Owa Obokun: Fresh Talks Decorate Rauf Aregbesola, Political Adversaries

The passage of prominent traditional ruler, Owa Obokun Adimula Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, is sparking fresh discussions about former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his political adversaries, particularly the group led by Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

Oba Aromolaran, the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, joined his ancestors on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Ilesa, Aregbesola’s hometown, is part of Ijeshaland, and the former governor enjoyed the confidence of the late ruler.

This extraordinary relationship with Aromolaran was a key part of Aregbesola’s influence in the state.

With the throne now vacant, speculations are rife about Aregbesola’s chances of maintaining close ties to the throne, depending on who becomes the next Owa Obokun. Although he holds significant influence over the choice of the next ruler, Aregbesola is the only major political actor who would benefit from having the next Owa Obokun on his side without state backing.

The other key players are Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has the final authority to approve and present the staff of office to the new Owa Obokun. Adeleke, leader of the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, hails from Ede, where the Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Laminisa, is the paramount ruler.

Then, there is the All Progressives Congress (APC) faction led by Adegboyega Oyetola, Aregbesola’s successor as governor of Osun State. Oyetola, who led the team that forced Aregbesola out of the APC, is from Iragbiji, where the Aragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, reigns. As a serving minister and leader of the APC in Osun, Oyetola has the might and influence of the federal government at his disposal.

Oyetola’s faction includes the influential former deputy governor and ex-Senator Iyiola Omisore, son of the late Olu Ayepe of Olode, Oba David Olajide Omisore, and Ajibola Basiru, the national secretary of the APC, who hails from Osogbo, where the Ata-Oja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, reigns.

Although the other political players are not from Ilesa or Ijeshaland, denying Aregbesola the opportunity to influence the selection of a ruler who would sustain his closeness to the Owa Obokun throne would be a significant political victory according to the raging talks.

This is especially relevant now that Aregbesola has regained prominence with the Omoluabi Progressives, the political group that has provided a base for his followers and supporters since the internal battle within the APC.

While there are suggestions that Adeleke, who treats Aregbesola with respect and has a friendly rapport with him, may give him some leeway—possibly due to political concessions related to Adeleke’s ambition for a second term—the real opposition is expected from the Oyetola-led APC faction chats here and there claimed.

The talks in political circles are that Oyetola’s group has been relentless in seeking ways to curb Aregbesola’s influence, especially since Aregbesola is believed to have played a significant role in Oyetola’s loss in the 2022 Osun gubernatorial election, despite being a member of the APC.

These speculations continue to swirl, despite the reality that Oba Aromolaran has only recently passed, and the process of his ascension to the status of an ancestor is yet to be finalized.