Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has canvassed a succession model that encourages continuity in Ogun State as against the recurring political hostility that trails transitions of power in the State.

The diplomat decried the hostility witnessed in the State every eight years, especially when the tenure of an administration is winding off, lamenting that the development has stagnated the State from making formidable progress compared to her vast resources and location.

Isola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, who spoke during a Twitter Space session expressed concerns that the State risks perpetual stagnation if the pattern continues in 2027.

The Abeokuta born ex-envoy noted that since 1999, each transition season in the State is marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors.

The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) lamented that no chief executive of the State has witnessed a smooth and cordial transfer of power from a predecessor.

Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. From the rift between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Amosun and Dapo Abiodun.

Calling for a break in the pattern ahead of the 2027 general elections, Isola said: “What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and to put an end to hostile succession. So that wherever one government ends, another one can continue, building on the foundation that has been laid. That is the only way we are going to build our state. But, this issue of hostility every 8 years is really taking us backward.

“So, let us join our hands. What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession. The issue is having good governance where every local, state person will be happy about.”

The former Diplomat lamented that the absence of continuity had prevented long-term planning and hindered sustainable development across key sectors in the state.

He prayed for a rancour-free transition and peaceful handover in 2027 when Governor Dapo Abiodun ends his tenure.

He predicted that should Abiodun succeed in ensuring a rancour-free transition, it would mark “a new chapter in Ogun’s political history” and help entrench stability and trust in the state’s leadership process.

“There is a good plan in Ogun State but what is truncating the plan is hostile transition, and that is why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first governor to hand over to his successor peacefully at the stadium. 

“Since 1999, no Governor has done that because transitions have always been hostile. No matter how beautiful a development plan is, you can’t complete it in eight years.

“So the bane of our problem today is this hostile succession. And if we don’t put a stop to it, we will not be able to move at the pace that we are supposed to.

“Development must be sustainable. But when every government starts afresh and disowns the work of its predecessor, we lose time, resources, and progress.

“Any ongoing project in the state is financed with Ogun’s state revenue, hence the need for continuation and completion of ongoing projects of the preceding administration.

“What we need is harmony. Let’s bring all our leaders together for the sake of orderly development. Even if you rule for eight years, can you fully develop a village in eight years to talk less of a state?” he asked.