A member of the House of Representatives has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State would have collapsed without former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, a claim that has sparked fierce pushback from two rival factions within the party.
Wole Oke, who represents Oriade-Obokun Federal Constituency and serves as Director-General of the APC’s 2026 governorship campaign, made the assertion on his official Facebook page.
“HE Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola may not be a perfect man,” Mr Oke wrote. “However, he gave so many politicians in Osun and beyond political relevance. He gave some of our leaders survival lines. He gave a lot of our brothers and sisters political appointments. Without him, the APC would have been dead in Osun State.”
The comments came just hours after APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru rebuked Mr Oke for allegedly belittling civil servants in the state. They have also drawn sharp criticism from camps loyal to Mr Basiru and former party scribe Iyiola Omisore, a former deputy governor.
Critics accused the lawmaker of crediting the party’s survival solely to Oyetola while sidelining other leaders. Several social media users argued that despite political appointments, ordinary citizens of Osun have seen little benefit.
Lawal Omoyemi wrote: “Everything Oyetola is doing seems geared toward pleasing the Osun APC, while the interests and welfare of the good people of Osun State are being sacrificed.”
Oluwole Ojo added: “How many youths have you empowered since 2023 without being your political slave? The upcoming revolution will retire you in the 2027 general elections.”
Olawole Oluwakayode advised: “This game you’re playing will expire soon. Go and ask Senator Iyiola Omisore and get wisdom. By the time they’re done using you, you will be on your own.”
Abiodun Baruwa struck a similar note: “The real question is: what did the ordinary people of Osun gain? Many citizens still remember the era of hardship, modest salaries, and economic struggles. In 2026, the voters will judge based on their experiences and current realities, not political endorsements.”
Oyetola, who lost the 2022 governorship election to incumbent Ademola Adeleke, currently serves as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
