Ex-Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed the devil for the misunderstanding between himself and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, during the latter’s administration.
Aregbesola, who spoke in Yoruba during a welcome rally organised by his loyalists to welcome him back to the state at Freedom Park, Osogbo, said the devil successfully allowed animosity to thrive between them after the Supreme Court victory party in July 2019.
The former minister, Aregbesola had attributed his political successes to President Bola Tinubu, who identified and supported his political aspirations since 1999 in Lagos State.
He, however, asked for forgiveness from everyone who felt slighted by the events of the last four, saying he was in the state to seek reconciliation and the development of the progressive tendency in the state.
According to Aregbesola, politics in this part of the world is about acrimony, but today, I am not here for that. We are here to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. My successes as governor were a collective achievement, including those who turned themselves into our enemies today.
“In July 2019, after the Supreme Court victory, we were together in this venue, where we called on ourselves to be united. I said on that day that I’d concluded my tenure and handed over to the person I preferred, but warned that it was left for my successor to be a good person and that I would be the godfather.
“But my statement was misconstrued, and the devil took over, leading to the rift that lasted four years. I did not request anything from my successor, and I am not complaining about being denied such a thing, but some people just feel envious of our presence. Despite all of these, I seek forgiveness from those who felt offended by some of our actions.
“After this, I will not beg anyone again. We didn’t offend anyone, and we don’t believe anyone offended us, but it’s possible that they believe we offended them; that’s why we are seeking forgiveness”, he said.
Meanwhile, the former governor was received into the state by jubilant residents of Ilesa and Osogbo following the completion of his appointment.
Escorted by his wife Sherifat, the duo was visibly elated by the warm reception given him by residents of the two major towns after visiting the palaces of Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
