ARTICLE AD
Oyo State acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, on Tuesday, declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast in the state for seven days in honour of the former Secretary to the State Government, Michael Koleoso, who died on Monday, at the age of 86.
Lawal, who led top government functionaries to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late former National Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy in his Akobo residence, gave this directive in Ibadan, the state capital.
He described him as an astute politician, a reservoir of knowledge for all politicians, and a patriot.
“The late political icon contributed immensely to the development and growth of Nigeria, the state, his immediate town and constituency, Saki, in the Oke-Ogun zone of the state.
“The State Government will give him (Koleoso) a befitting burial. He would be remembered as a progressive who always stood for the truth and devoted himself to championing fairness and equity for all, irrespective of their political parties.”
Lawal noted that Koleoso, during his lifetime, was a strong supporter of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, saying his death should reunite all politicians, irrespective of political or religious leaning.
Responding, the first daughter of the deceased, Yemisi Baiki, thanked the state governor for his show of love and care for their father during his lifetime.
Baiki described his death as a big loss to everyone.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late political icon by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Special Duties, Faosat Sanni.
On his entourage were former deputy governors, Hamid Gbadamosi and Iyiola Oladokun; Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo; Commissioners and other political chieftains in the state.