Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo (“Pepper”)

The life and political career of a Lagos lawmaker who rose from grassroots politics to the Nigerian Senate.

Early Life and Background

Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo (28 November 1955 – 15 June 2020), widely known by the nickname “Pepper,” was a Nigerian businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and later represented Lagos East Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate during the 9th National Assembly until his death in 2020.
Osinowo was born in Ijebu-Ode to Alhaji Rabiu Osinowo of Odo-Egbo and Mariamo Taiwo Osinowo. His family roots trace to the Ijebu area of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria.
For his early education, he attended St. Augustine Primary School in Ijebu-Ode, before proceeding to Isonyin Grammar School in Isonyin, where he completed his secondary education.

Early Professional Career

Osinowo began his professional career in 1977 when he joined the Federal Ministry of Works Nigeria in Lagos as a Land Officer.
He served in that capacity until 1979, gaining administrative and technical experience in land management and government service.

Business Career

After leaving the civil service, Osinowo moved into the private sector, where he established himself in business, particularly in engineering, construction, and dredging services.
He held several leadership roles during his business career, including:

Managing Director, NITAL International (1986–2003)

Managing Director, NIMCO International Co. Ltd (1990–2003)

Managing Director, Extreme Piling and Construction Company Ltd (1990–2003)

Managing Director, NIMCO Dredging Company (1990–2003)

Through these ventures, he developed a reputation as an entrepreneur involved in infrastructure and construction-related businesses.

Political Career

Osinowo’s political involvement began during Nigeria’s Second Republic (1979–1983). At that time, he served as Youth Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Nigeria under the leadership of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, a prominent Nigerian businessman and politician.
His political influence later grew within Lagos State politics, where he built strong grassroots support.

Lagos State House of Assembly

Osinowo was elected four times as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Kosofe Constituency. His repeated electoral success demonstrated his strong political base in the area.
During his tenure in the state legislature, he participated in lawmaking and constituency representation in Lagos State.

Nigerian Senate

In the 23 February 2019 general elections, Osinowo contested the Lagos East Senatorial District seat and was elected to the Nigerian Senate.
While serving in the 9th National Assembly, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industries, where he contributed to legislative oversight and discussions related to Nigeria’s industrial development.

Death

On 15 June 2020, Osinowo died at the age of 64 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicated that his death was linked to complications from the virus.
Following Islamic burial customs, he was buried the same day at his residence in Ijebu-Ode.
His death was widely reported in Nigeria, particularly within Lagos political circles where he had served for many years.

Legacy

Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo’s career spanned public service, business, and politics. From his early days as a civil servant to becoming a four-term state legislator and later a Senator, he played a notable role in the political landscape of Lagos State.
His nickname “Pepper” became widely associated with his political identity and influence in Lagos grassroots politics.

Sources

Wikipedia – Biography of Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo

Records from the Nigerian Senate

Reports from Nigerian newspapers on the death of Senator Osinowo during the COVID-19 pandemic.