Osarodion Ogie: Applause to a Gallant Public Servant and Colossus

By Publisher

The humane, clement and tolerant Osarodion Ogie Esq, bowed out of his office as Secretary to Edo State Government, on August 9, 2024, after a meritorious service that lasted two months short of 16 years.

The Colossus of Rhodes was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World because of its incredible size. It was a statue of Helios, the Greek god of the Sun, which stood between 100 and 110 feet tall – the tallest statue of its time.

A Colossus is a person of immense size or power.

Ogie is undoubtedly, a colossus who has bestrode and shaped Edo politics like no other statesman. Politics would not be in such perilous state if more players followed his wise, but ruthlessly pragmatic approach to it.

Since his foray in early 2000, he has served with unmatched loyalty and uncommon understanding of the very intricate and treacherous Edo politics which has ultimately made him the ‘Man Friday’ of all the governors he has served in different capacities.

In the Russian mutant, Colossus we are told, is able to transform himself into metallic form, making him the physically strongest of the team. A metaphor for strength and resilience.

This Colossus is also portrayed as quiet, honest, and virtuous. Ogie, like the Russian Mutant, is a fluid, purposefully-quiet-distinguishable pinpoint planner.

The real ‘homeboy’ attended Eghosa Grammar School, Benin City and studied law at the University of Ife as well as the Nigerian Law School where he bagged BL and LLB respectively.

In practice, Ogie embraced Abraham Lincoln’s wise words to “discourage litigation”, but instead, persuade neighbors to compromise whenever they can. Lincoln added and Ogie realised that, “…as a peacemaker, the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man.” And that: “There will still be business enough.” The SSG emeritus will always strive for peace.

He resigned as Principal Partner, Osarodion Ogie & Co to become Chief of Staff, Government House, Edo State in 2008 after playing the pivotal role in the struggle that reordered Edo State political landscape.

His precursor role before the libration of Edo State by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s progressive movement was at the Grace Group Movement where we were both compatriots.

He was Secretary, while I served as Vice Chairman Media/Publicity. Unarguably, Ogie administrative competence promoted Grace Group to the larger than life reputation it gained.

By extension, Ogie transplanted the nurseries of Grace Group to bud between 2007 and 2008 which led to November 11 victory at the Appeal Court.

It was inevitable that he was appointed Chief of Staff to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and later Honourable Commissioner of Works Edo State.

Ogie became the ready successor to Comrade Oshiomhole in 2016, as many of us were in unison that he was best prepared, trained and equipped to ensure the continuity of that administration.

However, he exhibited a rare tolerance when he relinquished his ambition to support the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.

He was subsequently appointed twice as Secretary to State Government, first in 2016 and 2020. No doubt, August 9, will remain a memorable and evergreen date in the annals of the office he has now left behind.

In a standing ovation, I join friends and admirers to give hearty cheers to a gallant trailblazer and colossus of our time. My friend and colleague at the Edo State Executive Council, class of 2012.