PERSPECTIVE: Aregbesola’s Legacy: Why The Omoluabi Factor Decides APC’s Path In Osun

• By Matt Olu Olowokere

IN the theatre of Osun State politics, one figure remains both influential and indispensable: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. His two terms as governor (2010–2018) initiated infrastructural, educational, and governance transformations that reshaped the state’s trajectory. 

As any candidate prepares to follow in his footsteps, there is a non-negotiable truth: Aligning with Aregbesola’s Omoluabi movement is essential to success within the APC here.

The Omoluabi Ideology & Its Impact  

The term Omoluabi, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, embodies integrity, discipline, humility, and respect. 

Aregbesola integrated this ethos into his governance philosophy, making it more than rhetoric—it became a praxis. He introduced the “Opon Imo” tablet initiative to improve education delivery, built over 368 km of roads, and launched youth-focused programs such as O-YES and O-MEAL etc…

These reforms drove results: Aregbesola won re-election in 2014 with 56.68% of votes against rival Omisore. But the impact wasn’t only electoral—it cultivated a political brand and an ideological movement.

Why Omoluabi Still Matters

Fast forward to today: A recent rally of Omoluabi Progressives in Ilesa highlights ongoing efforts to “remain focused and united” in preparation for Osun’s 2026 governorship contest. Even the Ooni described Aregbesola as “an institution of progressive ideology, a grassroots mobilizer, and an unapologetic defender of the masses”. 

Clearly, Omoluabi group remains a living political force.

Aren’t these qualities—integrity, accountability, and grassroots mobilisation—still relevant today? For many ordinary citizens, they are more than memory; they’re a yardstick.

The Political Labyrinth for APC Aspirants

For any APC aspirant, Aregbesola is both a bridge and a gatekeeper. Disregarding his influence—or treating his faction as another party—risks alienation. As one report puts it: “we’ll not align with anyone…before securing victory”.

This position carries negotiation weight. Aregbesola’s group likely holds leverage over delegates, grassroots networks, and party unity. Aspirants ignoring this risk fracture at the polls.

What Aspirants Need To Do

1. Reach Out Proactively  

Engage with Omoluabi leadership and grassroots networks. Honest dialogue focused on aspirations and shared values fosters trust.

2. Embrace the Ethos, Not Just the Faction.

Effective leadership in Osun must uphold the Omoluabi ideals of accountability, people-centered development, and service.

3. Be Strategic, Not Complacent.

Relying on mere association is insufficient. Deliver well-defined policy plans in areas like youth empowerment, job creation, rural infrastructure, and digital innovation.

4. Foster Unity  

A divided APC is unlikely to reclaim the governorship. Leadership requires transcending political factionalism—honoring the movement without fracturing it.

Aligning A Vision With Legacy  

Aregbesola’s tenure was branded “Government Unusual,” with a break from traditional elitist governance. As he once said, “We have laid the foundation for the development of Osun in the next 50 years”.

Today’s aspirant should echo that bold clarity. Waiting in the wings won’t work. 

You must:

– Define your personal vision within the Omoluabi framework.  

– Introduce measurable policy commitments, not generalized rhetoric.

Demonstrate personal alignment through service, not just campaign pledges.

Building Intellectual Credibility in Osun

 As a civil engineer and technocrat who served in Osun’s public service, I advocate for aspirants to showcase technical competence alongside political alignment:

– Draw on lessons from rural road programs, school infrastructure, and youth centric policies.  

– Offer data-driven insights into why and how past interventions worked — and how they can be adapted to current challenges.  

– Position yourself as a qualified alternative, not just another politician.

As Osun’s APC enters a pivotal moment, the Omoluabi legacy isn’t a relic—it’s a rallying cry. Aligning means more than political allegiance; it means embodying the spirit and values that built the movement in the first place.

A successful aspirant won’t just seek Aregbesola’s endorsement—they’ll earn it by integrating vision, ideology, and results. 

This is the formula for not just winning, but elevating Osun’s standard of progressive governance.