Politics

OYETOLA STOOD WHEN OTHERS WALKED AWAY — AYENI DEFENDS HIS LEGACY, URGES OSUN APC TO STOP THE BLAME GAME

Published by admin on August 23rd, 2026.

OYETOLA STOOD WHEN OTHERS WALKED AWAY — AYENI DEFENDS HIS LEGACY, URGES OSUN APC TO STOP THE BLAME GAME

‎As the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to reflect on the outcome of the just-concluded governorship election, questions over leadership, responsibility and the future direction of the party have naturally taken centre stage.

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‎In this featured article, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, FMR, House of Representatives, offers a strong defence of the leadership and contributions of former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, urging party members to resist the temptation to engage in blame, bitterness and narratives that could further deepen divisions within the APC.

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‎Ayeni argues that Oyetola’s role in keeping the party together after the 2022 electoral setback, his record on workers’ welfare, efforts in securing federal appointments for Osun indigenes, commitment to the local government struggle, and continued support for party members should be viewed within their proper historical context.

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‎The former federal lawmaker also submits that the 2026 governorship election result should be subjected to objective analysis, noting that APC candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) recorded a significant increase in the party’s vote compared with 2022.

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‎At a time when internal disagreements and post-election recriminations threaten to overshadow the task of rebuilding the party, Ayeni calls for unity, discipline, mutual respect and constructive criticism, insisting that political disagreements should not erase the sacrifices and contributions of those who helped sustain the party through difficult periods.

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‎Read the full submission below:

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‎OSUN APC: OYETOLA LEADERSHIP, SACRIFICE AND SERVICE

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‎ I am deeply concerned that I have to lend my voice and offer my humble counsel to some members of our party in Osun State. It is disappointing to see individuals, should I say they suffered from amnesia?, hastily apportion blame and disparage His Excellency, Alhaji Isiaq Adegboyega Oyetola, over the outcome of the just-concluded Osun governorship election.

‎Rather than engage in constructive reflection and an honest assessment of the factors that shaped the outcome, some have resorted to circulating narratives designed to unfairly target and discredit the former Governor. Such conduct is counterproductive.

‎Many of us will not sit back and watch individuals who may not have the best interests of the party at heart diminish the sacrifices and contributions of a man whom we continue to look up to for direction and leadership in Osun politics.

‎His Excellency, Oyetola, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has carried the Osun APC through some of its most challenging periods. We look up to him, just as children look up to a father, and he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the party and its members.

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‎AFTER THE 2022 ELECTION

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‎Have we suddenly forgotten that, immediately after the 2022 election defeat, many people abandoned the party, leaving the party structure weakened and almost comatose? Disappointed by the electoral outcome, they stood aloof at a time when the party needed leadership, direction and commitment the most. Some even distanced themselves from the supporters who had remained loyal to them.

‎His Excellency, Oyetola, however, chose a different path.

‎Having just lost the election, he rolled up his sleeves and committed himself to rebuilding and reorganising the party. Through his personal sacrifices of time, energy, resources and leadership, alongside the efforts of a few other committed leaders, he played a significant role in restoring the party to the position it occupies today.

‎He remained accessible. He provided direction. He kept the party machinery functioning and encouraged members at a time when the future appeared uncertain.

‎We regard him today as a leader, not merely by title; it is demonstrated through his presence, sacrifice, responsibility and commitment. The Honourable Minister stayed when others left and gave when others turned away. His contribution therefore deserves recognition and appreciation.

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‎THE OYETOLA DIFFERENCE: WORKERS’ SALARIES AND A NEW STANDARD OF GOVERNANCE

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‎There is another important chapter in Osun’s political history that we must not deliberately forget.

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‎During the tenure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the state experienced the painful period of salary arrears and the payment of half salaries to workers. It was one of the most difficult periods for many civil servants and their families. Whatever explanations may have been offered at the time, the reality remains that workers endured significant financial hardship.

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‎This history matters because the issue of workers’ salaries has continued to shape political perceptions in Osun State and remains one of the difficult legacies affecting the APC.

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‎When Oyetola became Governor, however, he adopted a different approach. Under his administration, workers’ salaries were paid in full and promptly, despite the difficult financial circumstances he inherited. His administration demonstrated that the welfare of workers could be prioritised even in the face of significant fiscal constraints.

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‎This distinction deserves to be placed on record. It is not an attempt to rewrite history or diminish whatever achievements may have been recorded by previous administrations. Rather, it is a reminder that leadership must also be assessed by the choices made when confronted with difficult circumstances.

‎The half-salary era created a damaging precedent and left a political and social wound that the APC must honestly acknowledge. It affected the relationship between the party and civil servants, who constitute a significant part of the state’s electorate. It also created a narrative that political opponents have continued to exploit against the party.

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‎We cannot pretend that the experience did not happen, nor should we allow it to define the party forever.

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‎The lesson is clear: the welfare of workers must never again become a casualty of political or administrative choices.

‎Oyetola’s administration demonstrated that, even under difficult financial circumstances, government can prioritise the payment of workers’ full salaries. That achievement should be recognised as part of his record of service.

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‎*POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS*

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‎Those criticising the current list of political appointments should also place the issue in its proper historical context.

‎We should ask ourselves whether Osun State has, at any point, enjoyed this breadth of representation in federal political appointments. Rather than reducing these appointments to sectional calculations, we should recognise the efforts of the Honourable Minister in using his position and influence to attract opportunities for the people of Osun State.

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‎The appointees are sons and daughters of Osun, irrespective of their local government, federal constituency or senatorial district. Their appointments should therefore be regarded as collective gains for the state.

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‎If anyone believes that a particular part of Osun has been deliberately excluded, the appropriate response is to present facts and engage the issue constructively, not to rely on insinuations or unfounded accusations.

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‎Constructive criticism is healthy and necessary within any political organisation. However, attempts to discredit individuals facilitating opportunities for our people should be based on facts and evidence.

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‎*THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT VICTORY AT THE COURT*

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‎On the local government matter, Oyetola remained committed to the struggle and pursued it to its logical conclusion, helping to open the door to the dividends of democracy for many APC members and, indeed, the people of Osun State.

‎His commitment to the cause deserves recognition.

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‎It is therefore difficult to understand why some of those who once hailed Oyetola as the “Messiah of APC Osun” because of his role in the legal victory are now among those calling for his condemnation.

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‎What changed so drastically?

‎If his leadership was worthy of celebration then, it deserves a fair, objective and consistent assessment now.

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‎*THE 2026 ELECTION RESULT”

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‎If election results are to be used as a fair measure of the performance of the party and its candidate, then Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) should not be portrayed as a failure.

‎With 444,815 votes, AMBO recorded one of the highest vote totals achieved by the APC in an Osun governorship election, representing an increase of more than 70,000 votes over the party’s 2022 performance.

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‎That is evidence of significant electoral growth and should not be diminished.

‎AMBO was, and remains, a strong political candidate. His campaign reflected determination, resilience and commitment to the party. The outcome may not have been what we desired, but the figures speak for themselves.

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‎AMBO gave the election his all. His performance should therefore be assessed objectively and fairly, rather than used as an excuse to malign individuals, settle personal scores or deepen divisions within the party.

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‎*SECURITY AND WELFARE*

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‎ The Honourable Minister has never neglected the party at any time. He has consistently stood firm in protecting the security and interests of party members and the state. Whenever security challenges arise, he takes proactive steps and provides leadership, demonstrating that the safety and well being of our members remain a priority. His commitment over the years is clear and deserves due recognition.

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‎In the area of welfare, the Honourable Minister has equally remained committed to the party and its members. He has consistently supported members, often committing his personal resources to provide relief and assistance when needed. This is a clear demonstration of his loyalty to the party and his understanding that strong political leadership must also be reflected in the welfare of the people. None of us can honestly say that he has neglected the party or abandoned its members.

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‎*MY SUBMISSION*

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‎At this moment, what the Osun APC needs is not bitterness, blame or opportunistic narratives. What we need are responsible voices, genuine gratitude, honest reflection and constructive criticism.

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‎We must learn from the outcome of the election without rewriting history or disrespecting those who sacrificed to keep the party alive.

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‎Political disagreements are inevitable. Differences of opinion are natural within any democratic organisation. But disagreements should never erase loyalty, sacrifice and service.

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‎Let us preserve the dignity of our leaders, acknowledge contributions where they are due, accept the lessons arising from our setbacks and work collectively towards rebuilding a stronger, more united and electorally formidable APC in Osun State.

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‎And leadership should always be judged with fairness, context and perspective.

‎The APC in Osun belongs to all of us. Its future cannot be secured through blame, bitterness or division. It can only be secured through unity, discipline, sacrifice, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the people we seek to serve.

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‎By:

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‎*HON. LAWRENCE BABATUNDE AYENI, *FMR, House of Representatives.

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