President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Olusegun Osoba, former governor of Ogun, on his 87th birthday, describing him as “a brother in purpose” whose life has been defined by service, integrity and commitment to democratic ideals.
In a birthday tribute issued on Wednesday, Tinubu said he and Osoba have shared decades of friendship rooted in a common belief that Nigeria should be governed with competence, respect for institutions and accountability.
“I have known Aremo Chief Olusegun Osoba for so many years that we could easily write a book about one another,” the president said.
“We entered public life from different doorways, but we found ourselves in the same house: the house of an idea – that Nigeria could be governed with competence, respect for institutions, and an unyielding belief that our people deserve better.”
Tinubu said the shared ideals have guided both of them through political struggles, campaigns and governance, adding that Osoba has consistently championed federalism, press freedom and accessible leadership.
He praised the former governor’s background as a journalist, recalling how he mentored young reporters by encouraging them to focus on the human impact of stories.
“I watched how he treated young reporters — never with condescension, always with a correction and a story to go with it,” Tinubu said.
He would take a bad headline, mark it in red, and then ask, ‘But what is the human angle here? Who is affected?’”
The president said Osoba’s calm disposition and historical perspective had provided steady guidance during difficult political moments.
“There were times when the path was unclear, and the cost of staying the course felt high. On those days, Chief Osoba’s calm demeanour was an anchor,” he said.
Tinubu also described the former governor as a man of consistency whose character remained unchanged in both public and private life.
“What I admire most in Aremo is his consistency. In public and in private, he is the same man,” he said.
“He will firmly disagree with you, then walk with you to your car, because the argument is about the work and its outcome, not about the person.”
The president prayed for Osoba’s continued good health and long life, expressing hope that they would continue working together to deepen good governance in Nigeria.
“Aremo, thank you for being a brother in purpose. Thank you for the counsel, your laughter, and for the reminder that leadership without character is worthless,” Tinubu said.
