The gulf between Governor Ibikunle Amosun and a former chieftain of the All Peoples’ Congress, APC, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, seems to be getting wider by the day.
This is evident with the recent resignation of Ms. Olubukunola Onabanjo, daughter of a former governor of the state, Late Chief Bisi Onabanjo. Before her resignation, she was the chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission. Her resignation took effect from December 1, 2014.
In the letter of resignation dated November 18, and addressed to Amosun, Olubukunola said the governor had accused her of having a ‘soft spot’ for a former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Osoba and Amosun fell out over the internal crisis in the All Progressives Congress, which prompted Osoba and his loyalists to defect to the Social Democratic Party.
Moreover, Osoba and Olubukunola’s father, the late Onabanjo, shared journalistic bond, apart from being family friends.
She said the relationship between the Onabanjos and Osobas dated back to over 40 years.
But she added that despite this relationship, she never undermined the governor’s office or the government of the state.
The letter read in part, “Whilst thanking Your Excellency for the opportunity given me to serve the good people of Ogun State, I wish to put the following on record for posterity.
“In spite of your Excellency’s accusation that I have a ‘soft spot’ for Chief Olusegun Osoba, I wish to state that I have never undermined your office or the government of the state.
“I enjoy a warm, cordial, and healthy relationship (as every member of my family does) with Chief Olusegun Osoba. Your Excellency will recall that I explained to you that the relationship between the Onabanjos and Osobas dates back to over 40 years. I make no apology for this relationship.”
She noted that one would gain nothing by sacrificing personal relationship for political gains and consideration.
While she said her team performed well by maintaining a good working relationship with the unions, she added that there was no major crisis during her tenure.
Late Onabanjo’s daughter is not the first person to fall victim of the two political gladiators, few appointees have also left before her.
Also, the three senators from Ogun State have dumped the governor to pitch their tents with Osoba. Same goes for about seven House of Representative members, who have no love for the governor.
