Wole Oke Apologises For Making His Hero, Oyetola, Lose 2022 Guber Election

Oluwole Oke, the popular member of the Federal House of Representatives, has apologised for playing a role in Gboyega Oyetola’s loss in the 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election.

At the time, Oyetola was seeking a second term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Oke was a key political force within the opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He played a prominent role in Governor Ademola Adeleke’s narrow victory over Oyetola.

However, following a fallout with Governor Adeleke that threatened his political relevance, Oke has since defected to the APC.

“You may hate him at your own peril. He is our leader,” Oke declared in a social media post on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in reference to his newfound admiration for Oyetola.

He further explained his position, saying, “He is older than me, more experienced, more exposed than me, and richer than me. He has helped my tribe and race more than any governor. He is my leader. He has never used Osun State local government or state allocation as security for any foreign loan.”

Expressing regret over his past political stance, Oke wrote: “I owe him an apology for making him lose the 2022 gubernatorial election.”

Pledging full loyalty to Oyetola with the declaration, “I will follow him,” the lawmaker—popularly called “Data Boy” for his constant social media promotion of his new political party—added that Oyetola did not borrow a dime between 2018 and 2022, when he governed Osun State, despite the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The term “Data Boys” is often used to describe politically active individuals who flood social media with content defending, promoting, or attacking the agendas of their principals or political parties.

Oyetola is the current Minister for Marine and Blue Economy and leader of APC in Osun state. The next Osun state gubernatorial election comes up in 2026, although the APC yet to choose a flag bearer.

Governor Adeleke of the PDP wants a second term in office.