December 22, (THEWILL) – Edward Onoja, the once-formidable Deputy Governor of Kogi State, now finds himself sidelined in the political arena he once dominated.
Onoja, who was a trusted ally of the embattled former Governor Yahaya Bello, has seemingly vanished from the limelight.
Once considered a political powerhouse second only to Bello in Kogi State, Onoja’s trajectory has taken a sharp downturn, casting him into near irrelevance.
His political ascent began as Chief of Staff to Bello during his first term, a role in which Onoja wielded immense influence and earned the trust of his principal.
Known for his strategic mind and unflinching loyalty, he was instrumental in shaping Bello’s administration. His reward came in 2019, following the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, when Onoja was elevated to the deputy governor’s seat.
During his tenure, Onoja managed the state’s political affairs, leaving Bello to focus on broader national engagements.
His political acumen was evident as he reportedly selected over 80% of Bello’s cabinet members, earning respect for his merit-based approach.
As the 2023 gubernatorial election approached, many viewed Onoja as the natural successor to Bello—a belief bolstered by his close ties to the outgoing governor and his deep understanding of the state’s political landscape.
But politics, with its unpredictable turns, dealt Onoja a crushing blow.
Rather than support Onoja, Bello opted for Ahmed Usman Ododo, the state’s Auditor-General for Local Governments, as his anointed successor.
This decision was a devastating setback for Onoja, whose political influence began to wane rapidly.
Today, Onoja’s name scarcely features in Kogi State’s political discourse. His fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of Nigerian politics, where loyalty and ambition often clash with the harsh realities of power dynamics.
Whether Onoja can stage a comeback or if his political career has reached its twilight remains a question for the future. For now, he stands as a cautionary tale of how swiftly fortunes can change in the complex world of politics.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
