By Abiola Olawale
The incumbent Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Mr. Osarodion Ogie, is currently in early lead in the race to emerge as the running mate to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr Asue Ighodalo, The New Diplomat has gathered.
It was learnt that the power brokers in the PDP have tipped Ogie to join Ighodalo in flying the party’s ticket in the forthcoming September 21 governorship election of Edo state.
Ogie, a lawyer, who hails from Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District is said to be considered because of his complimentary qualities as well as the huge voting strength of Edo South Senatorial zone where he hails from.
This move is expected to complement the chances of Ighodalo, a solid professional and an indigene of Ewohimi in Edo Central Senatorial District, a district whose voting strength in the state is not as strong as those of the South and North.
Also, The New Diplomat gathered that several stakeholders in the party are impressed with Ogie and believe he has the necessary administrative experience and political weight to effectively strategize with Ighodalo on how to win the crucial election and govern the state successfully.
The New Diplomat reports that Ogie was born on the 24th day of September 1960. He had his early education at Eghosa Grammar School, Benin City; and later proceeded to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he bagged an LL.B between 1981-1985 before he advanced to Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 1986.
From there, he became the Principal Partner of Osarodion Ogie & Co. until politics beckoned on him and he was appointed Chief of Staff to Adams Oshiomhole (2008-2012); and Works Commissioner (2012-2016). In 2007, he was awarded the Oba Merit Award by Oba Erediauwa (CFR). He was also the Director General, of the Godwin Obaseki Governorship Campaign Team in 2016, before attaining the present position of Secretary to the State Government. He is a great sportsman.
