The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State continues to be embroiled in a protracted crisis, with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the party’s two leaders, engaged in a perpetual struggle for control.
Since Aregbesola handed over to Oyetola after a controversial governorship election, the party has been plagued by unrest. The leaders have been unable to find common ground on the reasons behind the party’s failure in the last elections and how to rebuild the party.
The crisis deepened after Oyetola’s defeat by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 2022 governorship election. Oyetola, who is now the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, fought hard in court to nullify Adeleke’s victory, but the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Adeleke.
Since then, Oyetola’s dissatisfaction with his predecessor has grown stronger. The Minister accused Aregbesola of orchestrating his downfall by engaging in anti-party activities and instigating party members to vote against him.
On the other hand, Aregbesola’s camp has raised concerns about marginalization since Oyetola assumed office. They argue that Oyetola dismantled the party structure put in place by Aregbesola and sidelined his loyalists in favor of his own supporters.
The rift between the two leaders intensified when Oyetola’s camp announced the expulsion and suspension of several members from Aregbesola’s camp for alleged anti-party activities. This further worsened the relationship between Oyetola and Aregbesola.
According to credible party sources, Aregbesola has been quietly working on political strategies to reposition the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election. He has been meeting with influential politicians to ensure the APC returns to power in the state.
Meanwhile, Oyetola’s camp controls the mainstream leadership of the Osun APC and has gained attention and relevance at the federal level. Oyetola constituted a Repositioning Committee to make the party viable and victorious in future elections.
The committee, chaired by former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, submitted its report to Oyetola, reiterating his leadership position in the party. The committee recommended the strengthening of the party structure and the implementation of disciplinary measures on erring members.
Oyetola commended the committee for their efforts and assured party faithful that the recommendations would be fully implemented to build a strong and formidable party in the state.
However, the chairman of the Osun West Senatorial District under Oyetola’s watch, Omolaoye Oluremi Akintola, warned that the party could face another electoral disaster if the crisis is not resolved. He emphasized the need to address the causes of the crisis to prevent a recurrence.
