The former Nigeria Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji-Isola have declared his intention to join the guber race in the forthcoming 2027 general elections in Ogun state.
Ambassador Tunji Isola made this known at the interactive session organized by the Good Governance Advocate, GoGA in Abeokuta, the state capital last Tuesday.
The event held at the Spices events centre was witnessed by elder-statesmen and top politicians across the twenty local government of the state.
Ambassador Isola challenged other contestants to authenticate their biological origin in the state saying he has a clear proof as genuine and bonafide indigene of Abeokuta as against the speculation from some quarters.
The veteran politician added that his indigenship has no colouration or any controversy, emphasing that it is no secret that his late father was a prominent chief in Egbaland, and a known warrior.
‘‘Let every aspirants for the governorship race come out with authentic proof of their indigeneship in Ogun State. My late father was Balogun in Egbaland (warrior). Everybody knows my root, they know my parents’ ancestral home in Abeokuta, Egbaland’’, he boasted.
The former Minister who tagged his speech as ‘Bibiire Ko Se F'owo Ra’ (truth and genuine identity cannot be bought), added that his late grandfather was also an hero in Egbaland, whose photograph has been conspicuously displayed at centenary hall of fame in Abeokuta.
He further said that he is passionate about Ogun State, and most prepared to rule with his political profile, adding that his consultations cut across nooks and crannies of the state, as well as having global connections and contacts.
‘‘I am passionate about my state. I am most prepared, with my political profile, having served at all levels both local, state, national and international. I have global connections and contacts,’’ he stated
‘‘I know Ogun State right on my palm, my consultations cut across. We should stop emergency traces of family roots. If you say local, I am there; If you say national, I am there; If you say international, I am there,’’ he declared.
The Governorship hopeful emphasized the importance of vision and persistence in leadership, advising participants to think big and start small, just as he took time to reflect on his achievements.
Isola explained that every award and recognition he has received over the years was a result of divine favor and consistent service to humanity, noting that leadership is a journey filled with defining moments that often shape one’s values and legacy.
He therefore used the occasion to publicly announce his intention to contest for the office of the Governor of Ogun State in the 2027 general elections, a declaration which was received with applause from participants, many of whom described him as a trusted and experienced leader.
While speaking, the coordinator of the non-govermental group, Comrade Mudashiru Atobatele Olawale described Ishola as a true builder of peace and unity, a man of honor and remarkable achievements.
The coordinator at the event which reinforces the group’s mission of fostering meaningful conversations around governance and leadership, particularly in Ogun State and the broader Southwest region pointed out that the governorship hopeful legacy of service continues to inspire many across generations.
