Oyo State is in mourning following the passing of one of its most revered leaders, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho, who died at the age of 86 on Monday. Chief Koleosho, a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government under the late Governor Lam Adesina and a towering figure in Nigerian politics, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich legacy of public service and community development.
Chief Koleosho’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in the development of Oyo State. He served as the Commissioner for Works and Transport during the second republic under Governor Chief Bola Ige, where he was instrumental in the establishment of The Polytechnic of Ibadan, Saki Satellite campus, now The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic. This institution has since become a key center of learning in the region, providing educational opportunities to countless students.
In recognition of his profound impact, the Oyo State Government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, recently renamed the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic after Chief Koleosho. The renaming serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the region’s educational and infrastructural development.
Beyond his state-level achievements, Chief Koleosho also made his mark on the national political stage. He was the National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), a political party that played a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic transition in the early 2000s. Although the Alliance for Democracy is now defunct, its legacy, much like Chief Koleosho’s, remains influential in Nigerian political history.
Hailing from Saki, Oyo State, Chief Koleosho was honored with the traditional title of Babalaje of Saki, reflecting his status as a respected leader and benefactor in his community. His dedication to the development of Saki and the broader Oke-Ogun region was evident in his numerous contributions, particularly in education and infrastructure.
The news of Chief Koleosho’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, community members, and citizens across Oyo State and Nigeria. Many have praised his unwavering commitment to public service, his visionary leadership, and his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of those around him. He is remembered as a statesman whose legacy will endure through the many institutions and initiatives he helped establish.
As the state grieves this immense loss, funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days. Chief Koleosho is survived by his children, grandchildren, his younger brother Odofin of Saki, Chief Isaac Koleosho, and numerous relatives, who continue to uphold the values of integrity and service that he embodied throughout his life.
Oyo State will forever honor Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho as a man of deep integrity, whose efforts have left an indelible mark on the state’s political and social history. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence in public service, education, and community development.
