Still on Prof. Adewole’s Report and the Osun APC Crisis

My reflections last week on Prof. Isaac Adewole’s repositioning committee report generated diverse reactions from party members, sympathizers, and political observers. It’s only natural that opinions and reactions on such a topic would be varied. Some found the facts incontrovertible and validating, others held firm to opposing views, and some saw it as an eye-opener that called for further clarifications from the committee.

To avoid offending anyone’s sensibilities, I categorized opinionists into four groups: (i) those who knew the facts and agreed with the report, (ii) those who didn’t know the facts but concurred with my perspective, (iii) those who knew the facts but disagreed due to bluntness, and (iv) those who remained steadfast in their opinions despite a lack of facts due to ego. Opinions, after all, are a matter of individual perception and understanding of the subject, and these differences are expected.

There’s a Yoruba adage that says, “Eni ti o buru mo, sugbon eni ti yo so fun un ni o nwa” (A wicked person knows but just wants to be told). The individuals responsible for the damage inflicted on Osun APC knew what they did and the factors that influenced their actions. Through manipulations, verbal attacks, and misguided statements, they brought the party to its knees in disgrace. I often reflect on the irrational posts I see on the Facebook pages of those who later joined the former governor’s cabinet and feel deep regret, wishing it had never happened. The wounds they inflicted on the party were not only physical but also psychological. I wonder whether Adewole’s committee delved deeply into the effects of such actions, especially when they originated from the upper echelons of former Governor Oyetola’s Ilerioluwa camp, and if they included it in their report.

One of my sources of inspiration is the wisdom of elders, particularly those expressed in poems or songs. Their words are not only wise but also entertaining. One of my favorites is the late Odolaye Aremu, the Ilorin dadakuada crooner, known for his masterful use of metaphors and proverbs in his lyrics. In his album, “Olowe m’owe,” he said:

“Akuwarapa ko mo wipe oun ti nse oun ko daa.
“Ti akuwarapa ba mo wipe oun ti nse oun ko daa ni, ko nii moo re lule nigbagbogbo”

“Wereeeee,
Were o mo pe oun ti nse oun o daa,
“Ti were ba mo pe oun ti nse oun o daa, ko nii w’ oja nihooho”.

(The epileptic person doesn’t realize how badly they are affected; if they knew, they wouldn’t keep falling.)

(The mad one doesn’t realize how badly they are affected; if they knew, they wouldn’t walk naked in the market square.)

Those who caused severe damage to Osun APC and remain unrepentant can be likened to either epileptic patients or psychiatric patients who didn’t realize the extent of the damage they caused until it began to manifest in the July 2022 and 2023 general elections. The responses to my reflections on Prof. Isaac Adewole’s repositioning committee report have highlighted the need to summarize the series of events that culminated in a full-blown crisis, leading Osun APC to a setback and opposition status. This, in my view, will provide a deeper understanding of the history of the Osun APC crisis, helping the public decide whether to adopt the report’s recommendations or take other proactive steps to restore the party and prepare it for future elections.

To be continued…

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not represent the opinions or views of Osun Defender