Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has reinforced his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that his return to the ruling party marks a homecoming to the political family where his career was nurtured.
Arapaja made the declaration on Thursday during a visit to the Ibadan residence of the APC apex leader in Ibadan South East Local Government, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa Gbayawu, in what observers described as another significant step in consolidating his return to the progressive fold following his widely reported exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Bamitale Ibrahim, the former deputy governor was received by party leaders, ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as other stakeholders, who welcomed him into the APC.
Addressing party faithful, Arapaja expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating his return to the APC and for what he described as the President’s intervention in restoring his security aides, which he alleged had earlier been withdrawn by the Oyo State Government.
Describing the visit as that of “a son returning to his father’s house,” Arapaja traced his political roots to the progressive movement, recalling that his late father, Alhaji Oladimeji Oladejo Arapaja, was a close ally of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo alongside prominent Ibadan political figures, including Baba Lamidi Adedibu and Alhaji Gbayawu.
He also recounted how the late Chief Bola Ige sponsored his education in the United Kingdom and later encouraged his political ambition, leading to his successful emergence as a local government chairman under the Zero Party era.
“I am happy to be back to the progressive fold. This is the home of the core progressives. Baba Gbayawu remains one of the few surviving loyalists of Chief Awolowo, and Ibadan South East has always been the heartbeat of Ibadan politics,” he said.
The former deputy governor took a swipe at the current administration in Oyo State, accusing it of abandoning loyal party members after benefiting from their political sacrifices, describing the situation as a “use-and-dump” style of leadership.
Arapaja pledged unwavering loyalty to the APC, promising to work with the party’s leadership to secure victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in Oyo State during the 2027 general elections.
Responding, Gbayawu disclosed that President Tinubu personally informed him of his discussions with Arapaja and requested that the former deputy governor be received back into the APC.
Describing Arapaja as a formidable political force, the APC chieftain urged him to remain focused despite criticism, assuring him of the party’s support.
Among those present at the reception were Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Hon. Sakirullahi Fajinmi, Hon. Kola Amoo, Hon. Ibraheem Iyiola (Dudu), Hon. Oladimeji Murisiku, Ibadan South East APC Chairman, Hon. Asanike, ward chairmen, women leaders and other party stakeholders.
According to a statement issued by his Personal Assistant, Bamitale Ibrahim, the former deputy governor was received by party leaders, ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as other stakeholders, who welcomed him into the APC.
Addressing party faithful, Arapaja expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating his return to the APC and for what he described as the President’s intervention in restoring his security aides, which he alleged had earlier been withdrawn by the Oyo State Government.
Describing the visit as that of “a son returning to his father’s house,” Arapaja traced his political roots to the progressive movement, recalling that his late father, Alhaji Oladimeji Oladejo Arapaja, was a close ally of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo alongside prominent Ibadan political figures, including Baba Lamidi Adedibu and Alhaji Gbayawu.
He also recounted how the late Chief Bola Ige sponsored his education in the United Kingdom and later encouraged his political ambition, leading to his successful emergence as a local government chairman under the Zero Party era.
“I am happy to be back to the progressive fold. This is the home of the core progressives. Baba Gbayawu remains one of the few surviving loyalists of Chief Awolowo, and Ibadan South East has always been the heartbeat of Ibadan politics,” he said.
The former deputy governor took a swipe at the current administration in Oyo State, accusing it of abandoning loyal party members after benefiting from their political sacrifices, describing the situation as a “use-and-dump” style of leadership.
Arapaja pledged unwavering loyalty to the APC, promising to work with the party’s leadership to secure victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in Oyo State during the 2027 general elections.
Responding, Gbayawu disclosed that President Tinubu personally informed him of his discussions with Arapaja and requested that the former deputy governor be received back into the APC.
Describing Arapaja as a formidable political force, the APC chieftain urged him to remain focused despite criticism, assuring him of the party’s support.
Among those present at the reception were Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, Hon. Sakirullahi Fajinmi, Hon. Kola Amoo, Hon. Ibraheem Iyiola (Dudu), Hon. Oladimeji Murisiku, Ibadan South East APC Chairman, Hon. Asanike, ward chairmen, women leaders and other party stakeholders.
Arapaja was accompanied by several political associates and loyalists, including Hon. Jimoh Fadipe, Engr. Sunday Babatunde and Banjo Bigger.
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