Osun guber: Oyebamiji not Oyetola’s preferred aspirant — Ex-deputy gov

…joins race for APC guber ticket

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Alabi, has declared that former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has no preferred aspirant in the build-up to the 2026 governorship election, dismissing speculations that Oyetola is backing Bola Oyebamiji.

Alabi, who recently joined the race for the Osun governorship under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said although Oyetola maintains a working relationship with Oyebamiji, it does not translate to him being the ex-governor’s choice.

“It is true that he has a working relationship with Bola Oyebamiji, one of the aspirants, but that doesn’t mean he is Oyetola’s preferred person,” Alabi said. “I know him very well. I have worked with him like so many other aspirants and would not choose any aspirant above others. He has briefed us all and wished everyone good luck.”

Speaking on his ambition, Alabi promised Osun people effective leadership and inclusive governance if given the party’s ticket, stressing that his aspiration was not driven by personal ambition but by a calling to serve.

“My aspiration to lead Osun State as governor is not born out of personal ambition, but out of a deep calling to serve,” he stated. “I have walked through the towns and villages of our state, engaged with communities, and seen both their struggles and their resilience. With effective leadership, we can reclaim our mandate and unlock the full potential of Osun.”

ALSO READ:Adeleke flags off inmates’ enrollment in free healthcare scheme

He noted that he had “formidable structures and auspicious templates” capable of rapidly transforming the state, adding that he would not disappoint the party if entrusted with the governorship ticket.

Outlining his vision, Alabi pledged to usher Osun into a new era of governance where citizens — whether young or old, farmers, traders, artisans, or entrepreneurs — would feel the tangible impact of government in their lives.

“My philosophy is built on the principles of inclusive growth through unity and discipline,” he added, assuring that his administration would make the state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

TRIBUNEONLINE