Oyo State has been thrown into mourning as a distinguished political figure in the state, Chief Michael Koleoso, has been confirmed dead.
Naija News understands that the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), during the administration of the late Governor Lam Adesina, died on Monday night.
He was 86 years old at the time of his passing.
Born on April 30, 1938, into the Emi-Abata family of Saki, Koleoso received his primary education at Baptist Primary School in Ajegunle, Saki, before attending the renowned Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo from 1957 to 1961.
He furthered his education at the School of Hygiene in Eleyele, Ibadan, where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and an Advanced Certificate (RSII), equivalent to a Higher National Diploma, in 1965 and 1966.
Koleoso began his career in the civil service of the Western Region, serving as the Head of the Health Department for the old Saki District Council. After several years in public service, he transitioned into the business sector, founding Esmak Nigeria Limited, which continues to operate today, specializing in commodity distribution, transportation, real estate, and hospitality.
Koleoso was also the National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
His reputation as an entrepreneur became well-known, characterized by a lifestyle marked by order, balance, discipline, and self-restraint. In 1976, Pa Koleoso was elected unopposed as a Councilor in the Ifedapo Local Government Area of the Old Oyo State.
He later represented Ifedapo Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979, and he was elected on the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) platform, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Subsequently, he was appointed as a commissioner by Chief Ige, the first executive governor of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde Reacts To Koleoso’s Death
Reacting, Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has characterized the passing of Koleoso as a significant end to an era.
He remarked that both Oyo State and Nigeria have suffered the loss of a distinguished patriot and a political figure who made remarkable contributions to national progress.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Makinde acknowledged that Koleoso, who held the title of Babalaje of Saki at the time of his passing, was among the final representatives of a remarkable generation dedicated to the service of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate and political families of the late leader, the residents of Saki, and all citizens of Oyo State, praying for divine strength to help them cope with this loss.
He said: “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 to guide our great state to greatness, and Babalaje loved 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.”
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