Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has declared that although he accepts the description of a political godfather, he does not interfere in the administration of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by imposing political associates on government appointments, reiterating his position during an interview on the Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast on November 10, 2026, while identifying Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as his preferred political candidate.

Speaking with journalist Dr Reuben Abati and broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, Osoba explained that his approach to political influence in Ogun State was based on offering guidance rather than controlling government decisions.

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The former governor said he deliberately avoids recommending individuals for appointments because of the potential divisions such recommendations could create among his numerous political associates.

According to Osoba, choosing one individual from a large group of supporters could leave others feeling excluded, creating unnecessary disagreements within the political structure.

He said: “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 further explained that individuals appointed following his recommendations could face suspicion from other members of the administration, potentially undermining their working relationships.

He noted that his preference was to maintain a relationship in which political advice remained separate from the governor’s constitutional responsibilities.

“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 added.

The former governor also argued that political leaders should recognise the contributions of individuals who supported their electoral campaigns, particularly those who invested time and resources in securing political victories.

However, he maintained that acknowledging such contributions should not translate into allowing political benefactors to dictate government appointments or administrative decisions.

His position reflects an important distinction in Nigeria’s political debate over godfatherism, a system in which influential political figures exercise varying degrees of authority over candidates they support and the administrations that emerge from their political backing.

Osoba’s comments are particularly relevant against the background of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, during which political patronage and disagreements between elected officeholders and influential sponsors have frequently featured in discussions about democratic accountability.

A 2024 academic study published in the Journal of Policy and Development Studies, titled Godfatherism and Democratic Reconstruction in Nigeria, examined how political godfathers can influence party nominations, electoral processes and government administration. The researchers identified the potential consequences of excessive political influence for democratic institutions.

Osoba, however, presented his approach as one that preserves the governor’s independence while allowing experienced political figures to contribute through advice and consultation.

His political background gives the comments additional significance. Osoba governed Ogun State from January 1992 until November 1993, when the military administration of General Sani Abacha removed elected civilian governments from office.

He returned to the governorship following Nigeria’s transition to civilian democratic rule in 1999 and served another term until May 2003.

Governor Dapo Abiodun assumed office on May 29, 2019, succeeding Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Abiodun secured re-election in March 2023, extending his administration into a second term.

Beyond discussing his relationship with Abiodun, Osoba acknowledged his continued influence in Ogun politics and openly identified Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as his preferred candidate.

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

Explaining his preference, Osoba pointed to Adeola’s legislative experience across different levels of government, including the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Adeola currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, having previously represented Lagos West in the Senate between 2015 and 2023. He also served in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the Committee on Public Accounts.

A chartered accountant, Adeola chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, a position that gives him a prominent role in legislative consideration of Nigeria’s annual budgets.

Osoba maintained that although influential political figures could participate in discussions about candidate selection and offer guidance to their political associates, they should respect the authority of elected officeholders.

His remarks therefore reveal an approach to political godfatherism that recognises the influence of senior political figures while drawing a boundary around their involvement in the day-to-day running of government.

The former governor’s position also raises a broader question about the relationship between political loyalty, campaign support and the independence of elected leaders in Nigeria’s democratic system.

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For Osoba, offering counsel and identifying preferred candidates remain part of his political engagement, but the final responsibility for government appointments and administrative decisions should rest with the elected governor.