News
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; A Political Titan Whose Relevance Transcends Party Lines – by Adio Abiodun
In the ever-evolving theatre of Nigerian politics, it is rare to find a figure whose presence, long after leaving office, continues to shape discourse, influence outcomes, and unsettle opponents. Such is the story of Engr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, popularly called Ogbeni, whose recent appointment as the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria’s newly rising opposition platform, has again jolted political structures, particularly within his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
For many, Aregbesola’s reemergence in a new partisan home should have been a moment for sober reflection on his enduring relevance, capacity, and value. Instead, what we have witnessed is an uncoordinated, if not laughable, barrage of attacks and verbal potshots from a few politically naive individuals, most of whom are long-standing rivals within the Osun APC, individuals who, despite their years of scheming, have failed to erase Ogbeni’s towering legacy in the state and beyond.
To understand the roots of this resentment, one must journey back to the formative years of Aregbesola’s political life. From his youthful days as an activist and organiser during the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, Ogbeni has always been driven by ideological clarity and revolutionary commitment to the people. He was never the kind of politician who sought office for its trappings; rather, he wielded power as a tool for societal transformation.
His association with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos became the defining point of his emergence as a political strategist of immense depth. As Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, Aregbesola helped entrench a new governance model that many states later tried to emulate. His strategic input was critical to the survival of opposition politics in Lagos and other parts of the Southwest, especially during the years when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threatened to overrun the region.
But it was his electoral triumph in Osun State in 2010, following a titanic legal battle, that cemented his status as a political lion. For eight years, Aregbesola redefined governance in Osun, focusing on infrastructure, education, social protection, and youth development. His policies were bold, at times controversial, but undeniably impactful. Even after he left office in 2018, his presence has continued to loom large, which understandably unsettles some within the Osun APC establishment, who have since struggled to fill the vacuum he left behind.
Their discomfort with Aregbesola’s sustained popularity is the real reason for the recent attacks on his person. They fear what his mobilization strength could mean in the lead-up to 2027, particularly now that he is realigning through the ADC, a platform increasingly being seen as the nucleus of a credible third force in Nigerian politics.
His critics, mostly lacking in historical perspective and real grassroots engagement, have failed to acknowledge the fact that Aregbesola’s contributions to the APC’s evolution were not just significant, they were foundational. In Lagos, he helped build the structures that won elections even in the face of federal hostility. In Osun, he delivered two electoral cycles and helped mobilize the Southwest for the APC in the 2015 and 2019 general elections. Across Nigeria, his role as a political tactician was always in demand.
That the APC has now become a party in desperate need of ideological reawakening, internal cohesion, and mass trust, is in part due to the marginalization of men like Aregbesola, men who built, bled, and sacrificed for the party when it was unpopular to do so.
His new role in the ADC, far from being an act of political betrayal, is a reflection of the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy. It signals the possibility of alternative platforms gaining traction, especially when steered by individuals with credibility and experience. If anything, Aregbesola’s involvement in the ADC is bound to reshape alignments, particularly among disenchanted progressives within the APC who now seek a home more reflective of their ideals.
As Nigeria inches towards another defining electoral cycle in 2027, it is clear that Ogbeni remains a central factor in any serious political calculation. His reach, particularly among the youth and the working class, remains formidable. His political structure, developed over decades of activism, governance, and strategic engagement, is not one to be dismissed by opportunistic upstarts.
To dismiss Aregbesola is to misunderstand Nigerian politics. To try and undermine his legacy is to deny reality. For now, and for the foreseeable future, Ogbeni remains not just a man of history, but a man of destiny.
And that, perhaps, is what threatens his rivals the most.
International News
Maguire: Tuchel Told Me By Video Call I Was Out And I Said I Was Very Disappointed
On “The Rest is Football” podcast, Manchester United center-back Maguire discussed how Tuchel informed him via video call that he had not been selected for the World Cup squad.
Maguire revealed: “He (Tuchel) video-called everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I first received a message asking if he could talk to me around 4 PM. It was quite a unique approach, and certainly difficult, because he could see everyone’s reactions.
“I said directly that I was really very disappointed. I felt I had done well enough to deserve to be in the squad, and I felt I could have helped the team, playing a role on and off the pitch. He said he couldn’t give me any excuses, but he chose the four players who had helped him through a difficult period last autumn.
“It was hard to accept. After being called up by him for the first time in the March training camp, I did think I would be in the squad. I performed well in both games and then returned to Manchester United, finishing the season with a very strong performance.”
Tuchel ultimately chose to take Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, and Dan Burn to the World Cup.
No Plans to Retire from England Duty
Furthermore, even with Tuchel’s contract extending to Euro 2028, Maguire is unwilling to close the door on playing for England.
He added: “I don’t think I’ll retire from England duty. I still feel I can shine. Sooner or later there will be a time and a point where I no longer deserve to be selected for England, but even then, I most likely won’t proactively step out and announce my retirement. If I can play for England one more time, it will all be worth it.”
Maguire will use the off-season to fully recover and prepare for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League in the 2026-27 season. While his England teammates face the immense pressure of a major international tournament, the experienced defender will strive to maintain his excellent club form. If he is to earn a recall to the England squad later this year, proving his endurance in the Premier League remains crucial.
Controversial actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has sparked widespread online discussion after announcing the birth of his child, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka, with celebrity fashion designer and stylist, CEO Luminee.
The couple shared the joyful news on social media on Monday, accompanied by maternity photos and heartfelt messages.
Baba Ijesha expressed deep gratitude, describing his wife as his “strong Jagaban” and “Abikese de mi owo,” while Luminee called him her “one in a million” with a “pure heart.”
The announcement came roughly seven months after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison on November 14, 2025.
Many social media users have pointed to the relatively short period, questioning the exact conception timeline and pregnancy details, with some speculating it may have begun before or around his release.
Oyindamola wrote, “I have a question: are conjugal visits allowed inside prison? I’m asking because it hasn’t even been 9 months since Baba Ijesha was released from prison… just curious how this came”.
Deyola_a wrote, “Baba Ijesha just revealed that he is the father of CEO luminee’s son. Congratulations to the couple”.
She added, “You guys don’t know how crazy that thing is. As in Baba Ijesha??? wtf????”
Vampz wrote, “I love men so much; they know what they want. A man would never marry a woman who was convicted of the crimes Baba Ijesha committed. Alchemy of Shämë !!!!!!!”
Ezinne questioned the timing: “Which day did Baba Ijesha get out of prison that you’re already heavily pregnant for him? Some women are the problem. You didn’t even wait for him to wallow in the aftermath of his atrocities before you followed him? Tufia”.
Uche added, “Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha went to prison for molesting a minor. He got released in November last year. Now a woman has given birth to his child.
“How did it happen? Was he allowed to knock in prison? Was he ever in prison? Why will you spread your legs open for such a person? Women will never cease to amaze me”.
This has added to the polarised responses, as the actor’s 2021 conviction for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster child remains fresh in public memory for many Nigerians.
Some users and celebrity platforms offered straightforward congratulations, celebrating the new addition and highlighting themes of redemption, second chances, and private family matters.
Bobrisky wrote, “Congratulations, my love”
Yomi Fabiyi wrote, “The sound of joy and congratulations. Aya wa aku ajaiye. Thank you”.
Lizzy Anjorin wrote, “Congratulations”.
Moyo Lawal wrote, “Congratulations hun. God bless your new journey”.
A significant portion of reactions expressed disbelief, scepticism about the timeline, and strong disapproval of Luminee’s decision, particularly as a mother to an older daughter.
Critics raised concerns about the message this sends, given Baba Ijesha’s conviction, with phrases like “Women Dey marry sha” and debates over forgiveness versus accountability trending.
As of now, neither Baba Ijesha nor CEO Luminee has directly addressed the backlash.
The couple appeared focused on their new bundle of joy, with the internet divided between well-wishers and vocal skeptics.
– Additional Report – The Nation
Organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s premier music awards ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.
The announcement was made on Monday by Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun.
Although the exact date for the ceremony has yet to be unveiled, Animashaun confirmed partnership with another organisation to enhance the experience for attendees travelling from Nigeria to Canada.
Explaining the rationale behind taking the awards ceremony abroad, Animashaun stressed the need for The Headies to diversify its revenue streams in line with leading international award platforms.
“Most of the awards in the world that you see that are big, that you talk about, they have four or five sources of revenue. Here we have only one, everybody talks about sponsorship,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Grammy Awards, he added, “They have state funding. During COVID, Grammy left Los Angeles and went to Madison Square in New York because LA was shut down.
“LA fought to bring Grammy back because it does something to their economy and it is part of their DNA. What events would you say are part of our DNA as Nigerians?”
The move signals a new direction for The Headies, which returned to Nigeria in 2024 after staging two consecutive editions in the United States.
The 15th and 16th editions of the awards were both held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since its launch in 2006, The Headies has evolved into one of Africa’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, recognising outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
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