Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, has urged former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to reconcile with President Bola Tinubu, advising him to “go, beg, prostrate, and make peace” with his former political ally.
Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made this statement in a social media post on Sunday, emphasizing that if he were in Aregbesola’s position, he would prioritize mending fences with Tinubu.
His comments come amid heightened political tension in Osun State, following the recent decision by Aregbesola’s faction, Omoluabi Progressives, to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to unresolved disputes with the party’s mainstream leadership.
The division stems from a long-standing rift between Aregbesola and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as reports of strained relations with Tinubu.
“If I were in his shoes, I would go and beg, prostrate, and make peace with my principal, PBAT [President Bola Ahmed Tinubu],” Oke stated.
He further suggested that if he were an APC member in Osun, he would work towards reconciling Aregbesola and Oyetola, stressing the futility of prolonged political conflicts.
“Assuming I were a member of the APC in Osun, I would ensure that Asiwaju Gboyega Oyetola and Ogbeni Aregbesola reconcile. As we know, ‘Ija o dola’ – fighting doesn’t bring wealth,” he added.
While acknowledging Aregbesola’s political influence in Osun, Oke also urged the PDP to seize the opportunity presented by the APC’s internal divisions, describing Aregbesola as a “bride” in state politics.
“The PDP must act fast, pay the necessary dowry, and bring this ‘bride’ into their fold. Ogbeni can still pull a minimum of 20,000 votes in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District. His influence in Ijesa North and Ijesa South is undeniable,” he noted.
Oke concluded by affirming Aregbesola’s enduring relevance in Osun politics, predicting that he would remain a key player in the state’s political landscape beyond 2026.
