The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre - Politics

The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre - Politics - Nairaland

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The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by TheNiceGuy(op): 9:06pm On May 27, 2025

The Price of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, and the Politics of Manufactured Hatred

By Akinyemi Oluwaseye

In the dynamic and often turbulent world of Nigerian politics, the bond between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola once stood as a model of loyalty, mentorship, and shared ideology. Their alliance was instrumental in shaping political outcomes in the South-West, and their collaboration influenced the rise of many within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But as time passed, their once-solid relationship became strained, eventually giving rise to internal divisions and public confrontations. The fallout between Tinubu and Aregbesola is a revealing case study in how perceived favor can invite envy, and how political actors can cohabit to spread organized hatred against someone once considered indispensable.

Tinubu and Aregbesola’s political bond was forged during the early days of Nigeria’s fourth republic, under the progressive ideals of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and later the All Progressives Congress (APC). Aregbesola, once Tinubu’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State, was widely seen as a protégé. With Tinubu’s backing, he ascended to the governorship of Osun State in 2010 through a hard-fought legal battle,a major victory credited to both his popularity and Tinubu’s political machinery.

The turning point in their relationship did not begin with rebellion or betrayal,it began with regional sentiment and political expectations.
In the lead-up to the 2018 Osun gubernatorial election, a strong movement emerged within the state calling for power to shift to the West Senatorial District, which had never produced a governor since Osun’s creation. Many believed it was time for equity and inclusion, and Aregbesola, attuned to the voices of the grassroots, reportedly sympathized with this demand.

However, in a move that would later be both praised and criticized, Aregbesola put aside that regional pressure and worked tirelessly to ensure the victory of Gboyega Oyetola, from the Central Senatorial District,a long-time ally of Tinubu. Despite internal party disagreements and mounting agitation, Aregbesola mobilized his structure and resources to deliver the election.

It was a decision made in loyalty, and yet, ironically, it became the seed of future accusations against him.

What followed was not just political disagreement, it was a deliberate, organized attempt to discredit Aregbesola. Party figures, former allies, media platforms, and online commentators began to paint a new image of him, one of disloyalty, insubordination, and ambition.

The man once hailed for winning Osun back from opposition control and raising the profile of progressive governance was now accused of tearing the party apart. His calls for internal reform and openness were twisted into evidence of rebellion. His silence was branded arrogance. His loyalty was questioned, not based on past contributions, but on his refusal to follow a newer political script.

This conspiracy of hatred was not random,it was systematic. The same political actors who once stood by his side now found common cause in undermining him. The more he attempted to explain his position, the louder the coordinated attacks grew.

In Nigerian politics, perception often overrides reality. The orchestrated campaign against Aregbesola reflected a deeper truth: those presumed to be favored often become targets of envy. When a leader steps out of line with the expectations of power brokers,especially if they enjoy grassroots support,they are quickly rebranded as threats.

Rather than engage in honest conversations about equity, party democracy, and loyalty, detractors weaponized political narratives. Loyalty was no longer measured by vision or history,but by total submission.

The fallout between Tinubu and Aregbesola offers important lessons about the fragility of political alliances and the dangerous ease with which hatred can be organized in the name of loyalty.

Political favor breeds political envy: The higher one rises, the more one becomes a target,not for wrongdoing, but for daring to be independent.
Manufactured hatred is powerful: With the right coordination, even a well-loved leader can be turned into a pariah.
Regional equity must be respected: The call for Osun West to produce a governor wasn’t rebellion,it was a legitimate aspiration. Aregbesola’s sacrifice in supporting Oyetola should have deepened trust, not triggered betrayal.
History must be honored: Aregbesola’s legacy in Osun cannot be erased by political propaganda. Leaders must be evaluated based on long-term impact, not short-term alignment.
The Tinubu-Aregbesola saga is more than a story of personal estrangement,it is a mirror reflecting the toxic elements of Nigeria’s political culture. It reminds us that until independent thinking is no longer punished, and until constructive disagreement is not seen as betrayal, the cycle of orchestrated hatred against those presumed to be favored will continue to thrive.

True democracy cannot exist in a space where dissent is silenced, and loyalty is blind. It is time for Nigerian politics to grow beyond such corrosive tactics and embrace a future built on fairness, inclusion, and principled leadership.

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Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 9:10pm On May 27, 2025

Aregbesola is a betrayal despite the privilege he enjoyed through Tinubu

With no experience, you were made a super commissioner of Works in Lagos state with power that a deputy governor doesn't have.

You were given power and control over the largest Senatorial district in Lagos state where we have competent and better indigene with better records sideline because of you.

You made your money from politics in Lagos but carted away our resources to Osun state while still holding stakes in Lagos state.

Even Satan didn't betray God like you betrayed Tinubu and Lagos before he was banished from heaven.

Ogbeni, Raufu, continue romancing El- Rufai and other betrayals like you, we would see where it will take you to

1 Like

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 9:27pm On May 27, 2025

Look at who is talking about regional equality, what do you expect the indigene of Alimosho, Lagos West Senatorial district and the entire Lagosisn to say when you took what belong to the people of Lagos.

What stake do you have I Lagos where you were made commissioner for 8year, was that the type of equally you were fighting for? Ingrate!

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by muyico(m): 9:27pm On May 27, 2025

Politics is a dirty games, no permanent frnds, no permanent enemy

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Amotolongbo(f): 9:28pm On May 27, 2025

Damage control
Too late

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by TheNiceGuy(op): 9:54pm On May 27, 2025

Well, you're free to say anything you wish to say. Call him a betrayal, we love him like that.

If only you would pray to experience what Aregbesola and his supporters' experienced from the hands of thesame APC party he was a founding member when Oyetola was governor under the watch of Tinubu, after being a part to the latter's enthronement as governor. You'll not.

If Aregbesola has died the day he was shot at in Old garage by thesame APC members, you wouldn't call him a betrayal right. The arrest, gargling and hunting APC leaders loyal to him. All these before his vituperations when Tinubu aid and abbet them.

You all can go on and say anything.

Ttalk:
Aregbesola is a betrayal despite the privilege he enjoyed through Tinubu

With no experience, you were made a super commissioner of Works in Lagos state with power that a deputy governor doesn't have.

You were given power and control over the largest Senatorial district in Lagos state where we have competent and better indigene with better records sideline because of you.

You made your money from politics in Lagos but carted away our resources to Osun state while still holding stakes in Lagos state.

Even Satan didn't betray God like you betrayed Tinubu and Lagos before he was banished from heaven.

Ogbeni, Raufu, continue romancing El- Rufai and other betrayals like you, we would see where it will take you to

1 Like

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 6:43am On May 28, 2025

TheNiceGuy:
Well, you're free to say anything you wish to say. Call him a betrayal, we love him like that.

If only you would pray to experience what Aregbesola and his supporters' experienced from the hands of thesame APC party he was a founding member when Oyetola was governor under the watch of Tinubu, after being a part to the latter's enthronement as governor. You'll not.

If Aregbesola has died the day he was shot at in Old garage by thesame APC members, you wouldn't call him a betrayal right. The arrest, gargling and hunting APC leaders loyal to him. All these before his vituperations when Tinubu aid and abbet them.

You all can go on and say anything.

Maybe you didn't read your post above where Aregbesola was preaching about equity, someone who superintendent over inequality in Lagos state with his mandate group, dictating and appointing whoever he likes into position unhindered, such mouth shouldnt have a voice to shout equality. It is hypocrisy.

Aregbe would probably still be working in a hotel today if he wasn't picked up by Tinubu.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by AMINDA: 7:22am On May 28, 2025

Tinubu and his Agbadorians have persecution complex. Everyone is always betraying Tinubu but he betrays no-one. His 3 deputy governors in 8 years as Lagos State governor "betrayed" him. Ambode betrayed him. Sanwo-olu is the latest "betrayer" because Tinubu couldn't win Lagos due to his unpopularity. They now claim he funded Atiku. Aregbesola "betrayed" him by imposing his cousin, Oyetola on Osun as a successor. Osinbajo betrayed him for daring to aspire and to rescue Nigeria from what we are now beginning to see. His famous speech, "Vote who you know, don't vote for who you don't know" now makes a lot of sense.

Elrufai "betrayed" him by sticking with him and incurring a lot of enemies on his behalf just to sell his candidacy in the North. They say because Amaechi was his preferred candidate before the primaries, that means his support to Tinubu was fake. They accuse him of not delivering his state but neither could Tinubu himself, Ganduje, Akpabio, Umahi, Oshiomhole and so many others.

He now prefers people like Reno, Bwala, Shehu Sani and other foes who never betrayed him to come and dine where others toiled. The list of betrayals go on and on.

Nigerians are not fooled. They know who the master-betrayer is.

2 Likes

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Validated: 8:06am On May 28, 2025

Ttalk:
Aregbesola is a betrayal despite the privilege he enjoyed through Tinubu

With no experience, you were made a super commissioner of Works in Lagos state with power that a deputy governor doesn't have.

You were given power and control over the largest Senatorial district in Lagos state where we have competent and better indigene with better records sideline because of you.
You made your money from politics in Lagos but carted away our resources to Osun state while still holding stakes in Lagos state.
Even Satan didn't betray God like you betrayed Tinubu and Lagos before he was banished from heaven.
Ogbeni, Raufu, continue romancing El- Rufai and other betrayals like you, we would see where it will take you to

Which family tree are you from in Lagos? Stop saying "our state".

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by koxyz: 10:58am On May 28, 2025

Na true Lagosian him bé.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by koxyz: 10:59am On May 28, 2025

Validated:
Which family tree are you from in Lagos? Stop saying "our state".

koxyz:
Na true Lagosian him bé.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by helinues: 11:18am On May 28, 2025

Aregbesola is the one loosing out in all this.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 11:37am On May 28, 2025

Validated:
Which family tree are you from in Lagos? Stop saying "our state".

Stop dabbling into affairs that didn't cosign you. Did you see me poke my nose into your affairs when Ekweremadu was harvesting organs of your youths or you see me put mouth when Asia countries were hanging your brothers for drug trafficking?

Abeg dey your dey

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 11:40am On May 28, 2025

AMINDA:
Tinubu and his Agbadorians have persecution complex. Everyone is always betraying Tinubu but he betrays no-one. His 3 deputy governors in 8 years as Lagos State governor "betrayed" him. Ambode betrayed him. Sanwo-olu is the latest "betrayer" because Tinubu couldn't win Lagos due to his unpopularity. They now claim he funded Atiku. Aregbesola "betrayed" him by imposing his cousin, Oyetola on Osun as a successor. Osinbajo betrayed him for daring to aspire and to rescue Nigeria from what we are now beginning to see. His famous speech, "Vote who you know, don't vote for who you don't know" now makes a lot of sense.

Elrufai "betrayed" him by sticking with him and incurring a lot of enemies on his behalf just to sell his candidacy in the North. They say because Amaechi was his preferred candidate before the primaries, that means his support to Tinubu was fake. They accuse him of not delivering his state but neither could Tinubu himself, Ganduje, Akpabio, Umahi, Oshiomhole and so many others.

He now prefers people like Reno, Bwala, Shehu Sani and other foes who never betrayed him to come and dine where others toiled. The list of betrayals go on and on.

Nigerians are not fooled. They know who the master-betrayer is.

You never for once make any sense on political matter, abi is there a reward for being stpd?

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by TheNiceGuy(op): 7:36pm On May 28, 2025

They're little minded people

Everyone Tinubu has issue with is betrayal to their little minds.

AMINDA:
Tinubu and his Agbadorians have persecution complex. Everyone is always betraying Tinubu but he betrays no-one. His 3 deputy governors in 8 years as Lagos State governor "betrayed" him. Ambode betrayed him. Sanwo-olu is the latest "betrayer" because Tinubu couldn't win Lagos due to his unpopularity. They now claim he funded Atiku. Aregbesola "betrayed" him by imposing his cousin, Oyetola on Osun as a successor. Osinbajo betrayed him for daring to aspire and to rescue Nigeria from what we are now beginning to see. His famous speech, "Vote who you know, don't vote for who you don't know" now makes a lot of sense.

Elrufai "betrayed" him by sticking with him and incurring a lot of enemies on his behalf just to sell his candidacy in the North. They say because Amaechi was his preferred candidate before the primaries, that means his support to Tinubu was fake. They accuse him of not delivering his state but neither could Tinubu himself, Ganduje, Akpabio, Umahi, Oshiomhole and so many others.

He now prefers people like Reno, Bwala, Shehu Sani and other foes who never betrayed him to come and dine where others toiled. The list of betrayals go on and on.

Nigerians are not fooled. They know who the master-betrayer is.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Ttalk: 7:46pm On May 28, 2025

TheNiceGuy:
They're little minded people

Everyone Tinubu has issue with is betrayal to their little minds.

It's not about Tinubu but about equality your Aregbe is pushing here justifying his anger as a reaction to a political equally he stood for, and I ask what type of holiness is Satan preaching about.

Re: The Price Of Loyalty: Tinubu, Aregbesola, And The Politics Of Manufactured Hatre by Justnation: 10:02pm On May 28, 2025

AMINDA:
Tinubu and his Agbadorians have persecution complex. Everyone is always betraying Tinubu but he betrays no-one. His 3 deputy governors in 8 years as Lagos State governor "betrayed" him. Ambode betrayed him. Sanwo-olu is the latest "betrayer" because Tinubu couldn't win Lagos due to his unpopularity. They now claim he funded Atiku. Aregbesola "betrayed" him by imposing his cousin, Oyetola on Osun as a successor. Osinbajo betrayed him for daring to aspire and to rescue Nigeria from what we are now beginning to see. His famous speech, "Vote who you know, don't vote for who you don't know" now makes a lot of sense.

Elrufai "betrayed" him by sticking with him and incurring a lot of enemies on his behalf just to sell his candidacy in the North. They say because Amaechi was his preferred candidate before the primaries, that means his support to Tinubu was fake. They accuse him of not delivering his state but neither could Tinubu himself, Ganduje, Akpabio, Umahi, Oshiomhole and so many others.

He now prefers people like Reno, Bwala, Shehu Sani and other foes who never betrayed him to come and dine where others toiled. The list of betrayals go on and on.

Nigerians are not fooled. They know who the master-betrayer is.

Tinubu is Judas Iscariot he has betrayed NIGERIANS into the hands of IMF and other foreign financial undertakers

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