Kunle Adelabu
Political leaders and other residents of Ikorodu in Lagos East Senatorial District have expressed shock over the death of Senator Adebayo Osinowo, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Osinowo, popularly known and called ‘Pepperito’ by political friends, admirers and foes alike, died after brief illness in Lagos on Monday, June 15,2020.
His remains was moved to his country home in Ijebu-Ode in an ambulance belonging to the Obalende Local Council Development Area on same day and buried at 11.00pm amidst wailing and grief by a crowd of sympathisers that attended the funeral.
His Ogudu home in Lagos was Mecca of sort for many sympathisers who trooped in to confirm the sad development. Sources informed THE IMPACT that many broke down in tears as they cried over the loss of their benefactor.
When our reporters moved round Ikorodu and Igbogbo on the day of his death, many politicians were in shock to come to term with the Senator’s death who many described as a good person even in death.
Social media has since been awashed with condolence messages from political leaders, party people and residents.
The news of the death of the lawmaker who served Kosofe Constituency I for four terms of 16 years at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has been dominating available space on social media platforms related to Ikorodu.
Sen. Seye Ogunlewe, former Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District and former Minister of Works, in his tribute sent to THE IMPACT, wondered why death took Sen. Osinowo, whom he described a good man, away.
He also stated that he was a generous man who was accommodating and always giving out to many people.
“Why should the good one die young? Has anyone seen our dear Peperito? Can you tell me where he has gone?”, Sen. Ogunlewe asked.
“But when I look around, I discovered that he has gone to the world beyond. We reside in the same estate in Ogudu GRA. I recall that very Wednesday he doled out some notes of 1000naira to about 1000 poor people. They queued up for hours until it was their turn to collect the money. What about other members of the party?”.
The former Minister also revealed how the departed Senator paid his medical bill in full when he visited him at hospital last year when he was on admission.
“They also visited his house almost every hour. Sen Bayo Osinowo was a very generous giver. I recall when I was in Hospital in December last year, the Senator came to the Hospital and paid the bill in full. Farewell our dear brother. May the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace”, the former Minister prayed.
Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member, Federal House of Representatives representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, in a release on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform, said that the Senator’s death came as shock to him and added that his political contributions are going to be missed.
“Egbon’s untimely demise came as a rude shock. I know we shall all miss his insightful contribution in Lagos East, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
“My deepest sympathy also goes out to the people of Lagos East, his political associates and friends in general. I pray we all find solace in the memory of the deep compassion and contributions to the lives of people around him while alive.
“May His soul rest in perfect peace and may the good Lord grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss”.
Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, the Chairman, Ikorodu –Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and former Senatorial aspirant, in his own condolence message, prayed for the repose of Senator Osinowo’s soul.
“May Allah overlook his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridaus. I also pray that Allah will grant his family, particularly his immediate family members, the fortitude to bear the irreparable and painful loss”.
Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also stated:
”My condolences to his family, political associates and friends. May Allah grant the immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss. May Allah grant him Aljanah Fridaus”.
Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman, Imota Local Council Development Area, speaking with THE IMPACT on phone from the Ijebu – Ode home of the deceased, described late Senator Pepper as a true leader who was interested in unifying the progressives under an umbrella for development.
The distraught Council Chairman stated that Senator Osinowo’s contributions to political developments in Nigeria, Lagos and the East Senatorial District and his good deeds to humanity would speak for him on the day of judgment and here on earth.
Builder Olusesan Mayokun Daini, the Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, in a release by his Chief Press Secretary on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform, described the late politician as a developmental leader.
“On behalf of myself and the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, we send our deepest consolation to the family of Senator Sikiru Adebayo Oshinowo (PEPERITO) on his painful and unexpected exit.
“Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo was a Muslim brother and most importantly a developmental leader to every political person and family. He will surely be missed in the Lagos East Senatorial District
“May the Almighty Allah comforts his family, grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and peace in their hearts”.
Builder Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, also described Osinowo as man of many parts.
“Pepperito was not just a boss, leader, egbon or friend to many of us, but a man of all shades of colour that exemplified service to humanity, humility and unalloyed loyalty both in politics and personal life.
“I pray Almighty God gives the family, Lagos East, and entire Lagos State the fortitude to bear this huge loss. You will be sorely missed, Pepperito”.
Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, the National Deputy Chairman, Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria, and Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, in her condolence message, stated:
“Our Distinguished and quintessential Leader per excellence’ s untimely passage came as a huge shock. I know we shall all miss him greatly, especially his insightful contributions in Lagos East, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
“My heartfelt and deepest sympathy also go out to the people of Lagos East, his political associates and friends in general. I pray we all find solace in the memory of the deep love, compassion and contributions to the lives of people around him while he was alive”.
Former Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lagos State, Barr Rotimi Ogunleye, in a message sent to THE IMPACT also expressing shock over the politician’s death, wrote:
“My family and I commiserate with the family of Senator Bayo Sikiru Osinowo on the sad loss of this amiable personality that hitherto represented the Lagos East Senatorial District.
“We also condole with the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and particularly in Lagos East”.
Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, the Director – General, Lagos State Sports Commission, on his facebook wall, wrote:
“With a heavy heart, I join well-meaning Nigerians, especially those from the Lagos East Senatorial district, in mourning the death of our brother, father, leader and Senator, Bayo Sikiru Osinowo, on his rather sad demise
“Peperito meant different things to different people but one cannot over emphasis his unique leadership qualities, especially from his days in the Lagos Assembly. He was ‘The Unifier’.
“May the Almighty grants you eternal rest amongst His faithfuls. You will be surely missed sir.
Prince Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner for Rural Development, Lagos State, also in his own condolence message posted on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform, stated:
“Too sudden to be true. Rest in peace, my most distinguished Senator”.
Also, the first Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Arae, Alhaji Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, prayed that God should grant him eternal rest.
“Innahlillahi wainnahillehin rojihunnah. May The Almighty Allah grants him Aljanat Fridaus.
Hon Adeola Jokomba, former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, also wrote:
“A GEM IS GONE. The death of Senator Bayo Osinowo came to me and my group as a rude shock. A vibrant, pro-active, dedicated and religious man. This is a colossal loss to Lagos East Senatorial District, Lagos State, Nigeria and Nigerians at large. May Allah grants him Aljanat Firdaos.
Mr Taiwo Orenuga, former Executive Secretary, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, also described Senator Osinowo’s death as shocking and hard to accept.
“Shocking and too hard to believe. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.
Former aspirant for the Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency and a Prince of Ikorodu, Prince Lanre A. Sanusi, in his condolence message sent to THE IMPACT, stated:
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, I mourn the demise of our Senator, Distinguished Senator Adebayo Osinowo[ a.k.a peperito].
“My deepest sympathy goes out to the people of Lagos East, his political clique and companion. My prayers are with his immediate family. I pray we all find comfort in the recollection of the sincere sympathy and endowment to the lives of individuals around him while alive. May His soul rest in perfect peacefulness and may God Almighty gives his family the fortitude to bear the unexpected loss”.
Mr Mukala Lamina, former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, also condole with the family of the deceased and the ruling party, APC.
“On behalf of my entire family, my supporters and my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I condole with the family, Senate, Lagos APC over the death of Senator Sikiru Bayo Osinowo.
“Senator Osinowo was a strong party man, a unifier and a loyal party man. May Allah in his infinite mercy forgives him of all his shortcomings and grants him Aljana Fridaus. Please, accept my deepest condolence”, Lamina stated.
Mr Bolaji Osinowo, House of Representatives aspirant in Ikorodu, described the death of Senator Osinowo as a sad development.
“So sad. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency I, Lagos State House of assembly, Mr Yinka Makodunmi, stated:
“Inalilah waina ileyi rojiun. May Almighty Allah accept your returns and grant you Aljanat Fridous . Senator Sikirullah Adebayo Osinowo (Peperito) R.I.P”.
Aroyewun Lekan, a youth leader in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and politician, also in his brief condolence message sent to THE IMPACT, said:
“Very sad. A vacuum has been created”.
Mr Olatunji Shakioye, a participant on THE IMPACT platform also wrote:
“I wasn’t connecting at all. What a loss. He was a silent achiever who left on a silent period. May his soul rest in peace”.
A young entrepreneur and politician, Mr Hamzat Jimoh, also commiserating with the good people of Lagos East senatorial district, particularly the good people of Ikorodu, the political family and the close and extended family of late Senator Adebayo Osinowo, he described the departed politician as “an amazing leader, a good party man and a gargantuan law maker”.
“I pray for the repose of his soul and I pray that God Almighty forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest. No doubt, he was a philanthropist who opened his gate for all and sundry and from whom a lot of people tapped lots of wealth of knowledge and political experience. May his soul rest well with the Lord”, Hamzat added.
An Assistant Editor with The Nation newspaper, Mr Dare Odufowokan (Mobutu), also wrote on THE IMPACT WhatsApp platform:
“He led an impactful life. God bless his good soul. Senator Sikiru Bayo Osinowo, ADIEU”.
Mr Ibrahim Alani Onibudo, a Canada –based Ikorodu politician and youth leader, also wrote:
“Erin Lakatabu wo. Ajanaku subu ko le dide (A big Elephant has fallen). Rest In Peace, Pepperito…”.
The Publisher of Waves magazine, Mr Azeez Lamina, stated:
“The news of Senator Oshinowo’s death is very shocking. May God forgives the departed. Very sad development”.
Ms. Adelabu Kenny, a teacher, also wrote:
“l saw in it in the news few minutes ago. This is so shocking. This life is just like a vapour. Can 2020 just pack up already. This death rate is alarming”.
Profile
Adebayo Osinowo worked with the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos State. In 1977, he started his career as a Land Officer at the Federal Ministry of Works till 1979, according to Wikipedia.
He then became the Managing Director at NITAL International from 1986 to 2003. He was also the Managing Director at NIMCO International Co. Ltd from 1990 to 2003, while he also worked as Managing Director at Extreme Piling and Construction Company Ltd and NIMCO Dredging Company from 1990 to 2003.
Osinowo began his political life in the second republic serving as a youth Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The state Chairman was late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
