Ex-UK Envoy Canvases Bitterness-free Power Transition in Ogun, Dares Dapo Abiodun to Break Political Jinx in 2027
Abeokuta born former UK envoy, Sarafa Tunji Isola has observed that since 1999, each political power transition time in the state has been marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors, unlike what obtains in the neighbouring Lagos State. He appealed to incumbent Ogun Governor to dare to lead the state to change the age-long political jinx.
By: Israel Adeleke
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has openly advocated for a cordial transition of power in the state, noting that persistent political hostility during power transitions have become the bane of political progress over the years, a jinx he encouraged the state to break come 2027.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the internationally exposed politician and diplomat decried the hostility witnessed in the State every eight years, especially when the tenure of an administration is winding off, lamenting that the development has stagnated the State from making formidable progress compared to her vast resources and location.
Isola who is a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, ventilated the political opinion while speaking during a Twitter Space session.
He observed that the Gateway state stands at a risk of perpetual stagnation if the pattern which he described as unwholesome, continues in 2027.
The Abeokuta born former envoy pointed out that since 1999, each political power transition time in the state has been marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors, unlike what obtains in the neighbouring Lagos State.
The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) lamented that no chief executive of the State has witnessed a smooth and cordial transfer of power from a predecessor.
According to him, 'Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. From the rift between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Amosun and Dapo Abiodun.'
He noted that, "Since 1999, no Governor has done that because transitions have always been hostile. No matter how beautiful a development plan is, you can’t complete it in eight years.
He, therefore called on critical stakeholders in Ogun State to become purposeful and intentional about breaking the political jinx and putting a stop to the vicious broken cycle of succession ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his words, “What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and to put an end to hostile succession. So that wherever one government ends, another one can continue, building on the foundation that has been laid. That is the only way we are going to build our state. But, this issue of hostility every 8 years is really taking us backward."
“So, let us join our hands. What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession. The issue is having good governance where every local, state person will be happy about," he appealed.
While emphasizing that should Abiodun succeed in ensuring a rancour-free transition, it would mark “a new chapter in Ogun’s political history” and help entrench stability and trust in the state’s leadership process, he prayed for a rancour-free transition and peaceful handover in 2027 when Governor Dapo Abiodun ends his tenure.
He stressed that, “There is a good plan in Ogun State but what is truncating the plan is hostile transition, and that is why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first governor to hand over to his successor peacefully at the stadium.
Ishola opined that "Development must be sustainable. But when every government starts afresh and disowns the work of its predecessor, we lose time, resources, and progress.
“Any ongoing project in the state is financed with Ogun’s state revenue, hence the need for continuation and completion of ongoing projects of the preceding administration.
“What we need is harmony. Let’s bring all our leaders together for the sake of orderly development. Even if you rule for eight years, can you fully develop a village in eight years to talk less of a state?” he querried.
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