I’m A Godfather, But I Never Impose Appointees On Governors’ – Osoba

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has defended the involvement of political godfathers in Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that their role should be limited to offering guidance and advice rather than dictating appointments for elected governors.

Osoba stated this during a podcast hosted by Reuben Abati and shared on X (formerly Twitter), where he acknowledged being a political godfather but insisted that he had deliberately avoided interfering in the administrations of his political successors.

The former governor said he had never nominated anyone for appointment as a commissioner, special adviser, councillor or local government chairman in Ogun State, stressing that elected governors should be allowed to independently manage their administrations.

“I agree, I’m a godfather. But one thing that is working for me in my state is that I hardly interfere. I counsel and advise him. I have never nominated one person into his government,” he said.

Explaining his position, Osoba noted that imposing political appointees on a governor could weaken the governor’s authority and create unnecessary divisions among supporters and political associates.

According to him, recommending one person for an appointment from a pool of loyalists could generate resentment among others who might feel overlooked.

He also observed that individuals recommended by political godfathers could face suspicion within the administration, potentially creating distrust between the governor and members of his cabinet.

Recalling his experience as governor, Osoba said he adopted a system that allowed each federal constituency in Ogun State to nominate candidates for commissioner positions.

He explained that he requested one nominee from each federal constituency and subsequently assessed their qualifications and credentials before assigning them portfolios.

Osoba said the arrangement helped him avoid undue pressure from political associates while ensuring that different constituencies had representation in his government.

The former governor, however, maintained that political godfathers had a legitimate responsibility to ensure that individuals who worked for a candidate during election campaigns were recognised and rewarded for their contributions.

He stressed that such recognition should not translate into interference in the day-to-day running of government or the imposition of individuals on an elected governor.

“That’s the role of a godfather. I agree, I’m a godfather,” he added.

Osoba also defended the involvement of experienced political elders in the process of selecting candidates for elective offices, arguing that their experience and knowledge of public service could contribute to making informed political choices.

Citing his support for a presidential candidate, he pointed to the individual’s experience across different levels of government, including service in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as experience in the corporate sector.

He suggested that such a track record should be considered when assessing the suitability of individuals seeking the country’s highest political office.