Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has described the death of a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho, as the exit of a “patriotic father and great counsellor.”

Adedeji, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, said Chief Koleosho would be remembered as a progressive leader who stood for truth and devoted himself to championing fairness and equity.

“I received the news of the passing of Papa, as I fondly called him, with sadness, even though he was 86 years. No matter how old our parents are, we always want them to be with us forever. But I take solace in the fact that Papa lived a good and disciplined life.

“Papa was more than a father figure to me. He was a great counsellor who mentored young people like me. I learnt a lot of invaluable lessons about life and living from my several interactions with him.

“He was totally committed to worthy causes that promote growth and development. Papa served Saki, Oyo State and even Nigeria with all the atom of strength God gave him. He was a thoroughbred progressive leader. In fact, one of the last of the originals.

“I condole with the family of this great patriarch, particularly my brother and my Chief of Staff, Tayo Koleosho, on this painful but glorious departure of their iconic father,” said Adedeji.