The event held at Osoba residence in Abeokuta brought together political leaders, religious clerics, traditional representatives and party faithful, who offered prayers for the former governor’s continued good health, long life and enduring service to the nation.
Delivering the Christian sermon, Pastor Isaiah Olayeni of St. Michael’s Church, Headquarters, Ago-Oba Archdeaconry, described Osoba as a rare leader whose life has been dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
He urged political leaders and Nigerians to emulate the celebrant’s virtues of humility, commitment and selfless service.
“We have gathered to celebrate a great leader, a father in the faith and an international statesman. As we celebrate him today, we must also remember that the greatest honour we can give God is to continue to do His will. We pray that God grants Baba many more fruitful years,” Pastor Olayeni said.
Leading the Muslim prayers, Imam Morufudeen Alim of Ago-Oba Central Mosque recalled Osoba’s contributions to the development of the mosque and the wider Muslim community, describing him as a bridge-builder whose generosity has positively impacted many lives.
“Chief Osoba has touched countless lives, including our mosque and our community. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him long life, sound health, prosperity and abundant blessings so that he can continue to serve humanity,” he said.
Traditional prayers were also offered by representatives of the Ogboni Gbogbo Ilu Oba who invoked divine protection, peace and wisdom upon the former governor while praying for continued unity and progress in Ogun State under his guidance and fatherly counsel.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described Chief Osoba as one of the surviving pillars of Nigeria’s democracy whose contributions to journalism, democratic struggles and governance remain invaluable to the nation’s political history.
“Chief Olusegun Osoba is more or less one of the living consciences of the democracy we are currently enjoying in Nigeria. As you know, as a journalist, Chief Osoba played a very prominent role in conceptualizing Nigeria, and when he turned a politician, in 1991 or thereabouts, he was elected first in 1992 as governor, and then again in 1999 as governor.
“And during the pro-democracy days of NADECO, he was a very prominent player in that exercise. And today, he remains one of the fathers of democracy in Nigeria, one of the very, very strong pillars of the All Progressives Congress, not only in Ogun State, but across the nation”.
The minister further expressed optimism that Osoba would witness greater political milestones in Ogun State.
“My prayer is that he will be alive and well on May 29, 2027, when Senator Adeola will be sworn in as governor, and he will live to see the 4 years first term, to see the second year's first term, and then to also see the midwife of the next regime after Solomon Adeola. I pray for longer life, good health, and more enablement.he said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said Osoba’s enduring legacy of leadership, patience and resilience has continued to inspire generations of political leaders within and outside Ogun State.
“The legacy and the foundation he has laid will not be destroyed, we wish him more years in good health in relevance. He is a national leader , those of us that have traveled far and wide in politics we know his worth and I pray that he will never degenerate. I wish him all the best , his children and all members of his family.
“I have already been emulating him . Anything you see from my character, I either take it from Baba Awolowo or Chief olusegun Osoba .
Olusegun Osoba is somebody who is patient. In Ogun State, they don’t really know his worth and baba will not blow his trumpet, his gentle , calm , rugged, he’s resilient. Look at what he has gone through politically but he’s still standing”.
The event was attended by several prominent APC leaders and supporters, including the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, alongside other party stakeholders, who joined family members, friends and admirers in celebrating Chief Osoba’s remarkable life of service, leadership and commitment to democracy.
