Osun at a Crossroads: Confronting Political Hypocrisy, Calling for a Generation of Change - By Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde

 

Events in the Osun polity in the last few months have wittingly unveiled the deep-seated hypocrisy nestled within the hearts of Oke’s adversaries and the pathological haters who seek, with relentless fervour, to diminish his radiant political light. This truth is beyond dispute and stands immutable!

Wole has shown his dexterity in politics, profound understanding of human relations, and clairvoyance that peers into the unfolding future that awaits the PDP with the way it is run at the national level and the manifold challenges besetting Osun State, the way appointments, resources, and infrastructure are skewed against other districts as if they are not part of the state.

Oke, who embarks on his maiden defection in his political journey, has been subjected to a barrage of unprintable epithets, while the sitting Governor, a seasoned defector himself—oscillating between PDP and APC with reckless abandon—is lauded as noble by the very same voices. Such glaring double standards reveal the depths of their duplicity.

Honourable Wole had, with unwavering resolve, summoned all stakeholders—traditional councils, religious heads, political leaders, associates, and party chieftains—repeatedly, to reveal the palpable neglect of his people and the insidious politics of alienation being played by the Governor. Within this fractured polity, two Osuns seem to exist: the privileged enclave of Ede FC and the marginalised remainder.

Before his departure, Wole Oke sought counsel across the board openly, even through the public forum of social media, declaring his intentions with transparency and dignity. Yet, upon his exit, his name became a refrain in the cacophony of media attacks, as the lapdogs of PDP were unleashed to sully his reputation.

His departure has breathed new life into his followership and the APC, where he is cherished and revitalised, much to the chagrin of his detractors. Now, they would not quietly swallow their vomit without making attempts to smear Oke’s image. One must ask: Does Honourable Wole Oke pose such a formidable threat to their political survival that they are pathologically determined to extinguish his political flame? 

The truth is, their followers are the lambs to be sacrificed soon. Is it not apparent how unconcerned they are with the political survival of their political officeholders and lieutenants? Is it not also clear that they are inconsequential in the decision of the Adelekes and the future of the administration? Their sole pursuit is self-preservation, a fact laid bare when the Party Chairman, the Speaker, Senators, and the eight Representatives were blindsided by the Adelekes’ clandestine defection plans. Elder Sunday Bisi was busy raining curses on the eve of the fateful meeting, while Diran Odeyemi vented venomously against Wole Oke as if he had snatched their wives—a very grave offence! 

Yet, the reality remains: Wole Oke is perpetually steps ahead of them in the grand chessboard of politics. He would always beat them at the temple of political calculation and projection with their shekels.

Now, the irony is profound: they need Oke far more than he needs them.

I think the Adelekes understand what lies ahead and is waiting for them at the poll and the need to secure their reelection. Beyond politics, they are also driven by the imperative to protect the family’s personal business interests, not Osun!

Alas, the lambs, those pitiable souls, would be the ones sacrificed upon the altar of political ambition, mere pawns to have safe passage and a firm grip on Bola Ige's White House in Abeere.

Let it be known, Oke is not vying for the governorship now, and the election of that office is not confined to Ede. Every dog is a lion at his own gate, but Oke holds no grudge against anyone. Those who have chosen an imaginary war with him should be wary of the implication of fighting grace; it is a force that humbles even the mightiest.

They should continue to cast their pebbles; only barren trees are spared such fruitless assault. Soon, the real betrayers, the ingrates, and the selfish shall be unmistakably revealed to the discerning masses. 

Welcome to the APC: where no single individual eclipses the power of the structure. Even the formidable Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola could not rise above the party’s collective will.

So, let the defection proceed in peace, and let Wole Oke breathe freely, unshackled and unbowed.