Chief Richard Asaje, an elder statesman from Kogi West Senatorial District, has described the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, as the “Olusola Saraki of Kogi politics,” noting that the former governor has carved a lasting niche for himself as a dominant political figure in the state and beyond.
In a statement personally issued by him, Chief Asaje said Yahaya Bello, popularly known as the “White Lion,” has grown into an influential voice in Kogi and Nigeria at large, comparable to the late Dr. Olusola Saraki (Baba Oloye), who held firm control over Kwara State politics for decades.
According to Asaje, the sudden death of late Prince Abubakar Audu brought fate and destiny into play, leading to the emergence of Yahaya Bello as the fourth democratically elected governor of Kogi State. He described Bello’s ascension to power as divine and preordained.
Speaking further, the elder statesman noted that Bello’s firm control of the state’s political machinery established him as the undisputed kingmaker and central figure in Kogi politics, much like Olusola Saraki’s dominance of Kwara State.
“There is no doubt that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, heralded a new dawn in Kogi State. His tenure redefined governance through purposeful leadership, inclusiveness, and strategic decision-making,” Asaje stated.
He said Bello’s administration prioritized security, infrastructure development, and youth and women participation in governance, while also initiating developmental projects that now serve as pillars for the state’s sustainable growth.
Asaje further described Bello as the “gatekeeper” of political patronage in the state, noting that he skillfully deployed party structures and grassroots mobilization to outmaneuver political opponents.
Reflecting on the legacies of past leaders, Asaje recalled that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was widely loved for establishing a university for his people.
He added that Yahaya Bello expanded that legacy by upgrading the Osara campus into a full-fledged university, building what he described as one of the best hospitals in Africa in Okene, and establishing a long-awaited university in Okunland.
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello is a man of vision and action. He does not only see the future; he acts decisively. His influence has reshaped the political landscape of Kogi State, fostering unity and progress,” he said.
According to Asaje, succeeding in APC politics in Kogi State requires alignment with Yahaya Bello, citing as evidence the successful and uninterrupted emergence of his protégé, Governor Usman Ododo, as his successor.
“He remains the only governor in Kogi’s history who successfully picked his successor from his local government and saw it through,” Asaje noted.
He added that during Bello’s tenure, he played decisive roles in determining the state’s political direction, including the nomination of senators across Kogi East and Kogi West.
Asaje stressed that Bello’s governance model—anchored on transparency, accountability, and responsiveness—set a benchmark no previous politician in the state had achieved.
“The kind of politics he plays is politics of winning. He survived numerous adversaries and became the first leader to truly put Kogi State on the right path,” he said.
Recalling Bello’s political journey, Asaje noted that despite losing the APC primary to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, Bello never gave up, assuring his loyalists that he would still become governor. Fate, he said, ultimately fulfilled that promise in 2016 in what he described as a divine manner.
“For eight years, he effectively managed men and resources, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership,” Asaje added.
He concluded that Yahaya Bello remains the central figure in Kogi politics and, without fear of contradiction, the Olusola Saraki of Kogi politics, expressing confidence that all legal and political challenges facing him would ultimately come to nothing.
SignedS
Secretary,”Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group
