Aremo Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, is one of the ‘last men standing’ from the 1999 class of Nigerian governors. Alongside his longtime political associate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently in the saddle as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aremo Osoba has carved a niche for himself as one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. He is described as a man of many parts: journalist, politician, and leader. Aremo Osoba has become a symbol of inspiration and a rallying point for the younger generation of politicians, particularly in his home state of Ogun. Hailed as one of the finest journalists of his generation, the Akinrogun of Egba Land, Chief Osoba, will clock 85 in a couple of days.
Expectedly, there are a couple of events lined up to mark the major milestone. Top of the activities to mark the All Progressives Congress’s (APC, chieftain 85th birthday is the public presentation of his new book, titled “My Life in the Public Eye.” The new book is a follow-up to Chief Osoba’s memoir “Battle Line: Adventure in Journalism and Politics,” which was unveiled during the elder statesman’s 80th birthday celebration. According to Diamond Publications, publisher of the new title, “My Life in the Public Eye is a unique book documenting public reactions to “Battle Lines” and featuring some of the author’s historic reflections on issues of public interest since 2019. The book launch slated to take place in Lagos in the coming days is expected to draw a huge crowd of who-is-who in Nigerian high society. Phenomenal is the closest word to describe what Chief Osoba has accomplished in journalism and politics. Born in July 1939, Chief Osoba is a frontline journalist who has had a remarkable career in journalism spanning decades of excellence. Aremo Osoba started his journalism adventure as a trainee reporter under the banner of the Daily Times. By 1966, he was the diplomatic correspondent of the Times, became the news editor in 1968, deputy of the Sunday Times in 1971, and deputy editor of the Daily Times in 1972. Continuing his steady rise, Chief Osoba became the editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria in August 1975. He also had a stint as general manager of the Nigerian Herald. He later returned to the Daily Times in 1984 as the managing director.
Akinrogun Osoba brought his magic wand to politics. Described as the modern father of Ogun State, Chief Osoba covered himself in glory during his tenure as Ogun State governor between 1999 and 2006. He’s known for his people-oriented and rural development agenda. Former governor Osoba opened up most of the rural communities in Ogun State, constructed roads, and brought development to the grassroots. He is a political gladiator in his own right. In 2014, Chief Osoba joined other progressives, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to form the APC. And over the last few years, Chief Osoba has remained a committed member of the APC. He’s never left the party or abandoned the APC, even when the party was not in power at the national level. He’s a loyal party man. And a very reliable ally. Little wonder; he’s one of the most trusted confidantes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the Southwest, Chief Osoba remains a power broker; he’s not the loud type, but his influence in the Nigerian political landscape cannot be overemphasized. At 85, Aremo Olusegun Osoba has done well for himself and his country.