Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of former Head of Service and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Babatunde Osokoya, describing his passing as a painful loss to Ogun State.
Osokoya, a respected elder statesman from Omu Ijebu, died at the age of 81 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abeokuta. Until his death, he remained active in public life and was present at events held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ogun State.
Reacting to the development, Abiodun said the news came as a shock, noting that the late administrator was lively and full of strength during the golden jubilee celebrations.
“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,” the governor said. “We are grateful to God for the impactful life he lived and the enduring legacy he left behind.”
Abiodun described Osokoya as a rare and disciplined public servant whose integrity, professionalism and commitment to duty played a major role in strengthening Ogun State’s civil service.
According to him, the deceased served the state meritoriously in several strategic positions, including Permanent Secretary, pioneer Chief of Staff to the Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service. He noted that Osokoya’s contributions helped to deepen governance structures and institutional stability.
The governor said Osokoya’s service to the state did not end with retirement, as he later returned to public duty as Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, where he promoted merit driven recruitment and capacity building.
“His leadership raised the bar in the public service and produced officers who continue to serve with excellence across different sectors today,” Abiodun said.
He also commended Osokoya’s dedication to the welfare of retired civil servants through his leadership of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the state.
Recalling his career progression, Abiodun said Osokoya rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary at the age of 35 and later became Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service at 49, positions he held with distinction until his retirement in 1996. He was subsequently appointed Chairman of the Civil Service Commission between 2003 and 2011 in recognition of his outstanding service record.
Beyond government service, the governor described the late statesman as a compassionate mentor, philanthropist and strong supporter of youth development, particularly through sports.
He noted that Osokoya’s involvement in football development created opportunities for many young people across Ogun State and contributed to the growth of grassroots sports.
Abiodun extended his condolences to the Osokoya family, the civil service community and the people of Ogun State, praying that God grants the departed elder statesman eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear the loss.
