Former High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola during his homecoming reception held at the Marquee of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, described Ogun as a politically divided state where no meaningful development can take place.
Recall that Tunji-Ishola was appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021.
He addressed the divisive nature of politics in the state and urged traditional rulers, as a permanent fixture in society, to work towards eradicating hostile succession.
Isola challenged the political class, especially traditional rulers, to take up the responsibility of fostering unity.
The ambassador extended his appreciation to Navy Captain Oladehinde Joseph,( a former military governor of Ogun State) who identified hostile succession as a critical issue.
He thanked Senator Ibikunle Amosun for recommending him for the position and expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment, unwavering support, and belief in his capabilities.
Isola specifically recognized the cooperation of Nigerians in the diaspora, attributing his success to their uncommon support and cooperation.
His words "What happened today was a kind of conglomerate consisting of good people across Ogun State and beyond, who believe in this cause and have identified with this cause, and it keeps giving me the opportunity to know that Ogun State is going to be better by the grace of God .
"I want to appeal to all of us , in Ogun State today, we are too politically divided and it is very clear that no state can develop within two years which is maximum term of any state government , what developed society is sustainable development .
"I'll continue to mention that navy captain oladehinde Joseph spoke to me and actually identify hostile succession as the problem with our state , so I want to enjoin all of us particularly our traditional rulers because that happens to be the only permanent feature in our society to work towards ensuring that the hostile succession is a thing of the past in Ogun State.
"And am challenging everybody in political class here to also take up the challenge . The potentials of this state is quite enormous .
"I want to specially thank senator ibikunle amosun, who recommended me for this position , in addition I want to specially thank President Muhammadu Buhari for three things, for the appointment, for maximum support, and for believing in me ."
Dignitaries Present at the reception were the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Osile Oke-Ona of Egba, Oba (Dr) Adedapo Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu , Oba (Professor) Saka Matemilola, former Senator representing Ogun Central and former commissioner for Health in Ogun State Mrs Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello.
Others at the reception were the Balogun of Egba, High Chief Sikirullahi Atobatele; the Otun Owu, High Chief Doja Adewolu; Senator Akin Odunsi; Apostle Lawrence Achudume, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa'adalat Bamgbola among others.