Omoluabi Progressives, a group enjoying the backing of ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State, on Friday said the ex-Osun helmsman would not be declared inconsequential in the party.

The group was reacting to the claim by the immediate past Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, who said Aregbesola had ceased to be in the party.

Adeleke served as a commissioner in the cabinet of ex-governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is currently serving as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

He spoke at the Osun Central Senatorial meeting of the APC held in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Wednesday.

In a video clip of Adeleke’s remarks at the event obtained on Thursday, the APC chieftain said all serious members of the party in Osun State were aware that Aregbesola was not currently a member of the party.

But reacting to Adeleke’s claim in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Friday, the Abosede said, “It will do the Osun progressive family much good if it retraces its steps and embraces a man who left all political offices intact before exiting government in 2018. Ogbeni handed over power to Oyetola, and left behind two APC senators, six Federal House of Representatives members, 23 House of Assembly members, all the 69 Local Government, LCDA & Area offices Chairmen.”

PUNCH