By Miracle Ogunde
Mr. Oluwole Oke, representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, has called on former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, to reconcile with President Bola Tinubu.
Oke suggested that Aregbesola should “go and beg, prostrate, and make peace” with Tinubu, adding that he would do the same if faced with a similar situation.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker made the statement in a social media post on Sunday.
The appeal comes in the midst of political unrest in Osun State, following the recent exit of Omoluabi Progressives, a group loyal to Aregbesola, from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Punch reports that sources within the APC have attributed Aregbesola’s departure to a disagreement with Tinubu over unspecified issues.
Oke’s post on his official page also reflected his willingness to mediate between Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola, had he been a member of the APC.
He further encouraged the PDP to leverage the discord within the APC, recognising Aregbesola as a formidable political figure in Osun State.
Oke’s post read: “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 urged the PDP to act swiftly to benefit from the APC’s internal strife, portraying Aregbesola as a “bride” in Osun politics. He remarked, “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 impact as governor, Oke noted: “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 emphasised the importance of integrating Aregbesola into the PDP, stating, “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, “Baba Kabiru is a factor in Osun politics. Please keep this post and get back to me after 2026.”
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