Tension appears to be brewing within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a public disagreement between supporters of Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and Senate aspirant Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe over a controversial statement made at a recent political rally.
The dispute stems from remarks reportedly made by Ogungbangbe during an APC women leaders’ rally held in Ijebu-Jesa, where he allegedly declared himself the “incoming Senator.” Speaking in Yoruba, he was quoted as saying, “Emi ni incoming Senator, Babawa Fadahunsi ti gbelemi lọwọ,” meaning “Senator Fadahunsi has handed over to me.”
Reacting swiftly, the media team of Senator Fadahunsi issued a statement on Saturday, describing the claim as false and misleading. In the release signed by Omole Oluwasegun Omo-Osodi, Head of Media and Public Enlightenment to the senator, the camp distanced Fadahunsi from any endorsement of Ogungbangbe’s ambition.
“There is never a time our Principal called or met Mr. Thomas Ogungbangbe to discuss his ambition,” the statement read, adding that the senator’s name should not be used for “cheap popularity.” The team also demanded a public apology from Ogungbangbe.
However, in a counter-position articulated in a piece titled “Save Fadahunsi From Twists And Turns, Handover Clear As Day,” authored by Isaac Olusesi, Ogungbangbe’s camp dismissed the controversy as unnecessary and misinterpreted.
According to the statement, Ogungbangbe’s remarks were not intended as a slight against the incumbent senator but rather as a respectful expression of his readiness to contest for the Osun East Senatorial seat. It emphasized that the statement was made in a cordial and politically engaging atmosphere during the official flag-off of APC campaign activities in Ijesaland.
The response further argued that the interpretation of the comment as offensive reflects growing political tension and anxiety ahead of party primaries. It maintained that the statement was neither divisive nor an attack but a symbolic expression of political succession within democratic norms.
Supporters of Ogungbangbe also suggested that the senator’s reaction may be influenced by mounting pressure and internal party dynamics in Osun East, urging him instead to provide strategic support for emerging leaders within the party.
The unfolding exchange highlights simmering rivalry within the APC in Osun East Senatorial District as political actors position themselves ahead of future elections.
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