Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has admitted his position as a political godfather but insists he does not meddle in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration by recommending or imposing individuals for government appointments.
Osoba spoke during an interview on The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast, hosted by media personalities Dr Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo. A video of the discussion was shared on Sunday.
Responding to questions about godfatherism and calls for influential political figures to step away from politics, Osoba said he rarely interfered in Abiodun’s administration, although he offered the governor 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.
Osoba explained that recommending someone for an appointment could create resentment among the many other people 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 also noted that anyone he recommended could be viewed with suspicion by other members of the governor’s 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.
The former governor advised political leaders to recognise and involve associates who supported their election campaigns, while allowing elected governors to make the final decisions on appointments.
Osoba also acknowledged his political influence in Ogun State and disclosed that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola was his preferred candidate.
“I agree, I’m a godfather. I won’t lie to you, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is my candidate,” he said, pointing to Adeola’s political 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 political elders could contribute to the process of choosing candidates but should not dictate how elected officials manage their administrations.
Osoba governed Ogun State from 1992 to 1993 and again from 1999 to 2003. Abiodun assumed office as governor in 2019, succeeding Ibikunle Amosun.