A Vision for Peaceful Transition in Ogun State
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has made a bold promise to ensure a seamless and peaceful transition of power at the end of his second term in 2027. He emphasized that his administration aims to set a historic benchmark in the state’s governorship succession, marking a departure from past tensions and rivalries.
Abiodun shared this assurance during a Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area. His message was clear: his administration would be the first in the state’s history to hand over power without acrimony or political hostility. This pledge comes amid a backdrop of historical challenges in Ogun State, where succession politics have often been marked by tension, disputes, and bitter rivalries.
Historical Context of Succession Struggles
The history of Ogun State’s governance transitions is not without its share of conflict. Ahead of the 2011 general election, then Governor Gbenga Daniel insisted that Ogun West Senatorial District should produce his successor. He backed Gboyega Isiaka, a chartered accountant and first-class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party rejected Isiaka’s candidacy, instead supporting Gen. Adetunji Olurin, a former military governor of Oyo State.
Isiaka eventually contested on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, while Olurin remained in the PDP. Both lost the election to Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Similarly, in the build-up to the 2019 governorship election, outgoing Governor Amosun of the All Progressives Congress vowed that his successor must be Adekunle Akinlade. However, the APC backed Dapo Abiodun, prompting Amosun and his loyalists to defect to the Allied Peoples Movement.
Abiodun went on to win the election with a margin of about 19,000 votes, defeating Akinlade of the APM and Isiaka of the African Democratic Congress, who finished second and third, respectively.
A New Era of Governance
Speaking at the Christmas service in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Abiodun reiterated his commitment to avoiding the hostility and infighting that have characterized past transitions. “As we approach 2027, not only shall we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God, this administration will hand over successfully to a successor,” he said. “It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50-year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit as governor at my send-off ceremony and also be present at the swearing-in of my successor.”
Abiodun attributed his confidence to what he described as solid governance, economic expansion, and people-centred development achieved under his administration. According to him, Ogun State’s annual budget has grown from about N355bn at the start of his administration to over N2.7tn, reflecting increased economic activity and investor confidence.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on the ground. New factories are springing up, over 2,000 schools have been reconstructed, jobs have been created, farmers empowered and opportunities expanded,” he said, adding that his administration was determined to “finish strong.”
Infrastructure and Leadership
Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to using his office to serve the people through impactful projects, citing the Gateway International Airport and other infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts as key legacies. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as purposeful leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that Nigeria was gradually stabilizing with improved fuel availability, easing inflationary pressures, and a more stable foreign exchange regime.
The Significance of Christmas
In his address, Abiodun spoke about the significance of Christmas, emphasizing that the season symbolizes love, peace, and compassion. He urged residents to care for the vulnerable and live Christ-like lives.
In his sermon titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, described Christmas as the season God gave Himself to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ. Quoting from Hebrews 1:2–3 and John 1:2, 14, the cleric said Christ’s birth fulfilled God’s plan for mankind’s salvation, urging believers to embrace the message of love and transformation.
Akinwande also commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful leadership, praying that the end of his tenure would surpass its beginning.
