Usman Ododo and Yahaya Bello: A Tale of the New Kogi State…Will Their Honeymoon Last?

The off-season governorship elections in Nigeria for 2023 have come to an end. Whether it is in Bayelsa, Kogi, or Imo, the outcomes of the elections have been as foreseen. This is especially true in Kogi, home of Governor Yahaya Bello, alias White Lion. The question now arises: will his appointed successor, Usman Ododo, continue in the role of godson as he takes over from Bello?

The election in Kogi brought many Nigerians to the realisation that Bello is not as plain and uncomplicated as presumed by the media. The man self-titled White Lion has a strong personality and an everything-must-go-my-way-ness. Observers regarding this aspect of the Ebira man were not surprised when Bello’s means got Ododo into first-place position.

Ododo, a man slowly shaping himself into another Bello, is a cause of worry for some Kogites. One, he is not well-known across the nation as he seemingly appeared out of the political nowhere to earn Bello’s grace. Secondly, he appears to be cut from the same cloth as his boss, with confidence bordering on arrogance and a determination to have his way at any cost.

Interestingly, many people are congratulating Bello on Ododo’s victory at the polls instead of Ododo himself. Some public commentators think that this is already a bad sign even though Ododo continues to maintain a humble posture before the White Lion.

Over the years, many godsons knocked down their godfathers for the simple joy of it. Will Ododo emulate these individuals and find a way to nail down Bello once he secures the gubernatorial mantle and is in Lugard House?

Very few share the idea that the honeymoon between godfather White Lion and godson Ododo will not last. But only time will tell. In the meantime, Kogites are praying for positive change and respite from tyrannic governance.