Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola has sought forgiveness from his party members he may have offended in the last four years.
The Former Minister of Interior who arrived at Osogbo yesterday, visited the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, before addressing his supporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Old Garage, Osogbo.
Aregbesola heaped encomiums on former President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve Nigeria. He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for being his destiny helper who trusted him with power.
The former minister who spoke in Yoruba was full of optimism for a stronger, united APC.
He said: “I have not returned to Osun for animosity or acrimony, but reconciliation of our party. I have come here today to beg for forgiveness from anybody who is offended towards me. People are applauding today because of the great work I did when I was in government, and those who turned themselves into enemies today, we worked together in government.
“I thank God who showcased me from Lagos through the help of President Bola Tinubu. He is the architect of my success. I spent eight years as a commissioner in Lagos. In 2004, we talked about taking over our states from the opposition. President Tinubu and other Yoruba elders directed me to come and take over Osun from the opposition. With the help of God and the support of Asiwaju, I excelled as governor for eight years, though it was not easy, with the help of those who turned to my enemy for four years.
“In 2019, I came here with the person I handed over to. I counselled that I have played my own part and that he must do it right by ensuring unity within the party. But, unfortunately, Satan took over them in interpreting what I said. I never begged for anything from them when he was in power.
“I am saying it today and I am begging for forgiveness. After this, we 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 apologising to them.”
Leaders of the defunct The Osun Progressives (TOP), a factional group within Osun All Progressives Congress (APC), joined Aregbesola’s entourage. They include former Speaker of the House os Assembly, Najeem Salam, former State Acting Chairman Lowo Adebiyi, former Secretary to the State Government Moshood Adeoti, ex-APC scribe, Rasaq Salensile, ex-commisioner Lani Baderinwa among others.
