Ogun needs continuity to move forward, says Sarafa Isola

Sarafa Tunji Isola, Nigeria’s former high commissioner to the United Kingdom, says Ogun state risks long-term stagnation if the recurring hostility that marks every change of government continues.

Isola made the remark during a Twitter Space session on Wednesday while responding to questions on governance, politics, and development.

The former envoy said successive administrations in the state had been trapped in cycles of political vendetta, making it difficult to sustain policies or complete inherited projects.

He said since 1999, no Ogun governor had transferred power smoothly to a successor, a pattern he described as damaging to continuity and progress.

“What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession,” he said.

“Where one government stops, another should continue. But this hostility every eight years is taking us backwards.”

Isola urged residents and stakeholders to embrace cooperation and long-term planning, saying sustainable growth can only happen when governments build on one another’s efforts.

He expressed optimism that Dapo Abiodun, the incumbent governor, would make history by handing over peacefully at the end of his tenure in 2027.

“There is a good plan in Ogun state, but what keeps truncating it is hostile transition,” he said.

“That’s why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first to hand over peacefully at the stadium. Since 1999, no governor has done that.”

‘I WANT THE BEST FOR OGUN’

He said a peaceful handover would mark “a new chapter in Ogun’s political history” and restore public confidence in the leadership process.

Isola added that hostility among politicians had prevented long-term investment, slowed infrastructure delivery, and undermined the state’s potential.

He acknowledged that Abiodun was facing internal party wrangling but expressed optimism that he would overcome the crisis and ensure a stable transition.

Isola’s remarks come amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, with rival blocs within the All Progressives Congress (APC) jostling for control.

Ogun has a record of strained transitions — from the fallout between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the friction between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, and later between Amosun and Abiodun.

The former envoy said his concern was not about who becomes governor but about “ending the culture of hostility” and promoting good governance.

“We are not talking about ambition. It’s about governance, fairness, and sustainability. Ogun has been good to me, and I want the best for the state,” he said.

He also called for a “collaborative political culture” where leaders from different blocs work together to pursue shared development goals.

“Ogun money belongs to Ogun people, not individuals. Let’s have harmony and unity. Even in eight years, you can’t fully develop a village,” he added.

Isola cautioned against ethnic sentiments ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that slogans such as ‘Yewa Lokan’ could divide the state.

“There are two sentiments that are not good for politics — ethnic and religious,” he said.

“Leadership should be based on character, competence, and courage, not where anyone comes from.”

He said his past roles as secretary to the state government and minister had exposed him to the need for inclusive governance across all districts.

Isola also spoke about infrastructure gaps in Ogun west, saying he once initiated a proposal for a rail network to reduce pressure on the roads.

“I carried out feasibility studies with Portuguese investors and briefed President Buhari,” he said.

“The British were ready to fund part of it. Such infrastructure would have opened up our western corridor.”