I listened with disbelief as Moshood Adeoti, former Secretary to the Osun State Government, went on radio to question the integrity of Rauf Aregbesola. Ordinarily, such comments would not deserve a response. But when distortion of history becomes this blatant, silence becomes complicity.
Let us remind the public of the facts.
Adeoti emerged as the State Chairman of the Action Congress not by widespread consensus, but largely through Aregbesola’s backing at a time when other party leaders preferred a different candidate. When Aregbesola battled in court for nearly three years to reclaim what many described as a stolen mandate, he did not abandon the party structure. He financed it. He sustained it. He kept it alive — including funding Adeoti and his executive members.
Beyond that, despite the presence of many seasoned and arguably more qualified party men, Aregbesola elevated Adeoti to the powerful office of SSG. That was not just political generosity — it was trust.
But what happened when personal ambition was not satisfied?
When Aregbesola supported Gboyega Oyetola as governorship candidate, Adeoti defected to the Action Democratic Party. He went to test his so-called popularity. The result? A resounding defeat. Oyetola won. The people spoke. The myth of Adeoti’s political weight collapsed at the ballot box.
Now, at nearly 70, he is still chasing a governorship ambition that the electorate has already rejected. Rather than reflect, he chooses to attack the very man who built the platform that gave him relevance. That is not principle — that is political ingratitude.
If Adeoti believes he commands grassroots loyalty, why not return to the All Progressives Congress and test his strength there? The truth is obvious: he knows his influence is overstated.
Today, he appears aligned with Governor Ademola Adeleke, positioning himself as a bargaining chip. But let us be clear — Adeleke’s electoral fortunes in Iwo do not depend on Adeoti’s endorsement. The votes will stand where they stand.
What is most unfortunate is the burden placed on taxpayers. Public resources should empower youths, support women, and develop communities — not bankroll recycled ambitions or reward political defection.
History cannot be rewritten by microphone. Records remain. Elections speak. And political relevance is earned — not proclaimed.
*Comrade Yahaya Majeed Akewusekisa writes this piece from Osogbo, Osun State.