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.
One of Nollywood’s finest, Halima Abubakar has announced her conversion from Islam to Christianity, dedicating her life to serve Jesus Christ after she was divinely healed from a mysterious ailment that held her down for nine years.
She is set to give an open testimony of her miraculous healing, the untold story behind her ailment, and how God intervened, using the Queen Belemzy Ministries (School of Power) to bring her back on her feet.
Abubakar’s official testimony was part of the activities lined up for the Queen Belemzy Ministries programme tagged Holy Ghost Revival, at Merit House, Maitama Abuja last Saturday 4 July 2026.
The multiple award-winning actress stated: “I’m a brand new person now. I have given my life to Christ. I want to serve God because He has helped me. I almost died. They almost killed me. This is not about movies; this is about restoration and testimony. Halima Abubakar is back, big and better.”
Abubakar reminisced that the first time Apostle Queen Belemzy called her on the phone, “I was somehow rude to her because of my mood then, but she still went ahead to pray with me over the phone. I later felt the impact of her prayers regarding my health, so I started searching for her number via my Whatsapp calls. I eventually got in touch with her, she continued to pray with me and God took control of everything through her.
”Right now, I’m ready to serve God because He wants me to serve Him. He has delivered me, so I need to serve Him and preach His gospel to the people,” Abubakar concluded.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide, Ìgbìmọ̀ Apapo Ọmọ Yorùbá Lágbàáyé, has announced the appointment of Mr. Gboyega Adeoye as its new Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson.
The appointment was formally conveyed by the President of the Council, His Royal Majesty Sooko (Barr.) Oladotun Hassan, Esq., Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife.
Ogbeni Adeoye, a versatile and veteran journalist with nearly three decades of experience in print, broadcast and digital media, brings to the Council a proven track record in public communications, media strategy, and development advocacy. He is also widely known as a frontline rights activist of no mean repute, with years of advocacy for justice, good governance, and the protection of indigenous rights.
In his new role, Ogbeni Adeoye is fully empowered to speak on behalf of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, issue official press statements, respond to media inquiries, and represent the Council’s position on critical national issues and matters affecting the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.
Announcing the appointment, HRM Sooko Oladotun Hassan said the selection of Ogbeni Adeoye was deliberate, based on his capacity, credibility and commitment to cultural advancement.
“Ogbeni Gboyega Adeoye has been carefully selected based on his proven capacity in public communications, development advocacy, and cultural strategy. He shall henceforth serve as the official voice and image of our Council on all matters relating to the media and public discourse,” the President stated.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide is a foremost global institution committed to the cultural, political and socio-economic advancement of the Yoruba people.
With this appointment, all media engagements, public clarifications, live appearances and official statements pertaining to the Yoruba Council Worldwide for and on behalf of the Yoruba indigenous people globally should be directed to the office of the Publicity Secretary.
Adeoye expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Council for the trust reposed in him, pledging to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, truth and cultural dignity in projecting the ideals of the Yoruba nation.
The Council solicits the cooperation of all media houses and editors nationwide as it continues to advance its shared ideals for national development, cultural renaissance and good governance.
International News
Ghana Rejects State Visit By Ramaphosa As Xenophobic Attacks Ignite Diplomatic Row With SA.
Fresh diplomatic tensions have emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government declined to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals.
The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghana says was killed during demonstrations associated with renewed attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.
Officials in Accra said the postponement of the visit reflects Ghana’s growing concern over the security of its citizens residing in South Africa.
They maintained that ensuring the safety of Ghanaians abroad must take precedence over high-level diplomatic engagements.
President Ramaphosa had been expected in Ghana during the first week of August for a state visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between both countries.
The visit was also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral cooperation and concerns surrounding attacks on foreign nationals.
However, Ghanaian authorities indicated that the prevailing situation made it difficult to proceed with the visit until issues surrounding the reported killing and the welfare of Ghanaian citizens were adequately addressed.
As part of its response, the Ghanaian government has formally protested to South African authorities over Isak’s death and expressed broader concerns about the safety of Ghanaians living in the country.
According to Ghanaian officials, Isak was shot dead during what they described as “anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks” in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township.
South Africa has rejected that account, insisting that Ghana’s claims are inaccurate.
Authorities in Pretoria said no fatalities were recorded during the June 30 demonstrations, which attracted thousands of protesters in different parts of the country.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accused Ghanaian authorities of circulating incorrect information capable of damaging South Africa’s reputation.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said in a statement.
“The spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” she added.
The disagreement has placed renewed attention on the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where previous incidents of violence against foreign nationals have repeatedly drawn concern from governments across the continent.
Although the latest dispute has strained relations, Ghana and South Africa remain two of Africa’s closest diplomatic and economic partners, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, regional integration and continental affairs. Officials from both countries are expected to continue diplomatic engagements as efforts are made to resolve the disagreement and preserve their longstanding bilateral ties.
The Ghanaian government had earlier petitioned the African Union (AU) over the killing of one of its citizens, a 40-year-old fashion designer, Mr. Bashiru Isak, who was allegedly shot dead during anti-immigrant violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Ghanaian government described the incident as a senseless act of xenophobic brutality.
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