Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and 2027 Ogun State Gubernatorial hopeful, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, on Tuesday, engaged leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at their secretariat in Abeokuta.
Ambassador Isola, at the meeting fielded questions from chairmen and representatives of registered political parties in Ogun State.
Speaking to the party leaders, he said :“I have no other state to call my own,” emphasizing his heritage.
Ambassador Isola highlighted his roots, from Balogun Buraimoh Tairu, who was the Otun of Egbaland between 1907 and 1913 and a member of the Egba United Government, whose picture still adorns the Centenary Hall in Ake, Abeokuta, the state capital.
Balogun Buraimoh Tairu was also named Hero of the Year at the 37th Lisabi Day Festival. In addition, he mentioned his uncles, cousins, nieces, brothers, sisters, and nephews all over Abeokuta and beyond.
Isola, the Tayese of Oke-Ona Egba and Egbaland, outlined what he called the “three pillars of leadership.” These, according to him, are character, capacity, and capability. He pointed out
that his track record—from political party activities to local government administration in Ogun State as an elected Chairman; the Federal Executive Council as Minister
and international diplomacy as Ambassador —has equipped him with all three qualities in abundance.
He, in particular, recalled his tenure as elected Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, during which he also served as Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen in Ogun State and later Coordinator of the South West Local Government body. These roles, he said, honed his leadership skills before national and global assignments followed.
Highlighting his diplomatic triumph during the COVID-19 pandemic, Isola recounted how he worked for Nigeria’s exclusion from the UK’s travel red list which he branded “travel apartheid.” The event occurred within six months of his assumption of office as High Commissioner, and ssid he leveraged personal networks and diplomatic engagements to reverse the decision, thus averting a potential diplomatic row.
“Performance at the local level opened doors nationally and internationally,” Ambassador Isola told the party chieftains.
The IPAC leaders listened with rapt attention as Isola spoke of giving back to the state that “sharpened my reflexes and projected me globally.” His words stirred visible admiration, with several party chairmen acknowledging his eloquence and preparedness to contest election in Ogun State.
The session ended with attendees urging Isola to contest the 2027 governorship election. “Declare now!” one party leader shouted, followed by a loud applause from others spontaneously. Responding with a smile, Isola said consultations are ongoing and he prays God guides him aright.
