Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has expressed sadness over the death of Sen. Adebayo Osinowo (APC-Lagos East), saying he lost a dependable political ally.
Ikuforiji, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, described the death of Osinowo as a personal loss to him.
The late Osinowo died on Monday.
Ikuforiji recalled that during his 10-year tenure as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Osinowo’s political sagacity was a major factor in the stability and progress of that period.
“It is an understatement to say that the Lagos All Progressives Congress has lost a political heavyweight.
“Senator Osinowo was in a class of his own, and it is not surprising that he was loved and cherished by all.
“His shoes will be too big to fill; there was never a dull moment with him.
“Pepper was a political juggernaut, a rare breed and a political mathematician whose style of delivery was unique, and will always be remembered,” he said.
Recounting some of the memorable encounters they shared together, he said the deceased was one political associate “you could bank on and go to bed rest assured that he would watch your back and protect your interests.
“Even as I mourn the loss of my great friend, I’m comforted by the words of William Shakespeare who said, all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and entrances …death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.”
Condoling with the immediate and larger families of the deceased, Ikuforiji said those he left behind would continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.
According to him, the late senator dedicated these to the good of the people of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“I commiserate with the immediate and larger families of the deceased as well as his political families; and I pray for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“We shall not mourn like those without hope. Inna lillah waina illay rajiuna.
“May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and admit him to Firdaus Aljannah. Amin,” he said.
