Why OKE-OGUN People Will Miss Chief KOLEOSHO

• As He Dies At 86

Last week, the political establishment in Oyo State, especially Saki and indeed Oke-Ogun, was thrown into a deep mourning following the death of a former SSG in the state, Chief Michael Koleosho.

Koleosho who served as the Secretary to the Oyo State Government under late former governor Alhaji Lamidi Adesina (Lam Adesina) passed away at the age of 86. According to his family, he died as result of old age-related ailment.

His death, no doubt, is a monumental loss not only to the state but his hometown, Saki and Oke-ogun zone generally. He will be greatly missed by the family, friends and associates, particularly on the political scene. He will be missed in politics for many reasons. Koleosho in his lifetime was a very strong politician and a respected elderstateman.

He was an icon in Oyo politics and the voice of Oke-Ogun. He was one of the strongest politicians to have ever emerged from Oke-Ogun. In his active years, Chief Koleosho was one of those who determined who got what in Oyo politics. He was one of the opinion moulders in the state’s politics. And one who was always advocating for Oke-Ogun rights.

Chief Michael Koleosho, popularity called Babalaje of Sakiland, was the one many politicians, both young and old, go to for political patronage irrespective of their political affiliations. Even despite the fact that he quit partisan politics some years before his death, people were still going to him for political consultations and advice.

All these and many other reasons are why condolence messages and tributes have not ceased from pouring in since his detha was announced last week Tuesday. Born into the family of Emi-Abata of Saki on April 30, 1938, Koleoso had his primary education at Baptist Primary School, Ajegunle, Saki and later proceeded to the famous Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, where he was from 1957 to 1961.

He was later to attend the School of Hygiene, Eleyele, Ibadan for his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and in 1965, proceeded to do his Advanced Certificate (RSII), today’s equivalent of an HND, in 1965 and 1966. Koleoso joined the civil service of the Western Region with the position of Head of the Health Department of the old Saki District Council.

He spent years in the service before venturing into business. His first establishment was Esmak Nigeria Limited. It focuses on commodity distribution, transportation, real estate, and hospitality. His entrepreneurial ability soon became legendary, just as his lifestyle of order, balance, discipline, and self-restraint.

He was elected unopposed as Councillor in Ifedapo Local Government Area of the Old Oyo State in 1976. In 1979, he got elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly as the representative of Ifedapo Constituency on the platform of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Koleoso also served as the National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He was later appointed by Chief Ige, first executive governor of Oyo State, as Commissioner.

-Dare Adeniran

08057639079

With additional information from the Internet