Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has not publicly announced his intention to run for Ogun State gubernatorial election in 2027. It is, however, clear from all indications that all eyes are on him to throw his hat into the ring when the whistle is blown for aspirants for the position of the next governor to file out.
With a rich and intimidating experience in public service, history of concern for the downtrodden and a formidable family pedigree, the immediate past High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom stands taller than all others being touted as possible successors of the current governor of the Gateway State, Dapo Abiodun.
While the others may be relying on mundane and extraneous factors to strengthen their positions, Ambassador Isola has personal records and clear testaments from all those he had worked or interacted with along the path of his political odyssey in his favour.
Such testaments to his hard work, loyalty, integrity, administrative skills, political sagacity and being a promoter of religious harmony, among several other sterling qualities, will definitely give him an edge.
The late Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, a foremost political leader in Ogun State, was one of the first to discover and utilise Isola’s talents in the service of Nigeria.
The former Minister of State for Finance, popularly called JMK, said of Isola, in a Commendation Letter dated May 29, 2003, thus: “On behalf of my family and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance, I wish to commend you for your unflinching commitment to service in the course of your assignment as my Special Assistant (July 2, 1999 – May 29, 2003).
“I wish to place on record your uncommon loyalty to service and leadership, dedication to duty, integrity, sincerity and honesty to purpose. I hereby implore you to maintain these sterling qualities in your future engagements.
“Your invaluable contributions to the effective running of the office of the Honourable Minister of State for Finance remain indelible. Your administrative skills and political sagacity are quite outstanding within the period.
“Let me express my sincere appreciation for your service whilst wishing you abundant success in your future endeavours.” Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State under whom Isola served as Secretary to the State Government, wrote in the same vein about Isola on July 1, 2007.
Daniel, who is currently representing Ogun East in the Senate, said: “Let me seize this opportunity to congratulate you on the successful completion of a four-year tenure as the Secretary to Ogun State Government.
“I wish to place on record the remarkable achievements recorded in the running of the Governor’s Office within the period. Your wealth of experience in Public Administration and political savvy were applied with dexterity, whilst the State Executive Council and Bureau of Special Services secretariat were also effectively administered. Your invaluable contributions at State Executive Council meetings were quite commendable. You also maintained a cordial relationship with Security Agencies and other Federal officials in the state.
“The Muslims and Christians holy pilgrimages were diligently supervised whilst you also assisted in the promotion of religious harmony throughout the state. You indeed served without blemish, hence your nomination as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish you luck in your future endeavours whilst urging you to remain a source of pride to Ogun State.” Isola has no doubt remained a source of pride for the state. The late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, under whose administration Isola served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development between July 26, 2007 and October 29, 2008, attested to this when a cabinet reshuffle was done.
The late Yar’Adua commended Isola thus: “On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to thank you for your invaluable service to the Fatherland as a member of the Federal Executive Council in the Administration.
“You patriotically accepted to serve when the national call came, bringing your wealth of experience and rich antecedents in our quest for national restoration.”
Isola returned to national service later in 2020 when former president Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
When the incumbent President Bola Tinubu recalled all Nigerian envoys in September 2023, Baroness Patricia Scotland, the sixth secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, waxed nostalgic in a letter addressed to Isola.
In the letter dated October 9, 2023, the Dominican-British barrister and politician wrote: “As your tour of duty draws to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your exemplary service and dedication during your tenure as the Nigerian High Commissioner in London.
“Your tireless efforts have contributed to the strengthened bond between Nigeria and the Commonwealth. As a long-standing and valued member of the Commonwealth family and one of Africa’s largest democracies, your legacy of active participation and meaningful interventions in meetings and Ministerial events, as well as in ensuring Nigeria maintained its top position as one of the top eight contributors, will not be forgotten and will serve as a model for others.
“As Chair of the Accreditation Committee for two consecutive years, you have played a critical role in enhancing the accreditation process and ensuring new associations reflect the values and the principles of the Commonwealth.
“The Committee has benefited from your leadership, guidance, unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Secretariat. “Your Excellency, as you prepare to depart, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the successful completion of your term and personal gratitude for your sustained support and encouragement. You have represented your country with dignity and honour and your contributions have left an indelible mark.
“I have no doubt that your next endeavour will be equally impactful and successful, and I wish you and your family the very best.” Ogun State is noted for excellence in all areas of human endeavours. Only the best is good enough for the Gateway State as our next governor. Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola is the best man for the job.
Mumuni, the publisher of The Shield Online and Managing Director of Miners Communications Limited, wrote from Abeokuta.
