By Charles Kumolu & Olasunkanmi Akoni

THE roles reportedly played by prominent Yoruba monarchs in the return of Chief Segun Osoba to the All Progressives Congress, APC, underscored the prominence of the former governor of Ogun State in the affairs of the South West region.

Besides, highlighting the homogeneous political leaning that had been a notable aspect of politics in the zone, the development reaffirmed Osoba’s place as one of the leading lights of the Yoruba race.

•Osoba: Returns to the fold

For a zone known for lining up its best in pursuance of progressive national and regional objectives, the departure of Osoba from the progressive fold was believed to have been less salutary to the Yoruba nation.

It was so considering the political and traditional influence the two-time governor of Ogun State wields.

On the political front, Osoba, who is one of the founding fathers of the APC, is considered an unarguable asset in terms of experience, followership and bridge building prowess among others.

An attestation to this reputed sagacity amply reflected in the high profile leaders and teeming followers, who left and returned to the progressives’ fold in solidarity with him.

His traditional titles of Aremo Awujale and the Akinrogun of Egbaland , are seen as notable connections between the various sub-tribes within the Yoruba race.

Little wonder the imprints of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona are emblazoned on the paths and processes leading to his return.

Expatiating that while clarifying some misconceptions trailing his recent return, Osoba credited the traditional rulers to have convinced him to return to the progressive fold.

At the Lagos gathering which was attended by leading serving and past political leaders of South West extraction, Osoba’s import in the socio-political configuration of the region came to the fore.

As such, the leaders resolved whatever differences that had existed among them so as to pursue the developmental goals of the region with a more unified front.

The attendees include Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun; ex-governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure and Senator Gbenga Obadara among others.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the nearly four-hour meeting, Aregbesola said progressive leaders of the zone would collectively work towards the revival Nigeria’s ailing economy.

His words: “The leadership of progressive leadership in western Nigeria, leadership of progressive met today at the residence of Aremo Osoba and have resolved all the differences within the leadership completely. As such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics is united. And we are ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance for the western part of Nigeria and we are committed to doing that for the entire nation.

‘’We have resolved to support the effort at the National level to revive the economy and put the people of Nigeria in a better position than we met them when our party came to power.

The Aremo himself is back in the progressive leadership of Yoruba race. I have told you that the progressive leadership of Yoruba race is now ready and set to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide.

“Progressive leadership is on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC. All governors of the APC in the Western part of Nigeria are here. With the leadership united, whoever subscribes to the leadership of the leaders must be part of this.”

On his part, Tinubu while speaking on the sidelines noted that the party leaders of South West extraction resolved to be more progressive in pushing forward with their common vision.

His words: ‘’What is very crucial is forging one front and for us to remain progressive in our party. I am an unapologetic progressive and I will remain a progressive. And that is the only philosophy and principle I believe. Wherever the Progressives must unite with their vision, I am for it. No body is left out, it is all progressive and no one is left out. The governor of Ogun State is with us. Governor of Ogun State was elected on the platform of the APC and he is for the APC.’’

While dismissing claims that he had endorsed Akande for the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees, he said:’’This is not a leaderless revolution, leaders are defined and identified and it is clear that we are all one including governor of Ogun State. We are not in PDP that is why they think of something they are not. We have never had a BoT, we have never held our congress base on any BoT and we have internal reviews of our organisation and things that we have to plan. It is part of it that we are seeing here now.”