PERSPECTIVE: What Does Oyetola Want From Aregbesola?

BY ABDULFATAI ABDULSALAM

My opinion in this piece on the political relationship between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, who was his Chief of Staff and successor in office as Governor of Osun State is neutral and objective. This is because I am unaligned with any of them and none of them benefited me directly. I therefore owe none of them any loyalty at all.

Let me begin by saying that I don’t know what makes Mr. Ismail Omipidan to unveil such a subjective idea on the feud between Aregbesola and Oyetola in his recent article titled “What does Aregbesola want from Oyetola?’ The entire writeup unveiled by Mr Omipidan is full of subjective opinions and speculations. 

It was barely two years into the administration of Oyetola as the Governor of Osun State when some of us saw it clearly that Oyetola would not stay beyond four years in office. Our highly respected leader called us to a meeting to deliberate on the possibility of saving a ship that may sink only after one term in office. We deliberated on ways to assist Oyetola and his administration to enjoy a second term that seemed unrealistic.  At the meeting were Barrister Abdulganiy Shaid Ezera, Abdulfatai Olabanji and also Mr. Ismail Omipidan. The convener was our highly revered Uztaz, Abdulwaheed Kolapo.  

At the meeting which was held at one of the leading hotels in Osogbo, I told Omipidan loudly that the crisis between his boss and Aregbesola is like holes below their political ship, unless they find a way either sincerely or pretentiously to dilute the political crisis, their administration will not extend beyond four years. 

In another similar instance, one day, Sheikh Daood Imran Molasan came to my office in his white Toyota SUV. Then, Oyetola was just two years plus in office, he told me that Oyetola deserved our support for a reason but I replied him that the reason will not save him from a looming political loss. I told SHEKH, ‘if you go with him, you will surely lose together.’ I am sure it later became clearer to the SHEIKH.  

The implication of above pillar of words is that I don’t know why and how he didn’t know that the tyre of the vehicle of Oyetola’s second term was already deflated. It was obvious, we said it far-far before it happened. 

We therefore don’t need to be told that it was Oyetola that needs to tell us what Aregbesola did to him to warrant such a level of hatred he displayed towards him. It is as if those who were close to Aregbesola were not APC members, as Oyetola in person and his commissioners and allies demonstrated rejection of anybody who is close to or has worked closely with Aregbesola as if his victory was not jointly achieved.

How do we know Oyetola and his men hate Aregbesola? It was unbelievable how Oyetola’s administration was fully out to change almost all the legacies of Aregbesola without any justification. 

In my opinion, as at the time Oyetola was busy altering the legacies of Aregbesola, I was waiting to see what his administration will offer Osun as brilliant and sophisticated programmes in replacement. If the home-grown school feeding programme, Opon Imo, single uniform, OYES, etc were not good, what was Oyetola able to present to Osun as alternatives? 

The point here is that the manner Oyetola’s administration deconstructed Aregbesola’s legacy shows we need to face Oyetola and ask for Aregbesola’s offence. 

As students of leadership, we took out time to understudy these prominent politicians and as good students, we should have know their strength and weaknesses. Oyetola is stingy and created big enemies for himself. Also, his sense of creativity and flexibility as leader is weak. 

I have had opportunity to be with Aregbesola in his residence in Abuja for about four times and I was with Oyetola once in the Government House at the time their political crisis was tense. The basis of the visit to them was a highly sensitive case I handled which was connected to their interest. I had discussion with them and I inferred sincerely that Aregbesola had no issue with Oyetola. 

I was in the same parlour with Aregbesola in 2022 when he was being told the news of the intolerance of Oyetola against him. As human being with ego, I expect Aregbesola to utter remarks of hatred and condemnation. But, Aregbesola displayed an unusual calmness, resilience and felt less concerned about how his legacies were being recklessly pulled down by Oyetola.

Aregbesola, like I used to say, I owe him nothing but as a sincere student of leadership, he forms a significant part of our study. He is highly courageous, dynamic and a generous giver. He is also a bridge builder and a grassroots politician. That does not mean Oyetola cannot improve on himself and become better than Aregbesola.

No good and intelligent politician would establish such hostile political bond with Ogbeni Aregbesola the way Oyetola did at such a crucial time, no matter the influence of Banik, Omowaiye and Famodun that might have been on him. Such is a sure ticket to political coma. 

It is in all reality a frank one. It is better for Oyetola not to think of re-contesting for Governor in this state, as being speculated. The reality is that he is never the people’s choice and he had the opportunity to sell himself when he was governor but rather, he was sparking dangerously like a singing thunder.

If I have a boss, I will never support him in any mission that will wreck him, even if it benefits me.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not represent the opinions or views of OSUN DEFENDER.