972 while working as a teacher in Saki.

He added that the Governor would always visit the late koleso on several occasions, noting that Baba never hid his support for the governor’s re-election.

Recalling his time with the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Barr. Lawal however described Chief Koleso as a very honest man and accomplished politician who remained firm under any situation.

He said: “Chief Koleoso started from being a councilor till he became SSG. He was an accomplished politician and business man of note and a billionaire in properties. Baba’s sense was very prime till his death. He was also a family person whose children have succeeded in life.

“We need to give testimony to the fact that he came, saw and conquered. Chief Koleoso embraced life to the fullest and enjoyed life. He impacted many lives.”

While urging young ones to always do good, the Deputy Governor recalled his experience working for his party on legal matters without monetary reward, which ultimately led to his appointment as attorney general and commissioner for justice.

He added that he had profited from the gift of life noting that when one chart a good life, there would be a reward.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, I am urging the children and other family members to mourn moderately and take solace that baba ended well.

“Baba has left us, particularly Oyo state government, at the time we needed him most because we kept running to him for advice. We appreciate his role in the running of our administration,” the Deputy Governor said.

Niyi Akintola and others who spoke at the event in their separate remarks, described late Koleoso as a worthy leader who has impacted many lives.

Akintola said that baba was happy for his support of Gov. Makinde’s re-election and noted that he had no regret supporting the Governor.

Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu however described the late Koleoso as a foremost lover of Oke-ogun and Saki, saying that his death has stripped the people of Oyo state naked.

He said the deceased brought material blessing to the world and economic progress to his people as well as fought to the end for the emancipation of the masses.

He added that Chief Koleoso instilled in his children descipline, honesty and fear of God, describing him as a man of clarity and principle.

The bishop further said that Koleso has come and would never be forgotten while admonishing the young ones to also work on the good things they would be remembered for.

Following the commendation service, there are other event slated for tomorrow in Saki, whilst lying in state at the Koleoso’s residence will come up on Friday and the final burial ceremony is slated for Saturday in Saki.