Sometime in the early 90’s, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Lagos, at the State House Marina, there was a high society wedding reception. Ehime, the son of the military vice President of Nigeria, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu was getting married. The wedding had the who is who in Nigeria present; there were top notch traditional rulers, first grade society personages, the diplomatic community, top of the line industrialists and businessmen and even the clergy. It was an opportunity not to be missed, it was prime time for networking and back slapping and Lagos society came out in its very best. Colourful as can be, and what’s more, the Maradona himelf, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was in town. Security was water tight. Everything was in abundance. King of world beats King Sunny Ade was on the bandstand. It was a day for great jollity and fanfare.



But in one corner, beyond the lawn, the coterie of first class guests watched the President as he stood alone talking to a young man for about thirty minutes. They stood, not minding anybody or those around them…talking and laughing and gesticulating. The great Maradona was in a happy mood. Nobody could cross the lawn to approach them. As dignitaries sipped their drinks and munched their grubs, they wondered who on earth had the President, the great IBB pinned down. Of course, they also wondered what they could be discussing. A lot of people had sacrificed to be at that wedding, some had called in favours in the hope that they will be able to have a minute with the President. Even a nod in their direction would have given them hope for what brought them.



Understandably, a lot of people were agitated as the discussion between the President and the mystery guest continued. Protocol staff of the big boss were also worried. Time was short. This was not part of the plan for the day. This guy was taking too much of Oga’s time, but no one could pick up courage to approach them and break up the meeting that seemed not to want to end. Plain clothes security men stood strategically also watching.

“who be dat”? They also asked themselves.

Some people looked further, perhaps it was a retired or serving General talking to another General. But it was not. Okay, some looked further to see if it was an Oba or a top notch Emir, no dice. Those in business circles also could not recognize The President’s gist- mate. He was no Bank MD or Big name industrialist, they were all seated and wondering.



There were young men however, friends and age mates of Ehime, the groom, members of The Edo Amity club and friends who knew who the guy was. And they too were shocked. It seemed incredible but it was happening before their own eyes, not ‘dem say’. The person who was engaging The President was their friend, the one they called The Earl, Osaro Onaiwu. What a day.



In the Nigerian political firmament, people drop names, it is an industry. People live on it, sometimes it opens doors for them, and sometimes they are bounced. But there is one man who cultivates friendship, who knows everybody. The key players and actors in both politics and business and who understands the importance and power of doing things properly and in a timely and orderly fashion. That man is Osaro Onaiwu.

I call him the great Political Connector. As far back as when he was about 19 years old, when most of his age mates where living in the boys quarters of their parents. Osaro Onaiwu has been hobnobbing with politicians and power and as they say in Benin…running things.

Back then in 1993, he was special assistant to Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, during his stint as Governor of the old Bendel state. He took over from Prof Ambrose Alli. Both of them are now deceased and am sure will continue to discuss UPN and NPN matters in the great beyond.

Osaro often shares the story of how they dismantled the Old UPN from power in Bendel state. It’s a master class series on political maneuvering. You will need to sit him down for the full story.

When there is a political road block to be dismantled, those that know seek Osaro. He thinks on his feet. He knows what needs to be done. He knows what simple action that will be taken to change the tide of the battle.

These matters are not discussed on the pages of newspapers or blogs. People have their strengths and how to effectively use them.

While others are fretting around him in search of solutions, you will hear him say,

‘ No worry, no be me’? And always he is spot on. He takes a panoramic view of the problem, assess the key players, their strength and weaknesses and he launches out, spot on. I am sure he surprises himself sometimes.

These days we have the PDP and the APC Governors forum. Competing forces seeking to exert influence and command attention. There is now even a northern Governors and a Southern Governors forum I hear.


Article continues on https://nigeria360.com.ng/politics/a-storyteller-exclusive-osaro-onaiwu-the-silent-political-connector-part-1/