Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of a former Head of Service and Secretary to the State Government, Babatunde Osokoya, as a painful and significant loss to the state.
Abiodun, in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the news of the passing of the former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service “left him deeply shaken,” noting that the late administrator was full of life during the golden jubilee celebrations.
He added “It is profoundly shocking that Omoba Albertson Babatunde Osokoya, mni, who joined us during the thanksgiving service and anniversary banquet, is no longer with us. We are, however, grateful to God for the impactful life he lived and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.”
He described Osokoya as a rare public servant whose dedication, integrity and professionalism helped shape Ogun State’s civil service, adding “the deceased served meritoriously in several key positions, including Permanent Secretary, pioneer Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service—roles that strengthened governance and institutional stability in the state”.
Abiodun noted that Osokoya’s influence extended beyond retirement, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, where he championed merit-based recruitment and capacity building.
The governor also commended Osokoya’s unwavering commitment to retired civil servants through his leadership of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the state.
Beyond government service, Abiodun described the late statesman as a compassionate mentor, philanthropist, and supporter of youth development, particularly in sports.
Osokoya, an elder statesman from Omu-Ijebu, passed away on Sunday at the age of 81 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abeokuta, the state capitalm
Until his death, he remained actively involved in public affairs and recently participated in events marking Ogun State’s 50th anniversary.
