Hon. Chief Babatunde Oduyoye, a former Alliance for Democracy (AD) Whip in the House of Representatives and two-term member of the House, has paid tribute to the late Chief Michael Koleoso, describing him as a forthright politician and patriot.
In a condolence message sent to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, Oduyoye praised Koleoso, the former AD National Chairman, for his boldness, open-mindedness, and commitment to supporting what is right.
Oduyoye expressed his condolences to the Emi Abata Dynasty of Saki in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, Koleoso’s immediate family, and the progressive family in Nigeria.
According to Oduyoye, who represented Ibadan Southwest/Ibadan Northwest Federal Constituency on the platform of the AD between 1999 and 2007, Koleoso was a thoroughbred progressive and selfless leader whose immense contributions led to the success of the AD at that time.
Oduyoye described Koleoso as a father of progressive politics and an exemplary leader, who wrote his name in gold through his contributions to the political landscape.
“A great elephant has fallen; the last of the true progressives, Pa Michael Adeniyi Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki land, is no more,” Oduyoye said. “I saw Babalaje in action on the field of politics between 1999 and 2007, and I know that, indeed, he was the truest definition of a democrat and a progressive.”
“I commiserate with the Koleoso family and the progressive fold in the country, while praying to God to grant repose to the soul of Babalaje. Goodnight, my Chairman!”