Two Years On, Your Legacy Endures || By Hon. Adebisi Adeniyi 

In Loving Memory of

Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso, OFR

Babalaje of Sakiland

(1938–2024)

Two years have passed since your transition, yet your presence remains profoundly felt. Though your voice has fallen silent, the echoes of your wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our people continue to resonate across Sakiland, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and beyond.

Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso was not merely a politician; he was a statesman, a visionary, and a builder of men. He was an ardent follower of the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige, drawing from their progressive philosophies and dedicating his life to the advancement of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

His public service career was distinguished and impactful. He served as Commissioner for Works and Commissioner for Establishment and Training in Oyo State, leaving indelible marks in both portfolios. He later rose to the position of Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) during the administration of Governor Lam Adesina, where his administrative acumen further strengthened the machinery of governance.

Beyond Oyo State, he demonstrated exceptional leadership on the national stage as National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in the political history of the South-West, overseeing the governorship primary election in Lagos State in 1999—a process that culminated in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerging as the party’s flag bearer. Today, that same Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a testament to Baba’s discerning leadership and his role in shaping the political destiny of our nation.

He was a man of uncommon wisdom, deep conviction, and fearless leadership. He spoke truth to power, mentored a generation of leaders, and left behind a blueprint for purposeful governance.

To me, Baba was more than a political leader. He was a father figure, a trusted mentor, and a source of unwavering counsel. It was he who nominated me for my first appointment as Commissioner in Oyo State under His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. That singular act of trust and confidence altered the trajectory of my life and service.

He believed in me when others doubted. He mentored me with patience, guided me with wisdom, and challenged me to be a leader of integrity and impact. His words shaped my understanding of leadership, and his example taught me that true service is measured not by what we gain, but by what we give.

I remain eternally grateful for all he did for me—for the opportunities he created, the doors he opened, and the foundation he laid for my journey in public service. His investment in my life is a debt I can never fully repay, but one I will honour through a lifetime of service to our people.

Great men are not remembered by the positions they occupied, but by the lives they touched and the footprints they left behind. Baba’s footprints remain indelible.

Today, the Michael Adeniyi Koleoso GRA stands as a testament to his vision for urban development in Oke-Ogun. The institutions he championed continue to serve our people. The leaders he mentored continue to carry his torch. And the values he stood for—integrity, courage, and selfless service—continue to guide those privileged to have learned from him.

As we remember Baba today, I lift his beloved family and children in prayer. May the Almighty continue to guide, protect, and strengthen them. May they find comfort in the legacy he left behind and draw strength from the foundation of excellence he built.

I pray that they will excel in all their endeavours, that they will walk in the light of his teachings, and that they will continue to make him proud. The Lord will uphold them, bless the works of their hands, and grant them peace that surpasses all understanding.

Two years on, we do not mourn as those without hope. We celebrate a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a legacy well-established. We honour a man who gave his all for his people, his community, and his nation.

Rest peacefully, Baba. Your memory remains a blessing. Your lessons remain a guide. Your legacy continues to inspire.

Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi

APM Candidate for Saki West, Saki East & Atisbo Federal Constituency

On behalf of the Babalaje Political Dynasty

#ChiefMichaelAdeniyiKoleoso

#BabalajeOfSakiland

#LegacyEndures

#TwoYearsOn

#NiyiAdebisiForIfedapo

#ServiceWithIntegrity

#NACOMedia

l