Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, today visited the residence of the apex leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ibadan South East local government, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, describing his move to the APC as a return to his core progressive family.
The statement made available to journalists through Ambassador Arapaja Personal Assistant, Bamitale Ibrahim noted that Arapaja was warmly received by party stalwarts, ward chairmen, women and youth leaders.
Speaking during the visit, Arapaja expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for welcoming him to the party and for intervening to restore his security details, which he stated were withdrawn by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Describing his visit as that of a son returning to his father’s house, Arapaja who highlighted his deep roots in progressive politics, recalled that his late father, Alhaji Oladimeji Oladejo Arapaja, fought in the political trenches of Chief Obafemi Awolowo alongside Baba Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaji Gbayawu and other notable politicians of their contemporaries.
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He also noted that the late Chief Bola Ige sponsored his UK scholarship, after which progressive leaders welcomed him back to launch his political career when he contested a chairmanship position under zero party and won on the goodwill of his father’s good name.
“I am happy to be back to the progressive fold. This is the home of the core progressives. Baba Gbayawu is one of the few progressives who are ardent followers of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo that we have around. Ibadan South East is the home of Ibadan politics and all politicians here are one.” Arapaja said.
He criticized the current Oyo State administration for adopting a “use and dump” approach toward those who worked for its election, emphasizing that political sacrifice deserves reward.
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Arapaja pledged his total loyalty to the APC, committing to work alongside party leaders to ensure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, Hon Adesoji Adedeji, Senator Remi Oseni, Hon Ibraheem Iyiola and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Welcoming him, Alhaji Gbayawu confirmed that President Tinubu told him that he spoke with Arapaja and asked him to return to the party.
Describing Arapaja as a political heavyweight, Gbayawu urged him to ignore detractors and stay focused.
The reception was attended by key party figures, including Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Hon. Sakirullahi Fajinmi, Hon. Kola Amoo, Hon. Ibraheem Iyiola (Dudu), APC House of Representatives candidate Hon. Oladimeji Murisiku, and Ibadan South East APC Chairman, Hon. Asanike, All ward Chairmen, Local Government Women Leader and other Stakeholders.
Arapaja was accompanied by Hon. Jimoh Fadipe, Banjo Bigger, Engr. Sunday Babatunde, Hon. Sina Olapoju, Hammed Arapaja, Taofeek Adesina, Hon Moruff Hammed, Iyiola Mutairu, Kola Adekola Ribadu, Akeem Olowoake and other close associates.
