Osun APC: Softly, Softly

he could be re-admi ed to the party. The ques on is: Where did he go?

administra on of Governor Oyetola.

of the University of Ibadan and former Minister of Health. Not a few observers thought at the me that the commi ee was has ly set up to preempt the eventual return to Osun by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, a er the expira on of his ministerial term in Abuja on May 29, 2023.

True to form, Aregbesola did show up in Osogbo and Ilesa about a week or so ago. He visited tradi onal rulers in both towns and addressed a large gathering of supporters, typified by ar sans and market women. His apology was couched to appeal to this group of supporters, who are likely to conclude: “O bebe. Aforiji lo ku”.

However, it was igbimo agba, led by Chief Sola Akinwumi that responded. In the eyes of the elders, Aregbesola s ll was not contrite enough. Some even thought he took back as much apology as he gave. In their own judgement, he should formally apologise for his “misdeeds” before

While holding judgement on the posi on of the elders regarding Aregbesola, the Chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal, was firm about sanconing those engaged in an -party ac vi es. In a statement that lacks ins tu onal memory, the Chairman said: “Meanwhile, we must be clear about this, we are not restructuring the party. The party is intact in Osun under Baba Bisi Akande and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.” Yet, “restructuring” is one of the tasks before the Adewole commi ee. Elsewhere, the Chairman made it clear that he was focused on those who served in the

Be that as it may, a party which lost four cri cal elec ons in a row in one electoral cycle cannot afford to take the high road in reforming the party. Rather, it must work toward inclusiveness. That’s why the idea of sanc ons should not be the star ng point of nego a ons.

Osun Defender

Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman

Perhaps a lesson for the party Chairman is in order here. Governor Oyetola reached out to the former SSG, Moshood Adeo , who defected to the ADP in the 2018 governorship elec on and nearly cost Oyetola the elec on. He did not make any noise about it. Unfortunately, however, nego a ons fell through, when the Governor refused to welcome Adeo and his supporters to the APC with the customary welcome back jamboree. The rest is history.

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Reporter – Yusuf Oketola

Reporter – Kazeem Badmus

Photo Journalist – Shola Aderinto

Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere

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The truth is that if the APC in Osun must make progress, the dividing line between Ileri and Oranmiyan must be blurred. Besides, there is no way progress could be made if the two leaders of these fac ons do not talk to each other and to their supporters. This must be the focus of party leaders in Osun. It is not going to be easy. But it must be done.

Culled from The Naon Newspaper, June 21, 2023

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 - THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023