Politics and Business Can Coexist — Solomon Ogo-oluwa Oyerinde

In Nigeria, many people believe that once you step into politics, you must abandon business. Others assume that any politician who runs a business is engaging in something questionable. This mindset is not only misguided but also harmful, as it discourages leaders from being productive citizens beyond the political space.

I proudly run Global Sao Luxury Palace, an authentic luxury brand that sells perfumes, sunglasses, watches, and designer clothes nationwide primarily through our Instagram platform, @global_sao_luxury_palace. My business sustains me, contributes to the economy, and delivers value to clients. At the same time, I am actively involved in politics as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a strategist with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, convened by Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi.

The truth is that politics and business are not enemies. When done with integrity, they can complement each other. Politics is fundamentally about service and creating an enabling environment, while business thrives on innovation and productivity. A politician who also runs a business understands firsthand the struggles faced by entrepreneurs and ordinary Nigerians.

Globally, many successful leaders started as businesspeople. Their entrepreneurial backgrounds instilled discipline, strategic thinking, and a practical understanding of how policies affect everyday lives. Nigeria should not demonize such leaders; rather, we should encourage more of them to participate in governance.

Suspicion should not be directed at politicians who operate honest businesses. Instead, questions should be asked of those who have no trade, no career, and no enterprise outside politics. Real service emerges from leaders who are productive in both public service and private enterprise.

I am proud to be both a businessman and a political strategist. For Nigeria to make meaningful progress, more leaders must prove through their actions that politics and business can indeed go hand in hand.

About Solomon Oyerinde

Solomon Ogo-oluwa Oyerinde is an entrepreneur, CEO of Global Sao Luxury Palace (@global_sao_luxury_palace), a member of the APC, and a strategist with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group.