Olusola Saraki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olusola Saraki
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| Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria | |
| In office 1979–1983 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Olusola Abubakar Saraki
17 May 1933 Ilorin, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 14 November 2012 (aged 79) Ikoyi, Lagos |
| Political party | Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) |
| Children | Bukola Saraki Gbemisola Saraki Temitope Edu Olaolu Saraki |
| Profession | Doctor, Politician |
Abubakar Olusola Saraki (; born May 17, 1933 – died November 14, 2012) was an important Nigerian politician. He served as a Senator in the Nigerian Second Republic from 1979 to 1983. He also held a special traditional title called the Waziri of the Ilorin Emirate.
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Early Life and Education
Olusola Saraki was born on May 17, 1933, in Kwara State, Nigeria. His mother came from Iseyin in Oyo State. His father was from Mali and studied Islamic teachings in Ilorin. His family ancestors were Fulanis who moved from Mali many years ago.
Olusola Saraki went to Eko Boys High School. He later studied at the University of London and St George's Hospital Medical School in London. After his studies, he worked as a medical doctor. He worked at the General Hospital, Lagos and the Creek Hospital, Lagos.
Beginning a Political Career
Olusola Saraki first tried to enter politics in 1964. He ran for election in Ilorin as an independent candidate, but he did not win. After this, he went back to working as a doctor in Lagos. He returned to politics in 1978.
Olusola Saraki passed away on November 14, 2012, in Lagos. He was 79 years old and died after an illness. He was buried in Ilorin.
Serving as a Senator
In 1977, Olusola Saraki was chosen to be part of the Constituent Assembly. This group helped create Nigeria's 1979 constitution. In 1979, he was elected as a Senator in the Second Republic. He became the Senate Leader, which is a very important role. In 1983, Saraki was elected to the Senate again. This time, he ran with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
Later Political Activities
After his time as a Senator, Olusola Saraki continued to be active in politics. He ran for President under the Social Democratic Party (Nigeria) (SDP). He was also a member of the Committee for National Consensus (CNC).
In 1998, Olusola Saraki became a National Leader for the All People's Party (APP). He helped the APP succeed in Kwara and Kogi States. He also helped Mohammed Alabi Lawal become the Governor of Kwara State.
In 2001, he led a group from the Arewa Consultative Forum. This group worked to discuss goals with leaders in Northern Nigeria. Later, Saraki joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the 2003 elections, he supported his children's political careers. He helped his son, Bukola Saraki, become the Governor of Kwara State. He also helped his daughter, Gbemisola R. Saraki, become a Senator for Kwara State Central.
His son, Bukola Saraki, later became the Senate President of Nigeria in 2015. However, Bukola Saraki lost his bid for a Senatorial seat in the February 2019 election.
