The former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to progressive ideals and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. During the launch of the “Omoluabi Caucus” of the APC in Ilesa on Tuesday, August 22, Aregbesola emphasized the amalgamation of diverse interests within political parties and emphasized the importance of unity among like-minded individuals.
Ogbeni Aregbesola, who served two terms as the governor of Osun, articulated his commitment to the party while addressing the gathering. The “Omoluabi Caucus,” which he described as one of several caucuses within the state, was inaugurated as a platform for individuals who share a common vision for the state’s progress.
Speaking about the caucus, Aregbesola clarified that it was not a faction but rather a union of individuals who were aligned in their aspirations for the party’s growth. According to Sola Fasure, Media Adviser to Aregbesola, the Omoluabi Caucus was a genuine embodiment of the foundational principles of the APC.
“We are not fleeting participants but steadfast contributors, willing to stand by the party through all challenges,” Fasure quoted Aregbesola. He drew parallels from the United States political landscape to highlight that political parties were conglomerations of various interests, much like the Republican Party and the Democratic Party each encompassed distinct groups with common objectives.
Aregbesola recalled the history of the APC and its roots in progressive politics, invoking names like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and Chief Bola Ige. He underscored the importance of reinvigorating the party’s commitment to progressive ideology and regaining its prominence in Osun State after facing electoral setbacks.
The former governor noted, “We have encountered similar challenges before, as was evident after the 2003 election. However, with the resilience of like-minded progressives under the banner of Oranmiyan, we orchestrated a movement that led to our triumph in the 2007 governorship election and set the stage for an impactful two-term administration.”
Aregbesola acknowledged that the people of Osun had not rejected the progressives but were disenchanted with the party’s previous leadership. He criticized the lack of discipline and focus within the party that led to its decline in the past. He highlighted the importance of character and competence as essential qualities for effective leadership and governance.
“Our party faltered due to indiscipline and a loss of focus, marked by a lack of character and competence,” Aregbesola emphasized. He urged members of the newly formed Omoluabi Caucus to embrace the values embedded in the Yoruba belief system, encouraging a return to the path of integrity and setting an example as true Omoluabi.
The launch of the caucus culminated in the adoption of its charter, which emphasized core values including Progressivism, Omoluabi Ethos, Discipline, Competence, and Inclusivity. The caucus comprises representatives from each of the 332 wards in the state, with five members representing each local government.
As the Omoluabi Caucus takes its place within the APC framework in Osun State, the renewed commitment to progressive values and the party’s ideals has reignited a sense of purpose and unity among like-minded individuals, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
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