“MAKINDE MADE ARAPAJA, OR ARAPAJA MADE HIMSELF RELEVANT? THE POLITICAL QUESTION OYO MUST ANSWER”
By Bamitale Ibrahim Idi-Arere, Ileonigba Area, Ibadan
In politics, there is a dangerous habit of rewriting history to suit personal interests. Today, some people are quick to shout that Governor Seyi Makinde made Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja politically relevant, conveniently ignoring the experience, political influence, loyalty and capacity that Arapaja brought to the table.
Let us ask a fundamental question: If Arapaja had no political value, why was he repeatedly entrusted with significant political responsibilities?
Political appointments and strategic responsibilities are rarely handed out in a vacuum. They often reflect a combination of political experience, credibility, loyalty, influence and the ability to deliver. If Governor Seyi Makinde repeatedly found Arapaja worthy of important assignments, it is reasonable to acknowledge that Arapaja had political attributes that made him relevant to those decisions.
It is, therefore, intellectually dishonest to portray the relationship as though it were a one-sided act of political benevolence.
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Certainly, Makinde has played a significant role in shaping Oyo State’s political landscape, and his political decisions have had consequences for many political actors. However, acknowledging his influence should not mean denying the contributions, political history or independent relevance of those who worked with him.
Equally important is the question of loyalty. Throughout their political association, Arapaja was not widely known for publicly repudiating the political trust placed in him. His supporters may reasonably point to that history as evidence of his commitment to the relationship he maintained with Makinde.
However, loyalty should never be mistaken for political subservience, just as political mentorship should not be confused with sole ownership of another person’s achievements.
What is particularly striking is how some individuals now seem eager to take ownership of a political journey in which their own contributions remain open to question. Political history should be judged by verifiable contributions, not by who shouts the loudest or claims the greatest influence.
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No individual, regardless of political stature, should be credited with another person’s entire political existence. Political relationships thrive on mutual interests, shared responsibilities and the contributions of the people involved.
As political realignments continue to reshape Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, the debate over political loyalty, influence and individual contributions is likely to remain prominent. What matters is that the conversation is grounded in facts rather than personal attacks or selective recollections.
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At the end of the day, political history cannot be rewritten simply to accommodate today’s interests. Those who contributed to a political journey deserve to have their contributions acknowledged, while every political actor must ultimately account for their own decisions and alliances.
Bamitale Ibrahim Idi-Arere, Ileonigba Area, Ibadan
October 2, 2026.
