Power Struggle Unleashed: The Shocking Arrests of Olivier Boko and Oswald Homeky in Benin – A War of Succession Looms

Olivier Boko, Beninese economic operator and Oswald Homeky, former Minister of Sports, close to the latter, were arrested in the early hours of September 24, 2024 in Cotonou, by unknown men, while other sources mention elements of the Brigade Criminal. In the process, a third man, Djimon Dieudonné Tévoédjrè, commander of the Republican Guard, was summoned to be heard. Unlike the other two, he would not have been formally arrested. If the information was not confirmed by official sources, it nevertheless had the effect of a bomb, due to the closeness between the rich businessman Olivier Boko and the Beninese president Patrice Talon. He was a close friend of the head of the Beninese state, whom he had known for more than twenty years. It also contributed to his election as head of Benin in 2016 and 2021. As we know, the relationship between the two friends who made their fortune in the marketing of cotton and inputs has deteriorated in recent months. And the cause would be the political ambition of the businessman. Indeed, Olivier Boko, who used to be Patrice Talon’s business partner, saw his political ambitions grow over time, to the point that he intends to succeed him in 2026.

We are led to believe that the political ambitions shown by the businessman improved his friendship with Patrice Talon

Associations and civil society movements had whispered the name of Olivier Boko, as the natural successor of Patrice Talon in 2026. This is also true of the former Minister of Sports Oswald Homeky, who publicly gave his support to post-Talon. But this point of view in favor of the economic operator had already marked a first break in the orientation of the Head of State even though the latter had put an end to any debate on his desire to run for a third term. It should be remembered that this trip cost the all-powerful minister his position in government. And Olivier Boko is not the first to fall from grace after displaying his political ambitions for 2026. Because other influential figures of the Talon regime before him have taken him to their position. These are the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aurélien Agbénonci and the former head of the Office of Analysis and Investigation (BAI) of the presidency, Johannes Dagnon. A situation that shows, without a doubt, the tensions within Patrice Talon’s close circle. So, will these arrests quell the ardor of other heavyweights of this regime for 2026? Should we see this as the start of a war of succession? In any case, we are led to believe that the political ambitions shown by the businessman improved his friendship with Patrice Talon.

Edoé MENSAH-DOMKPIN