The immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, has attributed the underdevelopment of Ogun State to the hostile succession of power by politicians.
Tunji-Ishola was appointed Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021.
He spoke on Thursday at a reception organised by distinguished sons and daughters of Egbaland to honour him for his meritorious service to his fatherland.
While addressing guests, including former governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, he described Ogun as a politically divided state where no meaningful development can take place.
“What we have seen here today transcends beyond Egbaland because what has 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.
“In Ogun State today, we are too politically divided and it is very clear that no state can develop within two years, which is the maximum term of any state government.
“What develops a society is sustainable development. I will continue to mention that Navy Captain Oladeinde Joseph (a former military governor of Ogun state) spoke to me and identified hostile succession as the problem with our state.
“I want to enjoin all of us, particularly our traditional rulers, because that happens to be the only permanent feature, to work towards ensuring that hostile succession is a thing of the past in Ogun State.
“And I’m challenging everybody in the political class to also take up the challenge. The potential of this state is quite enormous. I look forward to a state where all of us see ourselves as partners in progress,” Tunji-Ishola said.
