I’m a godfather, but don’t interfere in Abiodun’s govt — Osoba

File: Former Ogun Governor, Olusegun Osoba

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has acknowledged being a political godfather but said he does not interfere in the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun by imposing people on him for government appointments.

Osoba made the disclosure during an interview on The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast, where he spoke with the media couple, Dr Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo. A video of the conversation was shared on Sunday.

Responding to questions about godfatherism and calls for influential political figures to withdraw from politics, Osoba said he hardly interfered in Abiodun’s administration, despite offering him advice.

“And I can tell you one thing that is working for me in Ogun State is because I hardly interfere. Governor Dapo Abiodun, I counsel and advise him; I’ve never nominated one person into his government,” he said.

Explaining his decision, Osoba said recommending one person for an appointment could offend the many others around him who might also expect to be considered.

“I have so many people around me. If I pick one, I will offend the other. If there are 100, I pick one, 99 offended,” he said.

He added that anyone he recommended could also be viewed with suspicion by other members of the administration.

“Anybody I put in there will be a suspect. I will advise him, this, this, my advice to him; they don’t have to take it,” Osoba said.

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The former governor said his advice to governors was to compensate and involve political associates who supported their campaigns, while leaving the final decisions on appointments to them.

He also acknowledged his influence in the state’s politics, saying he would not deny being a godfather and identifying Senator Solomon Adeola as his preferred candidate.

“I agree, I’m a godfather. I won’t lie to you, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is my candidate,” he said, citing Adeola’s experience in the Lagos State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.

“He’s been in the House of Assembly in Lagos. He’s been in the House of Reps. He’s been in the Senate. He’s an accountant. He’s been in appropriation. I give advice, but I will not insist,” he said.

Osoba maintained that while political elders could have a say in the process of selecting candidates, they should not dictate how elected officials run their administrations.

Osoba governed Ogun State from 1992 to 1993 and again from 1999 to 2003. Abiodun became governor in 2019, succeeding Ibikunle Amosun.