Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the immediate past Minister of Interior, has asked for reconciliation with former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and those who may have been offended by the recent political interplay in the state.

Aregbesola, who served as Osun Governor from 2010 to 2018, handed over power to Oyetola, who served as his Chief of Staff after winning the governorship election in 2018.

The two politicians however went separate ways after Aregbesola opposed Oyetola’s re-election bid.

The former minister also locked horns with the elders of the party for not calling his successor to order due to his decision to reverse many of his policies.

The feud between the two contributed to the defeat of Oyetola and All Progressives Congress at the June 2022 governorship election where he lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Aregbesola, while thanking former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, called for forgiveness and unity among party stakeholders in the state.

The former minister toured the palaces of Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun before addressing his supporters at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park via Old Garage, Osogbo.

He said in his address: “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. The reason why people are applauding me over my successes in Osun today was 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.

“With the help of God and the support of Asiwaju, I was able to excel as a Governor for 8 years even though it was not easy with the help of those that turned to my enemy for four years.”

“In 2019, after the Supreme Court judgment, I came to this venue with the person I handed over power to. I counseled that I have played my own part and handed over to the person I loved. But I said, the person must do it right by ensuring unity within the party. If that is done I will now be the godfather. 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 are not going to 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.“