A member of the House of Representatives from Oriade-Obokun Federal Constituency, Wole Oke, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State would have been dead but for former Governor Gboyega Oyetola who is currently the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

This is as rival camps in the state belonging to APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, and former APC Scribe and ex-deputy governor Iyiola Omisore; oppose Oke’s claim.

Oke, who is also the Director General of the APC 2026 Governorship Campaign, took to his official Facebook page on Friday night, saying the APC has survived in Osun because of Oyetola despite that he lost the state to Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022.

The lawmaker said, “HE Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola may not be a perfect man. However, he gave so many politicians in Osun and beyond political relevance. He gave some of our leaders survival lines. He gave a lot of our brothers and sisters political appointments. Without him, the APC would have been dead in Osun State.”

Oke’s statement has attracted criticisms from the camps of Omisore and Basiru who accused the lawmaker of crediting the party’s existence in the state solely to Oyetola and sidelining other leaders.

Some also believe that whilst members of the APC in the state have benefited from Oyetola, the people of state have been neglected.

A Facebook user, Lawal Omoyemi, replied to Oke’s post saying, “Everything Oyetola is doing seems geared toward pleasing the Osun APC, while the interests and welfare of the good people of Osun State are being sacrificed.”

Oluwole Ojo asked, “How many people have you been able to influence job for through HE Gboyega oyetola in his ministry? How many youths have you empowered since 2023 without being your political slave? The upcoming revolution will retire you in the 2027 General Elections.”

Olawole Oluwakayode wrote, “This game you’re playing will expire soon I can assure you, brother Wole. Go and ask Senator Iyiola Omisore and get wisdom. By the time they’re done using you, you will be on your own.”

Abiodun Baruwa said, “The real question is: what did the ordinary people of Osun gain? Many citizens still remember the era of hardship, modest salaries, and economic struggles. In 2026, the voters will judge based on their experiences and current realities, not political endorsements.”