A member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, Oluwole Oke, has advised former governor Rauf Aregbesola to seek reconciliation with President Bola Tinubu.
Oke suggested that Aregbesola should “prostrate, beg, and make peace” to resolve lingering political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun.
The call for reconciliation follows the recent exit of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group aligned with Aregbesola, from the APC.
The departure is believed to be linked to longstanding disputes between Aregbesola and his successor, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a social media post, Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledged Aregbesola’s political influence and described him as a “bride” in Osun politics.
He urged the PDP to take advantage of the internal division within the APC to strengthen its position.
“Rauf Aregbesola is a grassroots mobilizer, a major political force in Osun, and someone who cannot be ignored,” Oke wrote.
“The PDP must act fast, pay the necessary dowry, and bring this ‘bride’ into their fold. Symbol, as he is popularly known, is not someone you let wander.”
Reflecting on his own political experience, Oke noted that despite being in the opposition during Aregbesola’s tenure, he was still able to secure electoral victories due to the strong support of the Ijesa North people.
He highlighted Aregbesola’s enduring political influence in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, stating that he could still command a significant voter base.
Oke emphasized that any politician capable of drawing and sustaining grassroots support should not be underestimated, reinforcing the idea that Aregbesola remains a key player in Osun’s political landscape.
