Osun Lawmaker Urges Aregbesola to Reconcile with Tinubu Amid APC Crisis
The lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oluwole Oke, has advised former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to “go and beg, prostrate, and make peace” with President Bola Tinubu.
Oke’s statement comes amid rising political tensions in Osun following the departure of the Omoluabi Progressives, a group loyal to Aregbesola, from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group’s exit is widely seen as a consequence of lingering conflicts between Aregbesola and his successor, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a social media post, Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggested that a reconciliation between Aregbesola and Tinubu would strengthen the APC. However, he also urged the PDP to seize the opportunity created by the division within the ruling party.
“Egbon Rauf ‘Soji Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior, is an enigma – a grassroots mobilizer, singer, and dancer. He is a major force and a bride in Osun politics, whether we admit it or not,” Oke wrote.
He emphasized Aregbesola’s political significance, likening him to a “bride” that the PDP should woo. “The PDP must act fast, pay the necessary dowry, and bring this bride into their fold. Symbol, as he is popularly known, is not someone you let wander.”
Reflecting on Aregbesola’s influence, Oke recounted his own political success despite being in the opposition. “Even though I wasn’t in Aregbesola’s party – AC, ACN, or APC – I still won my elections. The secret? The great people of Ijesa North. In the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, Ogbeni can still pull a minimum of 20,000 votes. In Ijesa North and Ijesa South, his influence is undeniable.”
Underscoring Aregbesola’s political strength, Oke concluded: “Any politician who can invite 10 to 20 people to a meeting, feed them, and provide them with a token afterwards should not be ignored.”
