The lawmaker representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oluwole Oke, stated on Sunday that former Governor Rauf Aregbesola should “go and beg, prostrate, and make peace” with his “principal,” President Bola Tinubu.
In a social media post, Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasised that if he were in Aregbesola’s position, that is exactly what he would do.
The comment comes amid political tension in Osun State, where Omoluabi Progressives, a political group supported by Aregbesola, recently announced its departure from the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The decision followed prolonged and irreconcilable differences with the mainstream APC, which were fuelled by conflicts between Aregbesola and his successor, ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Multiple sources within the APC suggest that the rift that led Aregbesola to leave the party was partly due to a fallout with Tinubu over unspecified issues.
In his post shared on his official page, Oke, who confirmed the post to our correspondent, stated that if he were a member of the APC, he would have worked to ensure that Aregbesola and Oyetola reconciled their differences.
Oke also urged the PDP to seize the opportunity presented by the APC’s internal divisions, describing Aregbesola as a significant political figure in Osun State.
Oke wrote: “Egbon Rauf ‘Soji Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior, is an enigma – a grassroots mobiliser, singer, and dancer. He is a major force and a BRIDE in Osun politics, whether we admit it or not.
“If I were in his shoes, I would go and beg, prostrate, and make peace with my principal, PBAT. Assuming I were a member of the APC in Osun, I would ensure that Asiwaju Gboyega Oyetola and Ogbeni Aregbesola reconcile. As we know, ‘Ija o dola’ – fighting doesn’t bring wealth.”
Oke advised the PDP to move quickly to gain from the political impasse within the APC.
He described Aregbesola as a “bride” in Osun politics, stating, “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 time as governor, Oke continued: “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, Ogbeni’s influence is undeniable.”
Oke stressed the importance of bringing Aregbesola into the PDP, adding, “Any politician who can invite 10 to 20 people to a meeting, feed them, and provide them with a token afterward should not be ignored.”
He concluded by stating, “Baba Kabiru is a factor in Osun politics. Please keep this post and get back to me after 2026.”
