About Olusegun Osoba’s wide influence

By Oladapo Sofowora

Ex-Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba has reinstated his wide influence after a battle with ex-Governor Ibikunle Amosun that lasted eight years.

Osoba’s wide influence cannot be overlooked most especially, in the Ogun State political terrain. Recently, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oludare Sunday, made a disparaging comment about the legacy of the top journalist and political gladiator. Dr. Oludare was quickly reprimanded by the current Ogun State governor, Governor Dapo Abiodun for the statement.

A few years ago, Osoba had warned that he would have the last laugh during his political battle with Senator Amosun.

Since Amosun lost out in the political game plan in Ogun, with the defeat suffered by his preferred candidate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, many have been recalling his humble beginning as a political neophyte.

Circa 2011, despite internal wranglings, Osoba was persuaded by some political heavyweight in the party to support Amosun over Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who was the preferred candidate of the then incumbent Governor, Gbenga Daniel and even former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s candidate, Olurin.

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But not long after Amosun took over the reins of power in the state, he called everybody’s bluff. It was as if he was on a revenge mission and Osoba was left in the cold. As if that was not enough, the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, who was nominated by Osoba, was sidelined in the government.

This crisis snowballed to the extent that the former Daily Times Managing Director moved to another party, Social Democactic Party towards the 2015 general election.

It was clear to all that Osoba was not in his comfort zone while he was in the SDP. He suffered political persecution until he was persuaded to return to his former fold, this time, All Progressives Congress, APC.

After intervention from different quarters, there was a semblance of peace between both politicians. But critics maintained that the relationship could be likened to that of a cat and mouse.

Towards the last general election, it was literally a war in the state as Amosun vowed that Osoba and his people would never stop his anointed candidate, Akinlade from being his successor.

But Osoba and some powerful forces in the state including Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo threw their weight behind Adedapo Abiodun. The fight was fierce but in the end, Abiodun won. Today, Osoba is having the last laugh after eight years of political persecution, while Amosun is yet to get over the defeat.