Osun APC Crisis: Elder Stateman; Ogunkeyede Demands Total Overhaul, Calls for Tajudeen Lawal’s Redeployment

By Reloaded News Desk

An elder stateman & chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede, has called for a comprehensive restructuring of the party, demanding the redeployment of its state chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, over what he described as inadequate leadership and organisational shortcomings.

Ogunkeyede made the demand in an open letter addressed to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, insisting that the party must rebuild its structures from the grassroots if it hopes to regain political strength in Osun State.

He also criticised members of the party’s elders’ caucus, popularly known as Agba Osun, accusing them of failing to provide the political direction and leadership required to address the party’s challenges.

Blames Leadership for Governorship Election Defeat

In the letter, Ogunkeyede attributed the APC’s defeat in the August 16, 2026 governorship election to what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership and effective coordination within the party.

He argued that loyal party members had been neglected and insufficiently involved in important political decisions, leaving the party’s grassroots structure weakened.

Questioning the contribution of the elders’ caucus, he challenged its members to demonstrate what they had achieved for the party, particularly during the last governorship election.

He described the APC as a party without effective direction and called for a fundamental reset of its organisational structure.

Faults Oyetola Over Treatment of Party Stalwarts

Ogunkeyede also expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged treatment of committed party members by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He accused the former governor of failing to give sufficient recognition and importance to loyal party stalwarts, arguing that their contributions had not been adequately acknowledged.

According to him, the party cannot successfully pursue President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambition while a significant number of its members feel excluded from its political activities.

He further complained that the reported understanding between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC’s national leadership concerning support for Tinubu’s re-election had not been adequately communicated to party members across the state.

Says Lawal Should Be Redeployed

While acknowledging Tajudeen Lawal as a good young man, Ogunkeyede argued that the responsibility of leading the Osun APC had become too demanding for the incumbent chairman.

He said the chairman should be redeployed to allow a new leadership arrangement to emerge.

Using an analogy to illustrate his position, Ogunkeyede said Lawal’s capacity was insufficient for the size of the responsibility confronting the party.

He maintained that the APC needed a stronger organisational structure, effective grassroots mobilisation and leadership capable of bringing its different tendencies together.

Warns of Possible Internal Revolt

The party chieftain warned that many loyal members could join an impending internal revolution within the Osun APC if urgent steps were not taken to address their grievances.

He nevertheless reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and President Tinubu’s re-election ambition, insisting that the party must overcome its internal divisions if it hopes to remain politically relevant.

He stressed that the task ahead required collective responsibility, unity and a deliberate effort to rebuild confidence among members.

A Wider Leadership Debate Within Osun APC

Ogunkeyede’s intervention comes amid an ongoing debate within the Osun APC over its leadership, electoral performance and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party has faced calls from some members for a change of leadership, while others have argued that replacing the state chairman close to the next general election could create further divisions and disrupt its organisational structure.

The national leadership had reportedly extended the tenure of the Osun State Working Committee until after the 2027 presidential election, despite the agitation for leadership changes.

Ogunkeyede’s demand therefore adds another dimension to the debate over whether the party should prioritise leadership continuity or undertake a major restructuring before the next electoral cycle.

The APC leadership in Osun State will face the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by aggrieved members while maintaining internal cohesion and preparing for future elections.

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