The Omoluabi Progressives, a political group aligned with former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed openness to the suggestion that Aregbesola should “go and beg, prostrate, and make peace” with his former ally, President Bola Tinubu.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Oluwaseun Abosede, Organising Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives, acknowledged the advice from Wole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State. Oke had made the comments on Sunday, suggesting Aregbesola pursue reconciliation with Tinubu.
Abosede emphasized that Aregbesola’s camp would carefully consider Oke’s input.
Abosede, who concurred with Oke’s assertion that Aregbesola is a prominent political figure with significant influence in Osun, revealed that opposition parties had already formally invited Aregbesola to join them after his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP and the NNPP have both sent official letters to Aregbesola, urging him to align with their parties, and other political figures have also privately approached the Omoluabi Progressives about potential alliances.
“We appreciate Oke’s comments. He is a seasoned public official, and we welcome his perspective,” Abosede said. “We’re gathering opinions from various quarters, including the media, to guide our next steps. If Oke’s words align with our views, we’ll consider them seriously. There’s no harm in apologizing or seeking peace. We are open to dialogue.”
Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had suggested in a social media post that Aregbesola take a humble approach and mend fences with President Tinubu.
His comments came amid rising political tension in Osun State, following the Omoluabi Progressives’ exit from the APC due to deep-seated disagreements, particularly between Aregbesola and his successor, ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Reports within the APC indicate that Aregbesola’s split with the party was partly influenced by unresolved issues with Tinubu.
Oke, acknowledging the political fallout, expressed that if he were part of the APC, he would have worked to reconcile Aregbesola and Oyetola. He also urged the PDP to act swiftly in leveraging the division within the APC, highlighting Aregbesola’s political significance in Osun.
“Rauf Aregbesola is a key figure in Osun politics – a grassroots mobilizer, singer, and dancer. He’s a major player, a ‘bride’ in Osun politics, whether we admit it or not,” Oke wrote.
“If I were in his shoes, I would go and beg, prostrate, and make peace with my principal, PBAT. Fighting doesn’t lead to prosperity.”
Oke also advised the PDP to seize the moment and bring Aregbesola into their fold. He underscored Aregbesola’s continued influence in the region, asserting that the former governor could still command tens of thousands of votes in key areas.
“Anyone who can gather people, feed them, and provide them with a token afterward is not someone to be overlooked,” Oke concluded. “Aregbesola remains a significant factor in Osun politics. Keep this in mind and see the outcome after 2026.”
