The Member representing Atisbo, Saki East and Saki West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, has described the late Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso, OFR, as one of the prominent political figures whose contributions to the development of Oke-Ogun and Oyo State would remain relevant for generations.
Abisodun stated this while commemorating the second anniversary of the death of Koleoso, the former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy and Babalaje of Sakiland, who died in 2024 at the age of 86.
The lawmaker said the late politician left behind a remarkable record of public service, political organisation and community development, adding that his influence extended beyond the positions he occupied during his lifetime.
According to him, Koleoso represented a generation of political leaders who regarded public office as an avenue to serve the people and contribute to the development of society.
Koleoso’s political career included service as Commissioner for Works and Commissioner for Establishment and Training in the old Oyo State administration. He later served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government under the administration of the late Governor Lam Adesina.
Abisodun also recalled Koleoso’s involvement in national politics, particularly his tenure as National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, during which he participated in critical political processes that shaped the direction of the party and the politics of the South-West.
The federal lawmaker noted that the late politician’s role in the 1999 Lagos State governorship primary of the Alliance for Democracy remained one of the notable episodes in his political career, with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerging as the party’s candidate.
He said Koleoso’s political journey demonstrated the importance of experience, political organisation and sound judgment in the management of democratic institutions.
Abisodun said the late statesman was also deeply committed to the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Bola Ige, noting that the ideals of development, education, social welfare and accountable governance remained central to that political tradition.
He described Koleoso as a politician who was prepared to defend his convictions, adding that his willingness to offer candid counsel and challenge prevailing positions earned him respect among political associates and members of the public.
The lawmaker further emphasised the late elder statesman’s role in developing younger leaders, saying Koleoso understood that the sustainability of any political movement depended largely on its ability to prepare capable people to take over from the older generation.
“Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso belonged to a generation that understood that leadership is not only about occupying an office. It is also about building people, strengthening institutions and leaving society better than one met it,” Abisodun said.
He added that one of the significant aspects of Koleoso’s legacy was his contribution to the physical and social development of Oke-Ogun.
Abisodun specifically mentioned the Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, OYSADA, MAK GRA and lot more as a lasting reminder of the late politician’s vision for planned urban development in the region.
The lawmaker said such landmarks should remind residents and political leaders of the contributions made by previous generations to the growth of the area.
He urged political leaders and younger people in Oke-Ogun to preserve the positive values associated with Koleoso’s public life, particularly integrity, courage, discipline, accountability and commitment to the common good.
Abisodun said the death of prominent political leaders should not only be an occasion for mourning but also an opportunity for society to examine their contributions and draw lessons that could be applied to contemporary challenges.
He stressed that the political class had a responsibility to promote leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people, development of communities and strengthening of democratic institutions.
The federal lawmaker commended the family of the late Babalaje of Sakiland for preserving his memory and prayed that God would continue to grant them the strength to uphold the values he represented.
He said Koleoso’s legacy would continue to live through the people he mentored, the institutions he contributed to and the developmental footprints he left across Oyo State and beyond.
“Two years after his departure, the best tribute we can offer Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso is to continue to promote the principles for which he stood. His life reminds us that political influence is temporary, but the impact of purposeful service can endure for generations,” Abisodun said.
He described the late Koleoso as a distinguished son of Sakiland and a statesman whose contribution to Oke-Ogun and the wider political development of the South-West deserved to be remembered and studied.
Abisodun prayed for the repose of Koleoso’s soul and for continued peace, strength and prosperity for his family.
