Fresh crisis appears to be brewing within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a prominent party stalwart, Bello Ayodele Mufutau from Ward 13 in Osogbo Local Government, has petitioned the pioneer interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Adebisi Akande, over what he describes as alleged misconduct and partisan interference by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.
In a petition dated April 26, 2025, Mufutau accused Mr. Oyetola, who also holds the title of Osun APC Leader, of favouritism and abuse of office in his open support for a particular gubernatorial aspirant ahead of the 2026 governorship race in the state. He noted that Oyetola’s actions have become a source of division within the party, especially among aspirants and their followers.
The petition raised serious concerns about Oyetola’s open endorsement of Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance, as the preferred candidate of the party. Mufutau argued that rather than promote fairness and inclusivity, Oyetola has chosen to wield his influence to push a partisan agenda, to the detriment of internal party democracy. He pointed out that this perceived imposition has left many party members disillusioned and alienated, undermining unity within the APC ahead of the 2026 polls.
According to him, credible figures such as Senator Ajibola Basiru, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Senator Mudashiru Hussein, and even Oyebamiji himself, had all declared their interest in vying for the party’s gubernatorial ticket. He warned that the only way the APC can regain control of Osun from Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is by ensuring a transparent and competitive primary process.
Mufutau expressed regret that the same Oyetola who was entrusted with the role of leading the party in the state following its 2022 electoral loss—a decision reportedly taken by the APC Elders’ Caucus (Igbimo Agba) at a meeting held in Chief Akande’s residence—has allegedly turned his back on the ideals of neutrality and fairness. Instead, the former governor is said to have converted his personal campaign office, Ileri Oluwa House, into a base of operations for Oyebamiji’s early campaign activities, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the guidelines for primaries.
He cited a recent incident at a social event hosted by Oyetola, where popular gospel artiste Tope Alabi, while performing, openly canvassed support for Oyebamiji in the presence of the minister. The occurrence, according to the petitioner, only deepened the sense of marginalization felt by other aspirants.
Further raising eyebrows, Mufutau alleged that Mr. Oyebamiji has been leveraging Oyetola’s perceived endorsement to bolster his campaign, frequently describing himself as the “anointed candidate” of the APC leadership in the state. This, he said, has led to confusion and resentment among the ranks, risking the internal cohesion needed to present a united front against the PDP in the next election.
He therefore appealed passionately to Chief Akande to intervene and rein in Oyetola, warning that the current trajectory could push the party toward a dangerous internal implosion. He emphasized that Akande’s reputation for fairness and his deep-rooted influence in the party made him the most suitable figure to de-escalate the crisis before it spirals out of control.
In a bid to draw broader attention to the issue, the petitioner also copied the Chairman of Igbimo Agba, Engr. Sola Akinwumi; the Osun APC State Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal; National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; and Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former National Secretary of the party.
The unfolding controversy adds to the mounting internal challenges the Osun APC faces as it prepares for a critical showdown with the ruling PDP in 2026. Whether the party will find a path to reconciliation remains to be seen.
