The former Nigerian High Commissioner sees hostile succession as an obstacle to Ogun’s development

Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, who served as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, believes that the underdevelopment of Ogun State is due to the hostile succession of power by politicians.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Tunji-Ishola as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in January 2021. During a reception held by distinguished individuals from Egbaland to honor him for his commendable service to the nation, Tunji-Ishola expressed his views.

At the event, which was attended by former governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, he described Ogun State as politically divided, hindering any substantial development.

According to him, “What we have seen here today transcends beyond Egbaland because what has happened today was a kind of conglomerate, consisting of good people across Ogun State and beyond who believe in this cause and have identified with this cause.”

He emphasized, “In Ogun State today, we are too politically divided and it is very clear that no state can develop within two years, which is the maximum term of any state government. What develops a society is sustainable development. I will continue to mention that Navy Captain Oladeinde Joseph (a former military governor of Ogun state) spoke to me and identified hostile succession as the problem with our state.”

Tunji-Ishola urged everyone, especially traditional rulers, to work towards ensuring that hostile succession becomes a thing of the past in Ogun State. He also challenged the political class to take up the task, highlighting the significant potential of the state. He expressed his hopes for a united effort in Ogun State, stating, “I look forward to a state where all of us see ourselves as partners in progress.”