Why Bayo Osinowo “Pepper” The Latest Political Power In Lagos Is Greatly Feared By Many

There is a new power in the politics of Lagos state.

And he is Bayo Osinowo, the lawmaker popularly known as Pepper.

Though a state lawmaker, the politician literarily single-handedly made Rotimi Agunsonye a Federal House of Representatives member.

He is also credited with fighting tooth and nail to ensure Mudashiru Obasa emerged Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the keen contest that rocked the state.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was said to have initially preferred Sanni Eshinlokun, but “pepper” who backed Obasa reportedly told the heavyweight politician point blank…”without Obasa in the saddle as Speaker, peace is not guaranteed in the house of Assembly”.

Obasa became speaker and Eshinlokun the Deputy.

Pepper’s uncommon closeness to Asiwaju was said to have enabled him to pull this particular stunt, and others.

He retains the trust of the decision maker of Lagos politics against all odds.

In the house of Assembly, he is regarded as “hand of Tinubu” and accorded great respect.

Sources confirmed perceived powerful figures such as Tunde Braimoh are said to draw power from his strength.

This is despite Braimoh’s closeness to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

“Braimoh especially does not joke with pepper…it is an open secret” a source asserted.

Pepper’s influence is also beyond the House of Assembly, he is described as instrumental to the emergence of the council bosses in charge of Kosofe, Shomolu, Bariga and Agege.

“He holds the political structures of those areas and his influence is growing” a source disclosed.

Societynow gathered operating on the principle “the fear of Pepper is the beginning of wisdom”, many politicians and businessmen now court on issues that require a favourable response from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu – and the State House of Assembly.

An insider disclosed Pepper is gradually assuming the kind of political stature that made many fear Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola – before he became governor of Osun state.

A lot of political ambition have been caged or shot down on his recommendations.

“Pepper is one man many do not want to get on his wrong side at present” a source stated.

Checks revealed Pepper with his initial support base in Kosofe Lagos started his quiet rise to “reckoning” empowered by Asiwaju to contain the “formidable” influence and political structure of Alhaji Busura Alebioshu.

“Baba Bush” as fondly called was said to have severally proved too independent-minded for the “Tinubu powerhouse”.

The jury is still out on how well Pepper has performed the task.