Ogun 2027: Will Dapo Abiodun Break the Succession Bitterness Jinx Plaguing Ogun?

By: Olufemi Orunsola

Since 1999, when Nigeria returned to democratic rule aftee years of military incursion into the country's political government, each political power transition time in Ogun 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, which has enjoyed an impressive chains of leadership successions over the years.

As the Gateway state gravitates towards 2027, another significant point in the political history of the state, political observers are curious to know how the state will, again fare in this regard.

A simple question begging for an answer on the lips of concerned citizens who have closely watched the dramatic, sometimes, melodramatic displays of succession war of words, bitterness and vendetta between successive administrations in the state is this: Will the incumbent Ogun Governor of Ogun state dare to lead the state to change the age-long political jinx that has slowed down the cumulative success of the state for well over two decades?

Considering the strategic relevance of Ogun state in the Nigerian project coupled with the impressive profile of sons and daughters of the state who have ascended to enviable heights in virtually all professions and fields of human endeavours, it amounts to a political paradox to notevthat Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. 

From the rift between former governor Aremo Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Senator Ibikunle Amosun and, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the political patern of acrimony between successive leadership has become an established patern in the political history of the Gateway state.

Without prejudice to the inner workings of the political players and gladiators in Ogun State, however, anyone who truly has the overall interest of the state at heart can not, but wish, pray and act in a way that will change the less than stellar old political narratives of succession acrimony considering the magnitude of negative impacts the ugly trend has had on the socio-economic and political development of the state.

One, the state has suffered greatly from the absence of any visible developmental blueprint and direction over the years as a result of this menace.

Two, the state has constantly found itself caught within the web of what a Chinese adage calls, "Taking one step forward and ten steps backwards".

Three, massive revenue loss and avoidable waste of resources arising from abandonment of projects executed by a given government with tax payers money, by successive new administrations.

It's simple weird to imagine and quantify the magnitude of losses the state has suffered in this regard as many of such abandoned projects are dotting the landscape of Ogun State.

Beyond the infrastructural deficit ocassioned by succession bitterness, the trend has also orchestrated unquantifiable loss of lives, as many foot soldiers, who have blindly and unwittingly engaged in role play during succession battles between past governors in the state have list their lives in the process. 

As the 2027 elections draw closer therefore, it has become pertinent for the elderstatesmen in the Gateway state, all political gladiators and critical stakeholders to support Prince Dapo Abiodun, who, so far, comes along as the first Governor in the recent history of the state, whose political stance and body language puts in a vantage position to break this political jinx and usher in a new political era of continuity in government.

The question again remains, can Prince Dapo Abiodun Break the jinx? The answer re-echoes that "YES, HE CAN!"

But can he do it all alone without the support of critical stakeholders in the Gateway state? 

That is ultimate question begging for an answer.