Osun Group Warns Against “Proxy Governorship” for Oyetola

 

The Imole Accord Vanguard (IMAV) has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, against acting as a conduit for a second term for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

The group insisted that Osun people would not be deceived into rewarding Oyetola’s perceived failures through another candidate.

In a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, IMAV recalled that Osun voters overwhelmingly rejected Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election due to what it described as misgovernance.

The group warned that any attempt to return him to power via a proxy candidate would be firmly resisted by the electorate.

Hon. Oladele said, “Osun people are politically conscious and can clearly read between the lines. Oyebamiji is perceived as a proxy for Oyetola, trying to smuggle himself back to Abeere.

The memories of the pains and anguish under Oyetola’s administration still linger, and no amount of political maneuvering will make the people reward those who hurt them in the past.”

He also referenced a comment by disqualified APC aspirant Senator Iyiola Omisore, who described Oyebamiji as a “lackey” of Oyetola.

According to Oladele, events since Oyebamiji’s emergence as the party’s candidate have validated this claim. He pointed to online images showing Oyebamiji presenting his APC certificate of return to Oyetola as confirmation of the perceived influence.

IMAV drew parallels with the political scenario in Rivers State, suggesting that Osun cannot afford to repeat a similar “proxy” experience. “Osun needs a governor who can make decisions independently, without having to resort to a godfather whose tenure was marked by failures of unmeasured proportion,” Oladele said.

He stressed that if Oyetola desires a return to the governorship, he should confront the electorate directly. “Presenting Oyebamiji as a fresh face just to bypass voters is an insult to Osun people,” he added.

The group urged Osun residents to continue supporting the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing it as the only way to sustain ongoing development and welfare improvements in the state.