By Taiwo Ologbenla, writing from the United States of America.
When Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola swapped the governor's mansion in Osun for a ministerial portfolio in Abuja, many Nigerians wondered: "Is he now a better politician, or just a statesman in a different suit?" The question is more than academic; it touches on how power transitions are managed in a country where "elders" often hold the real veto. He is the overall leader of the party, and much is expected of him.
Who is Oyetola, Anyway?
Adegboyega Oyetola burst onto the national stage as the governor of Osun State (2018-2023), a tenure marked by infrastructure pushes and a reputation for "getting things done." In governance and management of resources, nobody has been able to fault his government. His move to the federal cabinet as Minister has reignited the age-old debate: can a former governor shed the partisan label, or does the label cling like a second skin? Enough time and opportunity to learn the pendulum nature of men.
The Elders' Playbook
In many Nigerian political circles, the "elders" – senior party figures, in this case, the "Agba Osun" traditional rulers, and influential businessmen – act as unofficial gatekeepers. Their role in selecting a candidate involves consensus-building (gauging the party's mood and presenting a "palatable" name), risk-management (weighing electability against loyalty), and legacy-preservation (protecting the party's historical narrative, ensuring "history does not repeat itself" in a negative sense as they face Adeleke camp). Oyetola's camp argues that the elders ought to embrace his "new direction" vision, while critics claim the elders are merely smoothing the path for an alternative or very different familiar face... Time will tell.
The Contest Behind the Curtain
The real drama unfolds behind closed doors. The Pro-Oyetola faction points to his record, arguing that continuity and his guidance are the safest bet. The "fresh-face" bloc pushes for a younger candidate, warning that resting on past glories could stunt the party's growth. Both sides invoke history – citing the rise and fall of previous Osun leaders – to bolster their arguments. The outcome will likely hinge on how convincingly each camp can frame Oyetola as either a seasoned hand or a relic. Meanwhile, many are waiting to see his possible mistake, the song and the drum so loud by some attacking and reckless statement against this uncommon personality, especially by those who clashed with him many times. He learned about people in a hard way.
He is the eyes of Mr. President and must guide him right to avoid backlash come 2027. No doubt, he is an administrator par excellence, though he often allowed bootlickers to triumph around him. He lost in 2022, not because he wasn't good, but because of the disunity and disloyalty of some handlers. But it's clear he has learned his lesson as he watches betrayers aligning with some gladiators and talking ill of him. A silent achiever, he is.
Bottom Line
Whether Oyetola is a career politician or a pragmatic statesman is less about the label and more about how he and the elders of Osun State navigate the contest for the party's ticket. If they manage to balance tradition with fresh ideas, the "Oyetola enigma" could become a case study in successful political metamorphosis – a story worth watching from both sides of the Atlantic.
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Opinion