Osun APC gubernatorial aspirant Dr. Ajibola Bashiru fires back at Bola Oyebamiji, denying he’s an Aregbesola proxy and accusing Oyebamiji of maintaining stronger ties with the former governor while trying to discredit him

Dr. Ajibola Bashiru (SRJ), a leading gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has strongly pushed back against accusations from the camp of fellow aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji, which alleged that he is taking instructions from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

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Bashiru not only defended his historical ties but also turned the tables, claiming Oyebamiji maintains a deeper relationship with the former governor.

Speaking to supporters and political observers on June 2, 2025, Dr. Bashiru openly acknowledged his connection with the former governor, highlighting Aregbesola’s pivotal role in the formation of the progressive government in 2010 and crediting him as a central figure in Osun State’s political evolution.

“No doubt, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is our mentor and the gateway to the return of progressive governance in Osun in 2010. I played a major role in that success as one of the lead counsels. The truth is, without Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, there wouldn’t have been a progressive movement in Osun. He remains our leader, whether he is still with us in the APC or has moved elsewhere,” Dr. Bashiru asserted.

I want to say emphatically that Bola Oyebamiji is still taking instructions from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola regarding his gubernatorial ambition. He’s more of Aregbesola than I am…

However, Dr. Bashiru quickly shifted focus, directing counter-accusations at Oyebamiji, a former Finance Commissioner who served under Aregbesola. Bashiru alleged that Oyebamiji maintains a close and active political relationship with the former governor.

“I want to say emphatically that Bola Oyebamiji is still taking instructions from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola regarding his gubernatorial ambition. He’s more of Aregbesola than I am, having served under him both as Chairman of Osicol and Commissioner for Finance. The bond between them is strong and intact,” Bashiru claimed.

He further accused Oyebamiji’s team of hypocrisy, alleging that while maintaining their own ties with Aregbesola, they are simultaneously attempting to paint him (Bashiru) in a negative light before former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who has had a well-known political rift with Aregbesola.

“We are not against anyone maintaining a relationship with Ogbeni. But Bola Oyebamiji and his team must stop maligning others over what they themselves are actively doing. Live and let live. The APC will survive this moment of leadership and governorship turbulence — and come out stronger.”