Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has acknowledged his influence as a political godfather but insisted that he does not interfere in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration by imposing individuals for government appointments.

Osoba made the disclosure during an interview on ‘The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast’, hosted by media personalities Dr Reuben Abati and Kikelomo Atanda-Owo. A video of the conversation was shared on Sunday.

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Responding to questions about godfatherism and calls for influential politicians to withdraw from active political involvement, the former governor said he preferred to offer advice to Abiodun without dictating who should be appointed into government.

He maintained that his decision not to nominate people for positions had helped him avoid unnecessary disagreements among his political associates.

“And I can tell you one thing that is working for me in Ogun State is because I hardly interfere. Governor Dapo Abiodun, I counsel and advise him; I’ve never nominated one person into his government,” Osoba said.

Explaining his position, he said he had many people around him who could expect to benefit from government appointments, making it difficult to recommend one person without disappointing others.

“I have so many people around me. If I pick one, I will offend the other. If there are 100, I pick one, 99 offended,” he said.

Osoba added that anyone he recommended for an appointment could also face suspicion from other members of the administration.

“Anybody I put in there will be a suspect. I will advise him, this, this, my advice to him; they don’t have to take it,” he said.

The former governor said political leaders should encourage elected governors to recognise and involve associates who worked for their electoral success, while allowing them to make independent decisions about appointments and the running of government.

Despite distancing himself from direct interference in Abiodun’s administration, Osoba openly acknowledged his political influence in Ogun State and disclosed his preferred candidate.

“I agree, I’m a godfather. I won’t lie to you, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is my candidate,” he said.

Osoba praised the senator, popularly known as Yayi, citing his political experience in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

He also highlighted Adeola’s professional background as an accountant and his experience in budget and appropriation matters.

“He’s been in the House of Assembly in Lagos. He’s been in the House of Reps. He’s been in the Senate. He’s an accountant. He’s been in appropriation. I give advice, but I will not insist,” Osoba said.

He maintained that political elders could offer guidance and influence discussions around candidate selection but should not dictate how elected officials manage their administrations.

Osoba governed Ogun State between 1992 and 1993 and again from 1999 to 2003. Abiodun became governor in 2019, succeeding Ibikunle Amosun.

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His comments highlight the distinction he draws between exercising political influence through advice and directly controlling government appointments, while his endorsement of Adeola signals his preference in Ogun’s evolving political calculations.