The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has described the death of a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government and former National Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso, as the end of an era.
The governor said Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great patriot and a political icon, who played outstanding roles in national development.
Governor Makinde, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that Koleoso, who until his death was the Babalaje of Saki, was one of the last men standing from a generation of great men and women who gave their best to serving Oyo State and Nigeria.
He expressed his condolences to the immediate and political families of the deceased leader, the people of Saki and all residents of Oyo State, praying to God to grant everyone the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I received the news of the death of Baba Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki with shock and sadness.
“Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a great patriot and selfless leader, one of the last men standing in the batch of leaders who gave their all to make Nigeria a better place.
“People who know me know that I had a special bond with Babalaje; I held him as a father and had the utmost regard for him, as he was a courageous and upright leader who spoke truth to power.
“We’ve relied on his guidance and wealth of experience in guiding our great state to greatness, and Babalaje did love this state till his dying days.
“I express my condolences to the Koleoso family of Saki, his political family spread across the state and Nigeria as well as the people of Saki and Oyo State.
“It is the end of a glorious era and we can only pray to God to grant repose to the soul of our Baba.”
