Unveiling Benedict Alabi: A Treacherous Deputy In Search For Relevance

By Wasiu Inaolaji

In recent political discourse, the figure of Benedict Alabi, former deputy governor of Osun State, has come under scrutiny for his alleged disloyalty and subversive actions against his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Contrary to his public image as a reconciliatory figure, Alabi's actions paint a different picture of a political opportunist willing to undermine his principal, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, for personal gains.

One of the most striking revelations is Alabi's role as a snitch, allegedly divulging sensitive information about the APC to their political rivals, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Unconfirmed reports have disclosed that he is not only close to the Adelekes' family, he regularly visits the Ede residence of the dancing senator, though secretly, under the cover of darkness, in a desperate move to discharge his treacherous act. A trending photo of the Ikire-born politician frolicking with Governor Adeleke, in a recent social event, is an affirmation of the affable relationship that exists between the two politicians. While politics should not be played with bitterness, this open and lousy display of affection with the Osun governor (the governor who has repressed and subjected members of Alabi's party to great discomfort) is unhealthy, and capable of stretching the commitment of average members of the party who see the governor as their chief tormentor and political adversary.

Further scrutiny reveals that Alabi actively worked against the APC during the last House of Assembly election for Irewole/Isokan state constituency. This calculated move further questions his commitment to the party's success at all levels of governance within the state .

Moreover, Alabi's electoral value is brought into question, with allegations of stinginess and being disliked by many Ikire indigenes, due to his selfish and unfriendly demeanour.

These traits not only alienate him from the people but also queries his ability to effectively represent their interests.

In the July 2022 governorship election where he was a running mate to ex-Governor Oyetola, the APC was only able to edge the PDP with just 22 votes: APC polled 206 votes, while PDP polled 184. This was at a time virtually all the leaders of the party won in grand-style, with wide margin, in almost all the polling units in the town.

Again, in the state assembly election in 2023 (an election which has heavily cast doubts on his political integrity and relevance for he has been repeatedly accused of working against the candidature of Prince Bisi Oyegbade {Bisi Ilu} of APC), the party lost in all the 14 polling units in Alabi's Ikire Ward 6, including in his Baptist Day School, Ikire, Unit 7. APC polled 146 votes as against PDP's 184 votes in the unit.

A pivotal moment in this narrative is Alabi's despicable statement in a May 24, 2023's interview with Premium Times, where he audaciously claimed to be the sole person capable of reconciling the APC factions, despite his track record of divisive actions. This self-promotion, in contrast to the reconciliatory efforts led by Governor Oyetola, highlights Alabi's ambition over Party unity.

Quoting Alabi in part, “To me, it is very easy. Yes when the battle is hot it can be difficult to reconcile people. But everybody has tested their strength now. We need to call ourselves to order and chart a new course and that can be done by someone that is not factional, someone that all the factions will trust, someone who is not after personal gains,


“The structures are there, I know who and who to reach out to and what button to press. If I am given that opportunity, having been a contestant for governorship before and also being the deputy governor of the state, I belong to no faction, I belong to the party and that is where I still remain till tomorrow.”

Who is after personal gains? Who is factional? Ex-Governor Oyetola? These terrible lines from Alabi, barely 6 months after APC left government, were inappropriate and undeserving for Oyetola, his boss and political benefactor.

As the political landscape evolves, it is suggested that Alabi's opportunistic tendencies would find a better fit within the PDP, especially considering his alleged lobbying for a senatorial ticket from the Adelekes. This seemingly strategic move aligns with Alabi's history of prioritizing personal gain over party loyalty, marking him as a political actor whose allegiances shift with convenience rather than conviction. It is better the double dealer aligns fully with the PDP and fights to clinch the Osun west senate ticket, rather than playing a spoiler role in the APC.

Stop writing nonsense