Minister, Ex-Speaker Felicitate Osoba At 87

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako and former speaker of Ogun State, Rt. Hon. Daisies Elemide, have paid glowing tribute to former governor of the state and elder statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, as he celebrated his 87th birthday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The duo who felicitated with Osoba in their tributes described Osoba as an extraordinary patriot, an accomplished journalist, an exceptional democrat, and one of Nigeria’s most respected political leaders.

This is just as members of the Egba Anglican community, Muslim faithful, political associates, and community leaders also poured their goodwill messages on Osoba at his Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta, where they offered prayers for his continued good health, wisdom, and God’s abundant grace.

The Thanksgiving and prayer session drew prominent personalities from across religious and political divides, reflecting Osoba’s enduring influence and widespread respect as a statesman.

Leading the Anglican delegation from St. Michael’s Church, Ago-Oba (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Egba West, Abeokuta, Venerable Isaiah Olayeni delivered a sermon centred on Matthew 6:24-34, Psalm 103:1-17 and Psalm 116:12-19.

He urged Christians to continually praise God with sincere hearts for His faithfulness, protection and countless blessings, stressing that gratitude remains a vital expression of faith.

He said Osoba’s remarkable journey in life and public service bears testimony to God’s unfailing mercy and preservation.

“God has blessed Chief Segun Osoba tremendously and has closed the mouth of the lion on his behalf. God has remained faithful to him and his family,” Olayeni said.

In their prayers, the league of Imams from the Oba Muslim community, led by the Imam of Ago-Oba Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Imam Morufudeen Alim, prayed for Osoba’s continued good health, long life, and greater wisdom as he marked his 87th birthday.

In his remarks, the cleric praised the former governor for his remarkable achievements in office, particularly his commitment to rural development across Ogun State.

He noted that Osoba’s developmental projects transformed many rural communities and improved residents’ living conditions, describing his legacy as one that continues to resonate across the state.

Speaking in an interview, Ogun Speaker vowed that politicians across the state would not allow the foundations laid by Osoba to be destroyed.

“The legacy and the foundation he has laid will not be destroyed. We wish him many more years in good health. He is a national leader, those of us who have travelled far and wide in politics know his worth, and I pray that he will never degenerate”.

“Baba Osoba is patient. Ogun state does not really know its worth, and Baba will not blow his trumpet. He is gentle, calm, rugged and resilient. Look at what he has gone through politically, but he is still standing”.

In his own goodwill message, Salako described Osoba as a living conscience of democracy in Nigeria.

“Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Aremo of Osoba, is one of the living consciences of the democracy we are currently enjoying in Nigeria. As a journalist, Chief Osoba played a prominent role in conceptualising Nigeria, and when he turned politician in 1991, he was elected governor of Ogun State in 1992.

“So for me, as a younger element who’s following in his footsteps, I thank Almighty God for his life. And I congratulate him for the life he has lived, the accomplishments he has made, and I continue to pray that Almighty God will spare his life for more service to humanity, particularly in Ogun State”