Olusegun Osoba, a former Governor of Ogun State and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marks his 87th birthday today. He is a longtime friend and political partner of President Bola Tinubu.
The president has shared the tribute below to honor his friendship with Mr Osoba.
A BROTHER IN PURPOSE: PRESIDENT TINUBU’S BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE FOR AREMO CHIEF OLUSEGUN OSOBA
I have known Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba for many years. We could easily write a book about our time together. His hearty laughter when he tells a joke, his serious face when he is focused, and his wisdom in tough moments are all things I remember well. Behind his titles and politics is a man who always wants to serve.
We entered public life in different ways, but we ended up in the same place: the belief that Nigeria can be governed with skill, respect for institutions, and a strong faith that our people deserve better. This belief helped us through tough campaigns, late-night meetings over hot pepper soup, and early mornings facing the press. We always aimed to tell the truth, even when it was hard.
Our shared beliefs have not been complicated, but living them is not always easy. We believe in a working federal system, a free but responsible press, and leaders who are approachable, not just for photos, but because they remember life before the convoys. Chief Osoba shows these ideals first as a journalist, then as a politician and leader. I saw how he treated young reporters, never looking down on them. He corrected them while sharing a story. He would take a bad headline, mark it in red, and then ask, “But what is the human angle here? Who is affected?” In strategy meetings, while others focused only on votes, Chief Osoba reminded them about the newspaper vendor at CMS or the teacher in Ijebu-Ode.
Our journey together has faced its challenges. There were times when we were unsure of the way forward, and staying on track felt hard. On those days, Chief Osoba’s calmness was a source of strength. He has a talent for sharing stories about the great Chief Awolowo, the old Western Region, and lessons learned from mistakes. These stories help turn panic into understanding. He reminds us we are part of a bigger story. We do not have to get everything right today, but we must not get the important things wrong.
What I admire most about Aremo is his consistency. In public and in private, he is the same person. He will call to ask about your family before discussing business. He sends handwritten notes, not because he has to, but because he values courtesy. He can disagree with you but will walk you to your car, showing that the argument is about our work, not about the person.
On his birthday, I do not wish him for more, as he has received enough honors for many lifetimes. I wish him health and more mornings to enjoy his tea and read the papers. I hope he finds joy in seeing the ideas we developed together take root: schools that work, roads that last, and a government that listens to its people.
Aremo, thank you for being a brother in purpose. Thank you for your advice, your laughter, and for reminding us that leadership without character is worthless.
May your new year bring you peace, and may we keep working together.
With respect and affection.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
July 15, 2026
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇