On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
.....the seasoned lawmaker’s exit sends power brokers into panic mode
Peering at Oke’s adversaries, one can sense the tremors his defection has sent through their ranks. The entire state now feels like a theatre, with his opponents restless and unsettled, forced to reckon with the gale of his departure, a statement released by the legislator's constituency office and made available to Oriontimes.
"The press release reveals that Oke’s exit has triggered a frenzy of emergency meetings and recalculations, as power brokers scramble to contain the fallout. The rapid convening of caucuses—from market women to palm-wine tappers and local influencers—across all 30 Local Government Areas within just 48 hours underscores the scale of the disruption."
Something significant has shifted. Those who once mocked Oke now find themselves grappling with the loss of influence and resources that his exit represents.
Something heavy has fallen upon these people. It is hard for them to embrace the reality he has gone with their feeding bottles. So, it’s no surprise they cannot stop crying. It is, in fact, the only natural response.
Oke, once dismissed as inconsequential, has upended their political calculations. His departure has stolen their sleep and shattered their complacency. The real implosion, it seems, has only just begun, and already they scramble for footing—simply because Hon. Oluwole Oke left the party.
What lies ahead will reveal the true magnitude of this move and set the record straight. The voyage ahead is one that Oke has long prepared for.
He maintains that he has no personal battle with the party. His demands were simple: equitable allocation of resources and adequate job opportunities for his people. His political family is composed of vibrant, resourceful, and upwardly mobile individuals—those who have been sidelined in state affairs despite delivering electoral victories in their zones.
Oke feels a duty to provide leadership for these loyalists who have long been excluded from governance despite their contributions. As he put it:
“The purpose of nurturing this party is to enable my followers, my constituents to also benefit from it... That’s the purpose of my endurance with the government.”
To his supporters now being courted by those who once ignored them, he offers firm advice:
“Take whatever they offer you—but ask for honourable bounties. It is our common patrimony. I asked them before—give jobs, give appointments.”
And in a message laced with warning:
“Now that the kitchen is hot, whatever they bake take more than a mouthful, but be watchful! Don’t take oaths with them. They will clutch at any available straw to prevent the imminent flood that will sweep them away.”
He adds, “In my camp, we are not playing. This is a long-season film. We are in for a long drive to freedom.”
Oke’s message is clear: the coming days will unveil the real consequences of his defection and vindicate the decisions of those who chose to follow him.
As the dust begins to settle, one thing becomes evident: Oke’s exit is not just a personal decision. It is a political earthquake and a catalyst for a broader reckoning within Osun State’s power structure.
His adversaries, who once laughed off his influence, now find themselves confronting a void one marked by lost political capital, lost control, and a fast-unraveling narrative.
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