Osoba speaks frankly on relationship with Gov. Abiodun

Former Ogun State governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, has described his relationship with the incumbent, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as one founded on mutual respect and deliberate non-interference, dismissing suggestions of a godfather-godson dynamic in the state’s leadership.

Speaking during a brief interview, Chief Osoba, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), declared that the harmony often observed between him and the present administration stemmed from his conscious decision not to influence appointments or interfere in governance in Ogun State.

He stressed he has never attempted to impose political decisions on the governor or recommend individuals for public office.

According to the Akinrogun of Egbaland: “I must confess to you on the word: ‘harmony,’ it is because I have refused to interfere with his government in any way. I have never, and I repeat, never, suggested to him that anyone should be placed in a particular office. I have never put pressure on him to favour anybody for any position.”

The former governor explained that the working relationship between both leaders is anchored on mutual respect for their roles and responsibilities.

According to him, he accords Abiodun full recognition as the chief executive of the state, while the governor reciprocates the gesture.

“His leadership, his confidence, his mind and his base are built on mutual respect for each other. I respect him as the Chief Executive Officer of the state. I give him that respect and he reciprocates it. That is why you find that harmony,” he said.

Speaking on the absence of tension often associated with political succession and whether Gov Abiodun was following the progressive path laid by his predecessors, the APC National leader acknowledged the governor’s leadership style, and maintained that the current administration operates independently, guided by its own mandate and priorities.

On his impression about Ogun at 50, the veteran journalist expressed delight about various monumental projects across the state and for his being alive to witness the anniversary celebrations

According to him: “I feel highly excited and grateful to God that I am alive to witness our state at 50. What impresses me most is the monumental developments that have taken place since the state was created. Abeokuta, the state capital, used to be a city you could drive around in about an hour. Today, it has grown into a large and vibrant city. The same applies to places like Sagamu and Ijebu. There has been tremendous growth, and I am happy to see this level of development in my lifetime.”

Speaking on progressive politics in state and at the federal level, Chief Osoba hailed the development, saying progressive politics would aid speedy democratic development in the country

According to him: “Progressive politics has always been part of our political culture in Yoruba land. For a long time, we were in opposition, yet we remained committed to our principles. That commitment has now produced national leadership, and progressive governance is being tested at the highest level.

“My hope is that the benefits of the current policies will increasingly reach the grassroots. Development must ultimately reduce hardship at the lower levels of society.

“Our political philosophy has always emphasised policies that improve the welfare of the people. When I was governor, my focus was rural development — building roads, expanding electrification, and providing water supply. That tradition continues in progressive governance today.”

Speaking on the future of the state, the elder statesman urged politicians to be contended, embrace politics without bitterness which they should play with decency and to work together for the progress of all and sundry even when political views differ.

According to him: “I relate with people across political parties. Politics should be practised without bitterness and with decency. Exposure and education should guide us toward civility and respect.

“Politicians should learn to be content. Contentment is very, very important, I don’t pray to own an aircraft. I don’t pray to have all these fancy things anymore. Whatever I have, my best dresses are always Asooke. It’s woven, I grew into it. My father used to buy it for me when I was young. So I grew into it. Contentment is very important in life.

“And what I would also advise is that we must do our civic responsibility.

“I say it loudly and clearly, even at the age of 87, I pay my tax regularly to Ogun State. I pay an average of N30 million in tax, N30 million self-assessed tax in Ogun State. I don’t know anybody in my age range who’s paying such. So we want development. My advice to people is that let’s be content, let’s be alive to our civil responsibility, and let us continue to put in all our efforts into the development of our state. And let us play politics decently.

“There are many people who were previously in PDP who are now in APC. Some APC have gone their own way. No problem. We’ll go and come back, give and take. So my policy is to be friendly with everybody. That doesn’t mean that I will change my philosophy or my belief in progressive politics. Those who want to be conservative can go on to be conservative.”