By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former Ogun State Governor and elder statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, on Wednesday received glowing tributes and prayers from religious leaders, political associates, traditional rulers and well-wishers as he marked his 87th birthday anniversary.

The thanksgiving and prayer session, held at his Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence in Abeokuta, attracted members of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Egba Diocese, Islamic clerics, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and community stakeholders.

The gathering celebrated Osoba’s contributions as one of Nigeria’s foremost journalists, democrats and political leaders, with speakers highlighting his influence, mentorship and commitment to national development.

Delivering the sermon, Venerable Isaiah Olayeni of St. Michael’s Church, Ago-Oba (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Egba West, Abeokuta, urged Christians to remain grateful to God for His faithfulness and mercy.

Preaching from Matthew 6:24-34, Psalm 103:1-17 and Psalm 116:12-19, Olayeni described Osoba’s life as a testimony of divine grace and preservation.

“God has blessed Chief Segun Osoba tremendously and has closed the mouth of the lion on his behalf. God has remained faithful to him and his family,” he said.

The cleric described the former governor as “a great leader, a bridge builder and an elder statesman” whose contributions have positively impacted Ogun State and Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to continue to seek God’s kingdom, assuring that other needs would be provided.

Islamic clerics also offered prayers for Osoba’s continued good health, longevity and wisdom.

Leading the prayers, the Imam of Ago-Oba Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Imam Morufudeen Alim, commended the former governor for his developmental efforts, particularly in rural communities across Ogun State.

The cleric noted that many communities benefited from projects initiated during Osoba’s administration, adding that the interventions had continued to impact residents.

Christian and Muslim clerics later joined together in special prayers for the elder statesman’s continued strength, good health and ability to contribute to national development.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, described Osoba as a grassroots politician, mentor and national leader whose legacy remains enduring.

Elemide said Osoba’s leadership qualities had inspired many political leaders, including himself.

“We pray that the legacy and foundation he has laid will never be destroyed. We wish him many more years in good health and continued relevance. He is a national leader. Those of us who have travelled far and wide in politics know his worth,” he said.

The Speaker added that he had consciously drawn lessons from Osoba’s leadership style.

“Anything you see in my character, I either learnt from Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Chief Olusegun Osoba. He is patient, gentle, calm, resilient and rugged. Despite all he has gone through politically, he is still standing. Ogun State is yet to fully appreciate his worth because Baba will never blow his own trumpet,” Elemide said.

Abiodun celebrates Osoba’s contributions

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Osoba as an extraordinary patriot, accomplished journalist, exceptional democrat and one of Nigeria’s finest political leaders.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the governor said Osoba’s career in journalism, politics and public service reflected courage, integrity, resilience and commitment to truth and justice.

Abiodun said the former governor’s influence extended beyond his years in office, noting that he had continued to mentor generations of leaders within and outside Ogun State.

“Today, we celebrate not just the passing of another year in the life of an exceptional leader, but a lifetime of uncommon service, courage and sacrifice. Aremo Olusegun Osoba belongs to that rare generation of Nigerians whose lives have profoundly impacted the course of our nation’s democratic evolution,” he said.

The governor noted that Osoba distinguished himself both in journalism and public service.

“From the newsroom, where he distinguished himself as one of Africa’s finest journalists, to the Government House, where he provided visionary leadership for Ogun State, Chief Osoba has consistently demonstrated that public office is a sacred trust to be exercised with integrity, wisdom and compassion.

“His invaluable contributions to the restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria remain indelible. Through periods of uncertainty and national challenges, he stood firmly on the side of justice, constitutional governance and the rule of law,” Abiodun added.

He described Osoba as a father figure whose experience and counsel had continued to guide leaders across the country.

“I have been personally privileged to benefit from his fatherly advice, deep political insight and unwavering commitment to the progress of our dear state. His passion for a greater Ogun State has never diminished,” the governor stated.

Abiodun, on behalf of the Ogun State Government and people, congratulated Osoba and prayed for his continued good health, strength and peace of mind.

Osoba, a pillar of democracy — Salako

Also paying tribute, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Ishaq Kunle Salako, described Osoba as one of the living consciences of Nigeria’s democracy.

Salako said the former governor played a significant role as a journalist and pro-democracy activist, particularly during the struggle for democratic restoration under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

“Chief Olusegun Osoba is one of the living consciences of the democracy we enjoy in Nigeria today. He distinguished himself as a journalist before venturing into politics, where he served twice as Governor of Ogun State.

“During the pro-democracy struggle under NADECO, he stood firmly for the restoration of democratic rule. Today, he remains one of the fathers of modern democracy in Nigeria and one of the strongest pillars of the APC across the country,” he said.

Salako thanked God for preserving the elder statesman and prayed that he would continue to enjoy good health and strength to contribute to society.

“I congratulate him on a life of remarkable accomplishments and dedicated service. My prayer is that Almighty God will continue to preserve him for many more years in good health and strength so that he can continue serving humanity and witness even greater milestones in Ogun State,” he said.