Adeoti: How Not To Reward Friendship
Politics has a long memory. It remembers who stood in the rain when others ran for shelter. It remembers who shared dry bread during seasons of lack. And it also remembers who quietly left the table when the feast no longer revolved around them.
In Osun politics, loyalty has often been spoken of as something sacred. Brotherhood is not just a slogan; it is a bond formed in courtrooms, in campaign grounds, in moments of defeat and in days of victory. But history also teaches that friendship in politics can be fragile. It bends under ambition. It shakes under disappointment. And sometimes, it breaks without warning.
The recent withdrawal of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti from the Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has reopened serious conversations about loyalty and gratitude. Adeoti, who served as Secretary to the State Government when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was governor for eight years, has once again stepped away at a defining political moment.
Before his resignation letter dated November 30, 2025, surfaced, tension was already brewing. Reports had emerged that Dr Najeem Salaam had secured the backing of the group’s apex leaders ahead of the ADC governorship primary. In the internal vote, Salaam reportedly scored 11 votes, while Adeoti secured three.
Soon after, Adeoti withdrew. He cited family pressure and the need to rest. He said his decision was not easy. Yet politics is rarely about what is said alone; it is also about timing.
Ironically, just days before leaving, during the unveiling of the ADC in Osogbo in November 2025, Adeoti while fielding questions from journalists spoke passionately about unity.
“I told them that despite the fact that this is a new party, formed barely six months ago, they should not relent,” he said. “With the way they showed up today in their multitudes, they should go back to their wards and units to mobilise support. By August next year, we will be sure we are winning that election.”
He also said, “We should not fight among ourselves. Whoever is picked as the governorship candidate, we should all vote for the person.”
Four days later, he left. The contradiction is striking.
From Struggle to Power
To understand the depth of this moment, one must return to the beginning.
My first encounter with Adeoti was in 2009 at the wedding reception of the late Owa of Igbajo’s daughter, Adegboyega Famoodun. The event took place at the open field of Osogbo Grammar School. He arrived quietly in a brown 1976 model Mitsubishi car, with only a driver and a security man. He looked simple. Not wealthy. Not poor. Just determined.
That day, politics entered the celebration. Speaking for Ogbeni Aregbesola, chairman of Oranmiya worldwide, Felix Awofisayo boldly declared to the then governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, “Whether you like it or not, Aregbesola is coming to become Osun governor.” The crowd reacted loudly. It sounded like faith before evidence.
Eventually, that faith materialised. After legal battles and political struggle, Aregbesola became governor. Through that long journey, Adeoti stood firmly by him. Loyalty during struggle is not cheap. It demands sacrifice.
When victory came, Adeoti was appointed Secretary to the State Government. For eight years, he occupied that powerful office. It appeared that friendship had been rewarded. But the real test of loyalty often begins when ambition enters the picture.
In 2018, as succession politics intensified, many believed Aregbesola preferred a successor from the West Senatorial District. Adeoti, being from that zone and a trusted ally, seemed favoured. But political realities shifted. Another candidate emerged. Adeoti left for the African Democratic Party (ADP).
Yet Aregbesola did not publicly attack him. No harsh words. No open condemnation.
The Bible speaks of Judas who walked closely with Jesus but later chose a different path. The Qur’an tells of Iblis who once worshipped among the righteous but allowed pride to redirect his destiny. Proximity does not always guarantee permanence.
Ambition and the Burden of Repetition
A Yoruba proverb says: “Eni to ba so eeyan d’oloriburuku, nii koko fii bu’yan” translated into English as “The one who contributes to your downfall will be the first to mock you”. It is a painful saying, but it reflects human weakness.
When Aregbesola was politically wounded, those who stood by him benefited when victory came. When he became Minister of Interior, influence and access remained within the circle. Friendship brought honour and opportunity.
Adeoti like others were helped to secure contracts which earned them millions of naira as Aregbesola kept showing he is a leader who cares about his people.
In 2022, Aregbesola worked tirelessly to support Adeoti for the governorship ticket. The move unsettled members of The Osun Progressives (TOP), yet it showed commitment. The ticket did not come. Politics moved forward.
The Omoluabi Progressives later emerged and aligned with the African Democratic Congress. Brotherhood was preached again. Unity was emphasised again.
Now, history appears to repeat itself.
In 2018, Adeoti wanted to be governor; he did not get the ticket. In 2022, he was not on the ballot. Now, discussions surround another ambition in 2027.
At over 70 years of age, perhaps this season calls for reflection more than repetition. An elder does not need a soothsayer to know when the sun is setting.
There is honour in mentoring the next generation. There is dignity in stepping back. Sometimes, legacy is preserved not by contesting again, but by knowing when enough is enough.
Friendship is tested not in appointment, but in disappointment. Gratitude is proven not in comfort, but in seasons of denial.
Perhaps it is time to remember the brown 1976 model Mitsubishi car that drove quietly into Osogbo Grammar School years ago before titles, before offices, before ambition became louder than brotherhood.
Because politics may forgive. But history rarely forgets how friendship was rewarded.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
