Chief Michael Koleoso, a prominent political figure in Nigeria, has passed away.

Chief Koleoso, who served as Secretary to the State Government under the late Governor Lam Adesina’s administration, also served as the National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The Babalaje of Sakiland died on Monday, September 2, 2024.

Born into the family of Emi-Abata of Saki on April 30, 1938, Koleoso had his primary education at Baptist Primary School, Ajegunle, Saki, and later proceeded to the famous Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, from 1957 to 1961. He then attended the School of Hygiene, Eleyele, Ibadan, for his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and later obtained an Advanced Certificate (RSII), equivalent to an HND, in 1965 and 1966.

Koleoso joined the civil service of the Western Region as the Head of the Health Department of the old Saki District Council. He spent years in the service before venturing into business. His first establishment was Esmak Nigeria Limited, which still exists today and focuses on commodity distribution, transportation, real estate, and hospitality. His entrepreneurial ability soon became legendary, as did his lifestyle of order, balance, discipline, and self-restraint.

Pa Koleoso was elected unopposed as a Councilor in Ifedapo Local Government Area of the Old Oyo State in 1976. In 1979, he was elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly as the representative of Ifedapo Constituency on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was later appointed by Chief Ige, the first executive governor of Oyo State, as a commissioner.