Ajibola Olusoji, Ibadan
Two prominent members of the 9th National Assembly, Senators Abdulfatai Buhari and Teslim Folarin, have described the sudden demise of Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo, aka Pepperito as a devastating blow to the Red chamber of the National Assembly.
The two lawmakers, in separate statements, described the death of their vibrant colleague as a bitter pill that would be too hard to swallow.
Folarin, who is the Chairman, Senate committee on Local Content, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade YSO Olaniyi Elodyper, said, ”The sudden demise of my colleague and brother, Distinguished Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo (Pepperito) is, undoubtedly, a bitter pill for members of the 9th Assembly, the people of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I would like to express my condolences to Senator Osinowo’s family, the Nigerian Senate, our great leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the good people of Lagos and Ogun State.
“Distinguished Senator Osinowo was unwavering in his commitment to a better Nigeria. I recall the 2019 Hajji Pilgrimage we performed together, he made very great impressions on me on religious tolerance, efficacy of prayers and service to humanity in extraordinary ways.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and associates worldwide as we grieve over the loss of such an extraordinary individual who made a huge difference in the lives of millions of people in Lagos East Senatorial district and Nigeria at large.
“I pray that in this difficult time, God give us the strength and courage to bear the irreplaceable loss. The wonderful memories of Distinguished Senator Osinowo’s unique personality will be celebrated by all for a very long time.”
In his own condolence message, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai of Oyo North, condoled with Osinowo’s family, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State in general, describing the Senator’s sudden death as a colossal loss to the nation.
He described late Senator Osinowo as an experienced lawmaker, who transformed his previous activities as a lawmaker in Lagos State House of Assembly to a worthy asset, which was displayed in his very short period he spent in the 9th Assembly.
“It’s unfortunate, very unfortunate that we lost a very nice, friendly, focused and committed legislator in the 9th Assembly. I pray that Allah forgives all his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaous,” Senator Buhari said.
He added that the whole members of the 9th Senate would miss their vibrant, outspoken and intelligent colleagues while praying God to give others long and prosperous lives.
Late Senator Osinowo was born on November 28, 1955. He was a successful businessman and politician.
His political experience included membership of the Lagos State House of Assembly and until his death, he was the Senator representing Lagos East at the 9th National Assembly.