‘He was more than a political associate’ — Tinubu mourns late senator

Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says Adebayo Osinowo, senator representing Lagos east senatorial district, was more than a political associate.

Osinowo, known as “Pepperito” in political circles, died of an undisclosed ailment on Monday. 

In a tribute, Tinubu said the late lawmaker worked hard to make Lagos a better place. 

“The sudden, unexpected passing of Senator Bayo Osinowo has deeply hurt me and Lagosians. He was more than a close friend and political associate. Over the years he became like a family member and brother in so many ways,” he said. 

“Bayo and I have come a long way, dating back to our days in the pro-democracy struggles. We both enlisted in the Social Democratic Party where he served so well as the youth chairman of that party during the Third Republic and later in the Alliance for Democracy in 1998 after the restoration of democracy. Bayo’s contributions to the return of democracy were significant and enduring.

“As a prominent political figure in Lagos, he served our state with dedication, passion and concern for the common man. In the Lagos state house of assembly, where he was a four-time member from 2003 to 2019 representing Kosofe constituency 1, he was more than a member of that House. He provided leadership. He was a stabilising figure. He worked hard and tirelessly to make Lagos a better place. He cared for all Lagosians.” 

Tinubu said Osinowo’s election as senator in 2019 demonstrated not only his political skills but also the affection the people have for him and his popularity. 

According to Tinubu, Osinowo, who was chairman of the senate committee on industries, discharged himself creditably as he was industrious. 

He said the late lawmaker was not born with riches, and he rose from a modest background to the great heights that he attained.

“His death hurt all who know him. Bayo was more than an excellent politician. As great a politician he was, Bayo was an even better person. He was a man of a kind heart and ready smile. His loyalty and enthusiasm was legendary, just as his generosity,” he added.