Oyetola, Aregbesola Test Popularity As Gov, Minister Hold Parallel Anniversary

The cold war between Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State and his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola, seems to be coming to the fore with the test of popularity between the duo set for Friday, November 27.

November 27 is significant in the history of the state and even more significant in the All Progressives Congress family in the state.

Aregbesola reclaimed his mandate from former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola who he contested against on November 27, 2010 after a marathon legal battle. . Also, Oyetola, who was Aregbesola’s chief of staff for the eight years he spent as Osun governor was inaugurated as the governor of the state on the same date two years ago.

Aregbesola, who is now the Minister of Interior said in an interview with journalists on Monday that he was coming to Osun State in obedience to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that members of his cabinet should go to their respective states to engage their governors and the youths on issues of security and youths development after the violence which trailed #EndSARS protest in October.

Aregbesola, who spoke through his media aide, Sola Fasure, said the coming coincides with November 27 which marks 10 years that the APC returned to power in the state.

Fasure said, “The minister ( Aregbesola) is coming principally to carry out the presidential directive that all cabinet members should go back to their respective states and engage the governor, youths and other critical stakeholders on the issue of security challenges we are facing in the country, especially on #EndSARS protests.

“He has written to the governor to inform him that he will be in Osun and that his coming coincides with the 10th anniversary of the return of the All Progressives Congress administration in Osun.”

However, the governor said he did not have any idea about Aregbesola’s 10th anniversary which holds the same day he will celebrate his two years in office.

Oyetola, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary , Mr Ismail Omipidan,
said the party was not also aware of the 10th anniversary.

Omipidan said, “Neither the party nor my principal was aware of the proposed celebration of 10th year anniversary of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State. The only thing I know is that we are planning our second year anniversary.

“I am a member of the committee. The party in the state also has representatives in that committee. There is no such programme in our lineup.”

Recall that there have been altercations between the supporters of Oyetola and Aregbesola in the state and the reversal of some of the policies of the former governor on school reclassification and single uniform was seen as way of undermining the minister.

Also, the governor did not congratulate Aregbesola’s wife, Sherifat, during her 60th birthday in September and three days after , Oyetola clocked 66 and his predecessor also did not utter a word of congratulations to him.