From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has cautioned that Ogun State must steer clear of hostile succession and divisive politics ahead of 2027, stressing that no significant development can take place in a hostile political environment.
Isola, who noted that Ogun is blessed with astute politicians who have made their marks at the state and national levels, urged them to practise politics without jeopardising unity, peace, love, and harmony.
The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development issued this warning while addressing leaders and members of Ogun Women-in-Politics during a gathering held in his honour for his 64th birthday at the GRA Ibara residence of former Ogun State governor and APC National Leader, Segun Osoba.
Stressing the importance of constructive politics, Isola said, “Divisive politics brings nothing but retrogression.”
He attributed Lagos State’s sustained development to friendly political succession and continuity, urging Ogun to adopt a similar template to foster growth and progress.
“We can’t continue with this hostile succession and expect development like Lagos. From Governor Segun Osoba to Governor Gbenga Daniel, from Daniel to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and from Amosun to the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun, it has been a succession of hostile handovers. This has not helped our state to develop to the desired level.
“To correct this anomaly, I have visited Senator Gbenga Daniel in Abuja, Senator Ibikunle Amosun in Lagos, and Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
“Additionally, I visited the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, to express my concerns. We need to work together to ensure Ogun achieves its full potential.”
Responding to a question about the 2027 general election, the former High Commissioner said that the consensus among the Egba people is that Ogun Central should produce the next governor.
“This is the first time the Egba people have unanimously agreed that the governorship position should be zoned to Ogun Central,” he noted.
Isola revealed that his consultations showed that since 2019, Egba people have not held key political or governmental positions such as Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, or Head of Service. Hence, they are now focused on claiming the governorship position in 2027.
He, however, refuted claims that Egba politicians thwart the aspirations of Ogun West (Yewa) to produce a governor.
“The Egba people have been political allies of the Yewa people. Each time a Yewa person aspires for the governorship, there is always a strong Egba figure as their main supporter. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo supported the late Tunji Olurin in 2011, and I served as his DG (Campaigns).
“In 2019, he supported Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, while the then governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, wholeheartedly supported Adekunle Akinlade. I also served as the DG (Campaigns). In 2023, Senator Amosun, an Egba man, equally supported Biyi Otegbeye, a Yewa man, against the incumbent governor. If you analyse the history, Ogun Central has always rallied behind Ogun West aspirants to become governor.”
He expressed gratitude to the Women-in-Politics group for their love and support, urging them to continue advocating for politics without acrimony, to enable the state to achieve progress and development.
