The former governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, attributes the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) loss of power in Osun State to his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola’s failure to adhere to his guidance and principles.
Aregbesola criticizes associates of Oyetola, accusing them of harboring unwarranted animosity towards him and rejecting the reconciliatory agreements endorsed by President Bola Tinubu.
Addressing attendees in Yoruba during the year-end gathering of his faction, the Omoluabi caucus, held in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, the ex-minister reveals that despite three years of pleading with Oyetola, his refusal ultimately led to the party’s defeat in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
He said: “God spoke in Osun but people did not see what God did in Osun state. Three politicians including myself in Yoruba land, God made us to be successful. Awolowo started it, he finished his tenure and handed over to the person that he wished, the person did not do well until he lost the power. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did 8 years tenure and he handed over to the person he wished, those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wish, the party still retain power till date.
“The third person is myself… I was in government for 8 years, I handed over to the person I felt will do my biddings and follow my dictates but he betrayed me and the party, you can see the consequences.
“Those that are not patient, they are saying rubbish, when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I never fight anybody in the past, I don’t know the reason why they are fighting me.
He added: “They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. In August 26th 2021, our overall boss told us to do a meeting with his representatives in Abuja, 31 people from my group met with the representatives. They agreed that they should consider our faction in government by giving us one-third of appointment. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that will make me campaign for them for gubernatorial election, but nothing came out of it.
“We embarked on several journeys to ensure we have a formidable house to the poll but their spokesman said on OSBC that anybody who is not invited should not come. So I have to stay away.
“They organised several campaign of calumny against me, when things failed they started pushing blames on me for losing the election. We are here to enjoy the festive season. I can assure you that with our plans, by this time next year, you will know our next moves.”
Earlier, Aregbesola led his caucus including ex-secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti, Ex-Speaker, Najeem Salam, ex-APC chair, Lowo Adebiyi, Ex-Information Commissioner, Lani Baderinwa and others to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun for courtesy visit.
Oba Olanipekun speaking in Yoruba said, “Osogbo will never forget Aregbesola. The ex-governor played prominent role in enthroning the incumbent government in Osun state. I believe that Aregbesola still have more influence and power in the politics of Osun state.”
