SANWO-OLU, OBASA, GBAJABIAMILA DESCRIBES LATE LAWMAKER AS A MAN OF MANY PARTS

By Agosu Sewanu Omoleye

The lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, among other prominent Nigerians have described the late Senator Sikiru Bayo Osinowo as a man of many parts who typifies different  things to different people.

Lawmakers at the session held in honour of the late senator.

The late law maker was described as a man who lived a fulfilled life as a law maker, and a family man before he passed on June 15. The late Osinowo was a member of the Assembly for 16 years, serving four consecutive terms prior his election into the hallowed chamber in 2019.

This remarks  was made on Tuesday, at a special Parliamentary Session held at the chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa Ikeja held in honour of Osinowo.

Sanwo-Olu in his speech said that the state Executive Council geld a special session for the late Senator on Monday because of his level of contributions to the development of the state and prayed for God to grant him eternal rest.

The governor recalled that his path and that of the late politician crossed in 2003, noting that Osinowo’s personality meant different thing to different people.

According to him, late Osinowo lived a fulfilled life as a respected Nigerian, husband and father.

The governor said: “The level of political dexterity of the late Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo and his unique personality are not in contest, given the testimonies and tributes  since his death. We saw in video documentary how he was able to galvanise and energise colleagues at various legislative sittings.

“Many people may not know that I personally knew him since 2003. Sen. Osinowo meant different things to different people. His level of dedication to good governance and development of Lagos was unique. At the State’s cabinet meeting yesterday (Monday), we appreciated his contributions and held a special session in his honour.

“I know the level of comradeship we shared. This special plenary is really not to mourn him, because he was a distinguished Nigerian who distinguished himself in service. He led a fulfilled life on the home front and had an outstanding engagement on the political trajectory of this country.”

The speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa described Osinowo as a Major General in the corridor of Nigerian politics.

"We gathered to honour Senator Bayo Osinowo, a power broker who assisted many politicians to realise their dreams. I met him before we got to the State House of Assembly, when we were strategizing on who would be the Speaker of the 5th Lagos Assembly.

"Osinowo was an astute grassroots politician and a super benefactor to many. My emergence as Speaker of the 8th Assembly was made possible by him and he contributed to the success of our elections in the South West.

"He was a prominent force in the fight to liberate Nigeria from military dictatorship. He was a parliamentarian par excellence and he was a great democrat. Late Osinowo was a friend, a colleague, and a teacher”, he said.

Speaking via zoom Gbajabiamila commiserated with the lawmakers over the great loss.

Gbajabiamila said, there was no way one could talk about politics in Lagos State, State House of Assembly as well as the National Assembly without mentioning late Senator Bayo Osinowo.

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun said that late Senator Osinowo lived a very good, caring and generous life.

Former Speaker of the House, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in his contributions, said that he never thought that after five years and three weeks out of the House, he would be speaking in the chamber again at the valedictory service held in honor of the late senator.

Others who honored the late Senator including members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Muslim clerics said the late Osinowo was a good example for all.