Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, humbly
approached his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola,
the former Governor of Osun
State, seeking forgiveness for any pain or discomfort he might have caused him.
Aregbesola and Oyetola had been at odds with each other since Oyetola served as
Aregbesola’s Chief of Staff before becoming governor. Aregbesola had vowed to
work against Oyetola’s re-election bid due to the policy reversals that took
place.
After losing to Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022, Oyetola
accused Aregbesola of collaborating with Adeleke, who belonged to the
opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in ensuring the defeat of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.
On Wednesday, Aregbesola arrived in Osogbo, the capital of
Osun State, from Abuja, where he had served in former President Buhari’s
cabinet. Upon his arrival, he paid visits to the palace of Owa Obokun, Oba
Gabriel Aromolaran, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun. Later, he addressed
his supporters at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage.
Speaking in Yoruba, Aregbesola addressed his supporters,
emphasizing that his return to Osun was not driven by animosity or bitterness
but by a desire for reconciliation within the APC. He expressed his sincere
apologies to anyone who had been offended by his actions, stating that the
reason people applaud him for his accomplishments in Osun today was due to the
remarkable work he had done during his time in government. He acknowledged that
those who had become his adversaries were once his colleagues, and they had
worked together.
Aregbesola expressed gratitude to God for his rise to
prominence, attributing his success to President Bola Tinubu, who had played a
pivotal role in his political journey. He recounted his previous position as a
commissioner in Lagos for eight years and recalled a meeting in Badagry in
2004, during which Tinubu and other Yoruba elders had directed him to take over
Osun State from the opposition party.
He credited God’s help and Tinubu’s support for his
successful tenure as governor for eight years, acknowledging that it had not
been an easy journey, especially with the betrayal of those who had now turned
into enemies during the last four years.
Aregbesola further recounted the events of 2019 when he
handed over power to Oyetola after the Supreme Court judgment. At that time, he
had advised Oyetola to ensure unity within the party, and if that was achieved,
Aregbesola would act as a godfather figure. However, Aregbesola lamented that
his words were misinterpreted and twisted by others. He clarified that he had
never asked for anything from them when he held power.
With sincerity in his voice, Aregbesola pleaded for
forgiveness, stating that he was making his apology public and would not beg
anyone again after this. He maintained that he and his supporters had not
committed any offense, but if others believed they had, he was willing to
apologize and seek reconciliation.
Aregbesola’s heartfelt plea for forgiveness carried the
weight of his desire to mend broken relationships within the party. His words
resonated with the supporters gathered, as he acknowledged his past
accomplishments, expressed gratitude to his political mentor, and extended a
sincere olive branch to his adversaries, hoping for reconciliation and unity in
the future.
1 Comment
This same Aregbesola said we must be careful of the likes of Tinubu because he behaves as a tin god. What changed? I believe if Tinubu was not sworn-in as president he would have maintained his position, but for relevance after the fact.