Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and Chairman of Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, as he clocks 90.
Tinubu described Pa Olusi, who he said had for decades been his leader, mentor, ally, guide, and counsellor, as a true icon of Lagos, stabilising force in the progressive family, and a father figure whose wisdom had been a compass for generations of leaders.
The president, in a 14-paragraph tribute issued on Tuesday, stated, “Today, I celebrate not just the remarkable 90th birthday of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, elder statesman and chairman of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, but also a life of honour, service and uncommon loyalty.
“Prince Olusi is a true icon of Lagos, a custodian of our progressive heritage, and a father figure whose wisdom has been a compass for generations of leaders.
“Baba is not just a politician; he is an institution. From his early days as a Councillor in the Lagos Town Council in 1962, to his service in the House of Representatives in the Second Republic, to his role as Commissioner for Commerce in Lagos, and now as Chairman of our GAC, his life is a masterclass in selfless public service, loyalty, and unwavering principle.
“Prince Olusi bridges our progressive movement of yesterday and today’s Renewed Hope.
“His influence transcends Lagos. As a prince of Lagos by paternity and a prince of Ado-Ekiti by maternity, Baba Olusi embodies the unity and oneness of Yorubaland.
“His recent installation as the Baba Adini of Yorubaland is a well-deserved recognition of Baba’s deep faith, moral uprightness, and contributions to Islam and community building.”
Tinubu added, “What he has given Lagos and Nigeria – love, support, guidance and direction – Baba has given to me personally. For decades, he has been my leader, my mentor, my ally, my guide and my counsellor.
“Baba Olusi is a stabilising force in our progressive family. When we wavered, he steadied us. When we needed wisdom, he provided it without reservations.
“Baba’s loyalty to the progressive cause and the development of Lagos has never wavered. For him, it’s all about the people and the development of Lagos and Nigeria.”
Tinubu thanked Olusi “for being there for all of us in Lagos and the progressive family across the country”.
He stated, “Baba’s humility, despite his towering influence, is the hallmark of true royalty and leadership.
“I commend Baba Olusi for his enduring legacy of nurturing future leaders, promoting education through the newly launched Prince Tajudeen Olusi Educational Fund, and committing to documenting the history and tradition of Lagos.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I pray to Almighty Allah to grant you continued good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to Lagos State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria.
“Happy 90th birthday, Baba. May God bless you with many more years so we can all gather to celebrate your centenary.”