Abiodun vows to end Ogun bitter succession politics

Ogun State Governor, Abiodun. Photo: File

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has pledged to ensure a seamless, peaceful and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027, vowing to set a historic benchmark in the state’s governorship succession.

Abiodun gave the assurance on Thursday during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area.

He said his administration was determined to be the first in the state’s history to hand over power without acrimony or political hostility.

Succession politics in Ogun State has historically been fraught with tension, disputes and bitter rivalries that have, at various times, threatened the peace of the state.

Ahead of the 2011 general election, then Governor Gbenga Daniel insisted that Ogun West Senatorial District should produce his successor and backed Gboyega Isiaka, a chartered accountant and first-class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other leaders of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party rejected Isiaka’s candidacy and supported the late former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Adetunji Olurin, also from Ogun West.

Isiaka eventually contested on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, while Olurin remained in the PDP, but both lost the election to Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria.

Similarly, in the build-up to the 2019 governorship election, outgoing Governor Amosun of the All Progressives Congress vowed that his successor must be Adekunle Akinlade, then representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The APC, however, backed Dapo Abiodun, prompting Amosun and his loyalists to defect to the Allied Peoples Movement.

Abiodun went on to win the election with a margin of about 19,000 votes, defeating Akinlade of the APM and Isiaka of the African Democratic Congress, who finished second and third, respectively.

Speaking at the Christmas service in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Abiodun said his administration would avoid the hostility and infighting that have characterised past transitions.

“As we approach 2027, not only shall we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God, this administration will hand over successfully to a successor,” he said.

“It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50-year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit as governor at my send-off ceremony and also be present at the swearing-in of my successor.”

The governor attributed his confidence to what he described as solid governance, economic expansion and people-centred development achieved under his administration.

According to him, Ogun State’s annual budget has grown from about N355bn at the start of his administration to over N2.7tn, reflecting increased economic activity and investor confidence.

“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on the ground. New factories are springing up, over 2,000 schools have been reconstructed, jobs have been created, farmers empowered and opportunities expanded,” he said, adding that his administration was determined to “finish strong.”

Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to using his office to serve the people through impactful projects, citing the Gateway International Airport and other infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts as key legacies.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as purposeful leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying Nigeria was gradually stabilising with improved fuel availability, easing inflationary pressures and a more stable foreign exchange regime.

Speaking on the significance of Christmas, Abiodun said the season symbolises love, peace and compassion, urging residents to care for the vulnerable and live Christ-like lives.

In his sermon titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, described Christmas as the season God gave Himself to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Quoting from Hebrews 1:2–3 and John 1:2, 14, the cleric said Christ’s birth fulfilled God’s plan for mankind’s salvation, urging believers to embrace the message of love and transformation.

Akinwande also commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful leadership, praying that the end of his tenure would surpass its beginning.

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