Amosun, Osoba camps close ranks in Ogun
The long faceoff between the camp of a former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, and that of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, may have found its path to lasting truce as leaders of both camps have agreed to reconcile and work together.
The latest development is coming just as Ward, Local and State congresses of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state are around the corner.
Both camps have resolved to dissolve into one strong and united force in the interest of the party and people of Ogun State.
Some members loyal to the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had been at loggerheads, while another group has been fiercely loyal to former governor of the state and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba.
Thursday’s meeting in Abeokuta the state capital, however, may be a turning point in the three-year old crisis, which almost destroyed the fabric of the APC in the state.
The DEFENDER, which had been unable to get through to Chief Osoba as at the time of filing this report, however gathered that some Osoba loyalists who attended the meeting with the governor’s team, include Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Akin Odunsi, Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi, Hon. Abiodun Adudu-Balogun and Hon. Bukola Braimoh.
The prominent political leaders, representing the three senatorial districts of the state, are otherwise called the ‘Abuja team’, all having been members of the 7th National Assembly.
It was learned that Osoba, who could not make it to the meeting, made calls into it telling the leaders present including Amosun that he was with them thereby confirming that it had his blessing.
The two-time governor of the state reportedly said, “Peace, progress and unity in Ogun are of paramount importance. The meeting by the leaders of the senatorial districts has only one message. And that message is that the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State is one.”
Osoba disclosed that the efforts toward reconciliation had never ceased and that what was presently playing out in the public was a reflection of the consistent effort.
He reiterated that he was never in battle of supremacy with Governor Amosun.
“By July I am going to be 79. I must reiterate that I feel insulted when people insinuate that there is a rivalry between me and the governor. I respect the governor. He is the chief executive. He is the head of Ogun State.”
He said: “Therefore, I must accord him all necessary respect due to his office, which I once held on two different occasions. There is nothing like a rivalry.”
Others at the meeting include the Ogun Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa and several state commissioners.
