By Keshinro Jamiu
In less than 2 years now, the current administration in Ogun State will naturally hand over to a new one. In view of this, the political atmosphere is now charged with political activities as gubernatorial aspirants are up in their games and strategically planning to take over.
Among these aspirants is Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, a former LG chairman of Abeokuta North in Ogun State.
A State like Ogun needs a very experienced and competent hand to handle in order to further enhance her greatness and be ahead of others in terms of growth and development. Ogun State because of her strategic location needs a hand who truly understands the potentials of her people such that they will be put into proper use and bring out the best in them and the resultant effect will add value to the State.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola stands out as the best man to govern the State because of his experience and exposure over the years. Experience they say is the best teacher. Sarafa is a very experienced man.
As the SSG under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel he performed exceptionally well. He was indeed the engine room between the government, the civil service and the public. He used his vast political experience and civil service background to hold the government together throughout his tenure as the SSG. His tenure is still a reference point till today. His boss, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has given him several commendations as regards his outstanding achievements under him. Sarafa did not suddenly become an outstanding SSG, he has been a council chairman who as a result of his leadership qualities, was made the chairman of chairmen in 1997/1998.
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR has a very wide range of experience in politics and administration. Before he became the council chairman in 1997 under United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) after 3 previous attempts, he had been the assistant secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) the position he held very well and performed greatly. In 1999, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Hon Minister of State for Finance at Finance headquarters in Abuja. His sterling qualities at the ministry earned him the title of a junior minister because of the high level of trust he enjoyed from his boss, Chief Jubril Martins Kuye. As a very strong grassroot politician, Sarafa contributed immensely to the emergence of Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the governor of Ogun State both at the party primary level and the general election. We were even told he was to be the deputy governor then before he eventually became the SSG.
Sarafa”s role as a bridge builder was duly recognized when he was chosen as the Baba Adinni of Ogun State by the entire Muslim ummah. Even as the Baba Adinni of Ogun State, he is not a religious bigot or a fanatics. He has been carrying on his roles in uniting the ummah and maintaining peaceful coexistence with the people of other faiths.
Apart from being recognized by the Muslim ummah, Ambassador Isola is also a man of tradition and has a very good relationship with the traditional institutions and this is why he was given several traditional titles. Chief Tunji Isola is the Tayese of Oke Ona Egba. He is equally the Tayese of Egbaland. He is the Okanlomo of Gvagura and the Otitifarati of Owu Kingdom among other titles across the state.
The Frontline gubernatorial aspirant is a well exposed person having served at the local, State, national and international levels. Many Nigerians attested to the fact he transformed the Nigerian High commission in UK during his little time as the Nigerian High commissioner to UK. His achievements as High commissioner remains the best till today in the history of Nigeria/UK diplomatic relationship.
As we approach the next governorship election gradually, we appeal to the party members and the entire Ogun State citizenry to shine their eyes well well by choosing the right person to govern them. Ogun people should choose someone who truly understands the terrain very well. Someone who needs no introduction and no teleguiding. Ambassador Isola is the real man who truly understands our plight. He knows us and we know him. He is simply the best.
Sarafa…..in our best interest.
*Jamiu writes from Abeokuta
