By Demilade Michael
The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, a former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State,
including members of Ogun State Women in Politics, on Monday converged at the Abeokuta residence of a former governor of the State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, to celebrate his 85th birthday.
The State Women in Politics who came from all the three Senatorial districts of the State, stormed the Ibara GRA residence of the quintessential politician, describing him as an octopus, who has contributed immensely to the modern-day Nigeria.
Apart from women folks, some of the political sons and daughters of the ex-governor, were also present at the colourful event.
Speaking at the programme, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elemide said, "Baba Osoba remains a good rallying point and a true democrat and member of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria.
He described him as an advocate of good governance, and true federalism in Nigeria.
He urged the organisers of the birthday batch to be patient with the government, saying that Akinrogun Osoba has always been a man of peace and anytime he addresses his followers, his message has been that of peace.
Elemide prayed for more years for Akinrogun Osoba so that the State and Nigeria could continue to benefit from his immense wisdom and experience.
On his part, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, extolled the virtue of former Aremo Osoba, stressing that the former governor remains an epitome of honesty, dedication and service.
He said, his contribution to the entrenchment of democracy remains highly indelible, while praying for a healthy and longer life for him to witness a better Nigeria.
Also speaking, Chief Mrs. Abosede Akande leader of Ogun State Women in Politics commended Chief Osoba’s leadership qualities of transparency and honesty, saying he practised politics without bitterness.
She said the event was put together to celebrate Osoba who has touched their lives in different ways.
"Osoba has touched and impacted many lives in so many positive ways as well as played very critical roles in the life of Ogun State, Yorubaland and indeed Nigeria nation,” Akande said
"Baba Osoba remained a rallying point in Ogun State politics, he is a man with a large heart and of many parts, who accommodates all, irrespective of political lineage.
“Baba, over the years has shown to us that being consistently principled in public life is possible; you have demonstrated sterling leadership qualities, transparency, dedication, accountability, trustworthiness and tenacity of purpose as a great leader.”
While speaking on the impact of Chief Osoba at encouraging women to participate in oolitics, Chief Akande said, "Baba Osoba, has been encouraging us to take the bull by the horn and as women, we must take our rightful place back, we must start to obtain a form for all elections and stop supporting men folks.
Also speaking, a former House of Representatives member for Ifo Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Hon Adeyemi Adekunle described Chief Osoba as his mentor and benefactor, while extolling him as a frontline and fearless journalist and consumate politician of the old stock.
“Hon Adeyemi describes Osoba as a pride and a source of inspiration to the present generation and hope to the unborn”.
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