Osinowo died a fulfilled man – Sanwo-Olu, Obasa

It was tributes galore yesterday in the chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly for the late lawmaker representing the Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, at a special plenary session held in his honour.

Osinowo, popularly known as Peperrito, who died on June 15, was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for 16 years, before he was elected into the Senate in 2019.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the session of tributes, said the deceased lived a fulfilled life on the home and political fronts.

Sanwo-Olu said the late lawmaker was endowed with “uncommon wit and humour”, which the governor said Osinowo usually brought to any discussion.

The governor said, “The level of political dexterity of the late Senator Osinowo and his unique personality are not in contest, given the testimonies and tributes since his death. We saw in a video documentary how he was able to galvanise and energise colleagues at legislative sittings.

“I know the level of comradeship we shared. This special plenary is really not to mourn him, because he was a distinguished Nigerian who distinguished himself in service.”

Sanwo-Olu said Osinowo’s death must serve as a lesson to those in positions of leadership, saying people’s good testimonies after the demise of the late senator confirmed his selflessness as a leader.

The House Speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, recalled that the process of installing the leadership of the fifth Assembly brought him close to the late Osinowo.

Obasa described the late lawmaker as “a formidable stabiliser and hero”, saying Osinowo was an influential politician endowed in native intelligence.

The House Committee Chairman on Information, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who represented Kosofe Constituency II, described the late Osinowo as “selfless and pragmatic.”