Oyo Deputy Gov Attends Late Koleosho’s First-Year Anniversary Memorial in Saki

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, on Saturday, attended the first-year memorial of the late Chief Michael Koleosho, held at the Special Basic Schools and Hotels, Saki.

The memorial event, equally attended by the wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibike Ajibola Lawal, featured the commissioning of the comprehensively renovated Special Basic School and Hotels, Saki. 

The renovation was undertaken by the ESMAK Foundation in memory of the late Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho.

During the commissioning, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Lawal described Koleosho as a philanthropist and community leader whose legacy continues to live on after his death. 

He commended Koleosho’s children for the good life their father lived, noting that his impact would forever be remembered.

The Deputy Governor, who knew Koleosho since 1973, fondly remembered him as a tall and handsome individual with a helping spirit. 

He recounted their professional relationship, where Koleosho appointed him as his lawyer and supported his career growth.

Barr. Lawal equally shared a personal anecdote about how Koleosho advocated for his appointment as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General under the Lam Adeshina administration. 

“We must continuously strive to be better versions of ourselves. Anyone who doesn’t wish to improve is shortchanging themselves,” Barr. Lawal said, recalling Chief Koleosho’s advice to always be honest in all endeavors.

According to Lawal, Chief Koleosho once refused to lie against Bola Ige, opting to await the court’s judgment, which ultimately vindicated him. This demonstrated his commitment to integrity.

The Deputy Governor also shared a personal encounter with Chief Koleosho in his living room just two weeks before his passing. He revealed that Koleosho was preparing for his death, seeking forgiveness from those he had offended and forgiving those who had wronged him.

Barr. Lawal noted that Chief Koleosho was a huge fan of Governor Seyi Makinde, highlighting his unwavering support for the governor’s administration, which led to several road projects in Saki, including the Ogbooro road. 

He described the late Koleosho as a man of integrity, well-respected and loved, whose enduring legacy is perpetuated through the ESMAK Foundation.

He expressed delight at the foundation’s impact on downtrodden children, noting that it embodies the spirit of humanitarian service. 

Barr Lawal however announced a personal donation on behalf of himself and his wife to the ESMAK foundation, adding that the Oyo State government would also support the initiative.

“It’s my greatest pleasure to be here as we stay till tomorrow for thanksgiving,” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Kayode Koleoso, one of the late Chief Koleosho’s sons, described his father as a legacy-driven individual. 

He highlighted the commissioning of the projects as a testament to his father’s enduring impact, noting that the establishment of the ESMAK Foundation was a key part of his legacy.

Koleoso revealed that the family plans to set up foundations in Saki, Ibadan and Ogbomoso in their father’s name, with the Saki Special School project commissioning being the first. He added that more projects are forthcoming in collaboration with charitable organizations to honor their father’s memory.

On her part, the Headmistress of Special Basic School, Saki, Mrs. Adegbola Elizabeth Aderonke, described the commissioning of the renovated school buildings as a momentous occasion marking a renewed commitment to quality education and hope for the future.

She expressed her gratitude to the ESMAK Foundation, established by the late Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho’s family, for transforming the school, emphasizing that the renovation included two blocks of three classrooms, an office, provision of chairs and tables, a modern WC toilet, solar-powered pump, security lights, and walkways for special needs learners.

Aderonke further praised the late Chief Koleosho’s legacy, saying, “The greatness of late Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho speaks loudest in his absence. His value is felt in this special school and other places like Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki.” 

She, however, prayed for God’s continued blessings on the family.