President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to elder statesman and former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba on his birthday, describing him as a “brother in purpose” and a leader whose life has been defined by service.
In a personal message released from Aso Rock, Abuja, the President reflected on decades of shared history with Chief Osoba, noting their common commitment to governance built on competence, strong institutions, and service to the people.
“I have known Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba for so many years that we could easily write a book about one another,” President Tinubu said. “His hearty laughter when sharing a joke, his stern expression when focused, and his depth in moments of decision are all familiar to me. Behind the titles, the pen, and the politics, stands a man whose first instinct is always to serve.”
The President recalled that although they entered public life through different paths, both men found themselves aligned by the same conviction: that Nigeria could be governed with respect for institutions and with the welfare of citizens at the center.
He described years of campaigns, strategy sessions, and engagements with the press, adding that Chief Osoba’s grounding as a journalist shaped how he approached leadership and public communication.
“I watched how he treated young reporters — never with condescension, always with a correction and a story to go with it,” the President said. “He would take a bad headline, mark it in red, and then ask, ‘But what is the human angle here? Who is affected?’”
President Tinubu noted that in political strategy discussions, Chief Osoba often redirected focus to ordinary citizens — “the newspaper vendor at CMS or the classroom teacher in Ijebu-Ode.”
The President also highlighted Chief Osoba’s role during challenging periods, describing his calm demeanor and historical perspective as an anchor.
“He has a gift for sharing historical anecdotes about the great Chief Awolowo, the old Western Region, and a mistake made and learned from,” President Tinubu stated. “Those anecdotes turn panic into perspective. He reminds you that we are part of a longer story.”
He further praised Chief Osoba for consistency in both public and private life, citing his attention to courtesy, family, and principled disagreement.
“He will firmly disagree with you, then walk with you to your car, because the argument is about the work and its outcome, not about the person.”
On the occasion of Chief Osoba’s birthday, President Tinubu said he was not wishing for more honours, but for health and the opportunity to see shared ideals come to fruition.
“I wish him health and more mornings to enjoy his tea and read the newspapers,” the President said. “I wish him the joy of seeing the ideas we nurtured together take deeper root – schools that work, roads that last, and a government that answers to its people.”
Concluding the tribute, President Tinubu wrote: “Aremo, thank you for being a brother in purpose. Thank you for the counsel, your laughter, and for the reminder that leadership without character is worthless. May your new year bring you peace, and may we continue the work together.”
