Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s loss in Osun, accuses him of betrayal

Former Osun governor and ex-minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, for the loss of power of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He accused Oyetola of refusing to follow his dictates and precepts, and of betraying him and the party.

Aregbesola made these remarks at the end of the year party of his faction, Omoluabi caucus, held in Osogbo, the state capital.

He said he begged Oyetola for three years to avoid losing the state, but Oyetola ignored him and reneged on the reconciliatory agreements brokered by President Bola Tinubu.

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 eight 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.

“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.”

Aregbesola also led his caucus, which included former secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti, former speaker, Najeem Salam, former APC chair, Lowo Adebiyi, former information commissioner, Lani Baderinwa and others, to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, for a courtesy visit.

Oba Olanipekun praised Aregbesola for his role in installing the incumbent government in Osun state.

He 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.”