Chief Olusegun Osoba

Full name: Olusegun Osoba

Date of Birth: 15 July 1939

Place of Birth: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Occupation: Journalist, Politician

Title: Aremo of Egba Land

Notable Positions: Governor of Ogun State (1992–1993; 1999–2003)

Early Life and Education

Chief Olusegun Osoba was born into the Osoba family of Egba heritage in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. He attended African Church Grammar School in Abeokuta, where he showed early interest in writing and public affairs.

He later pursued higher education in journalism, both in Nigeria and abroad, undergoing professional training with various international institutions including the Thomson Foundation in Cardiff, Wales. His exposure to global media practices influenced his professional standards and editorial style.

Journalism Career

Osoba’s journalism career began in the early 1960s, when he joined the Daily Times of Nigeria, one of the most influential newspapers in West Africa at the time. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication, sharp reporting, and leadership qualities.

He became Editor of the Daily Times at a relatively young age, a position that established his reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading journalists.

Later, he served as Managing Director of the Daily Times Group, guiding the paper through a period of high circulation and influence.

Osoba was known for his investigative reporting, particularly on political and governance issues, which earned him both respect and recognition in Nigeria’s media landscape.

He was also active internationally, becoming a member of the International Press Institute (IPI) and serving on various media councils and professional bodies.

Entry into Politics

With his strong background in media and public engagement, Osoba transitioned into politics during Nigeria’s turbulent march toward democracy in the early 1990s.

In 1992, under the political arrangement of the Nigerian Third Republic, he was elected Governor of Ogun State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His administration was, however, short-lived following the military coup of November 1993 that brought General Sani Abacha to power, leading to the dissolution of democratic structures.

Return to Office (1999–2003)

When Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, Chief Osoba was again elected Governor of Ogun State, this time under the Alliance for Democracy (AD), one of the dominant parties in the southwest region.

During his second tenure, he focused on:

Infrastructure development, particularly roads and urban renewal in Abeokuta and other major towns.

Education reform, including rehabilitation of schools and teacher motivation programs.

Media and cultural promotion, reflecting his lifelong commitment to information and enlightenment.

Despite these efforts, he lost his re-election bid in 2003 to Gbenga Daniel of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Chief Osoba remained active in Nigerian politics and media advocacy. He became one of the founding leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which later became Nigeria’s ruling party.

He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to journalism, democracy, and governance. As the Aremo of Egbaland, he continues to play a significant role in cultural and traditional affairs within Ogun State.

Honours and Recognition

National Honour: Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)

Professional Awards: Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

Traditional Title: Aremo of Egbaland (a senior chieftaincy title signifying high honor among the Egba people)

Summary

Chief Olusegun Osoba stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s media excellence and democratic resilience. His dual legacy — as a pioneering journalist and twice-elected governor — reflects a lifelong dedication to public service, freedom of expression, and the development of Ogun State.