Aregbesola said the devil successfully allowed animosity to thrive between them after the Supreme Court victory party in July 2019.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has pleaded for forgiveness, stating that the devil caused the misunderstanding between him and his successor, Gboyega Oyetola.
Aregbesola and Oyetola were at loggerheads throughout the latter’s single tenure.
Speaking in Yoruba language during a welcome rally organised by his loyalists to welcome him back to the state at Freedom Park, Osogbo, Aregbesola said the devil successfully allowed animosity to thrive between them after the Supreme Court victory party in July 2019.
The former minister had attributted his political successes to President Bola Tinubu, who identified and supported his aspirations since 1999 from Lagos State.
He, however, asked for forgiveness from everyone who felt slighted by events of the last four years, saying he was in the state to seek reconciliation and development of the state.
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According to him, “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 will be the godfather.”
Aregbesola added, “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 talk less of 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 anybody 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.”
Meanwhile, the former governor was received into the state by jubilant residents of Ilesa and Osogbo after his time in Abuja.
Accompanied 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.