Former Ogun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has opened up about his relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun, revealing that despite offering counsel and advice to the governor, he has never nominated anyone for a political appointment in his administration.
Osoba made the disclosure during an interview on The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast, where he spoke with the media couple, Dr. Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, about political influence, godfatherism and the complexities of relationships between political leaders and their protégés.
Addressing the perception that influential political figures often determine appointments within governments they support, Osoba explained that he has deliberately refrained from recommending individuals for positions in Abiodun’s administration.
“I do counsel and advise Gov. Dapo Abiodun but I have never nominated one person into his government,” he stated.
The former governor clarified that his decision was not because he lacked qualified individuals who could serve in government, but rather because of the suspicion and internal political dynamics that could arise from such appointments.
According to him, anyone nominated by a prominent political figure could become an object of suspicion within the governor’s inner circle, with other officials potentially viewing the individual as an informant loyal to the person who facilitated the appointment.
Osoba suggested that such perceptions could undermine the appointee’s working relationships and create unnecessary tension within the administration.
The conversation on The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast also brought attention to the broader debate surrounding godfatherism in Nigerian politics and the distinction between offering guidance to elected officials and seeking direct influence over their administrations.