Oyo State has been thrown into mourning as a distinguished political figure in the state, Chief Michael Koleoso, has been confirmed dead.
The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), during the administration of the late Governor Lam Adesina, died on Monday night.
He was 86 years old at the time of his passing.
Born on April 30, 1938, into the Emi-Abata family of Saki, Koleoso received his primary education at Baptist Primary School in Ajegunle, Saki, before attending the renowned Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo from 1957 to 1961.
He furthered his education at the School of Hygiene in Eleyele, Ibadan, where he earned his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and an Advanced Certificate (RSII), equivalent to a Higher National Diploma, in 1965 and 1966.
Koleoso began his career in the civil service of the Western Region, serving as the Head of the Health Department for the old Saki District Council. After several years in public service, he transitioned into the business sector, founding Esmak Nigeria Limited, which continues to operate today, specializing in commodity distribution, transportation, real estate, and hospitality.
Koleoso was also the National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
His reputation as an entrepreneur became well-known, characterized by a lifestyle marked by order, balance, discipline, and self-restraint. In 1976, Pa Koleoso was elected unopposed as a Councilor in the Ifedapo Local Government Area of the Old Oyo State.
He later represented Ifedapo Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979, and he was elected on the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) platform, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Subsequently, he was appointed as a commissioner by Chief Ige, the first executive governor of Oyo State.
