“I Cautioned Tinubu About Aregbesola’s Alleged Disloyalty in 2018,” Says Journalist Omipidan

Ismail Omipidan, former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to ex-Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that he cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2018 about the alleged treacherous tendencies of former governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Omipidan shared this revelation in his recently unveiled book, Persona Non Grata, with excerpts posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

According to Omipidan, his advice to Tinubu came before his appointment as CPS in 2019. Reflecting on the events of the 2018 Osun gubernatorial election, he recalled predicting a tough race with no clear winner emerging in the first ballot. He advised that negotiations with Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were critical to securing victory— a strategy that eventually proved decisive.

Omipidan also highlighted the challenges faced by Aregbesola, describing the election as a referendum on the former governor’s administration. He advised Tinubu to reflect on Aregbesola’s role within the political family, a warning he believes has been validated by Aregbesola’s later stance on Tinubu’s presidential bid.

Additionally, Omipidan credited the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi for playing a pivotal role in the 2018 election, contrasting it with Aregbesola’s lack of urgency.

This disclosure sheds light on the intricate dynamics within Osun’s political landscape and the strained relationship between key political figures.