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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Former governor of Osun State and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed the loss of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Osun State on the refusal of his successor, Alh Adegboyega Oyetola, to follow his dictates and precepts.
Aregbesola stated this at the end of the year party of a faction of Osun APC loyal to him, named Omoluabi caucus, held in Osogbo, at the weekend.
The former governor said that he begged Oyetola for three years, but he refused, which led to his loss at the 2022 governorship election.
Aregbesola, who spoke in Yoruba, also berated associates of Oyetola for nursing animosity against him without any reason, adding that they refused to respect all the reconciliatory agreements sanctioned by President Bola Tinubu.
“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 eight-year tenure and he handed over to the person he wished. Those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wis; the party still retain power till date.
“The third person is myself. I was in government for eight 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 nonsense when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I have never fought anybody in the past, I don’t know why they are fighting me.
“They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. On August 26, 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 appointments. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that will make me campaign for them for governorship election, but nothing came out of it.
“We embarked on several journey to ensure we have a formidable house in the build up 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 they 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,” he said.
The former minister had earlier led his caucus including former Secretary to the State Government, Alh Moshood Adeoti; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Najeem Salam; former APC state chairman, Lowo Adebiyi; Ex-Information Commissioner, Lani Baderinwa, among others to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun on a courtesy visit.
Speaking, Oba Olanipekun said: “Osogbo will never forget Aregbesola. The former governor played a 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.”