There was wild jubilation in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, on Wednesday, 7 June, 2023, as the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stormed the town, on his homecoming reception after his tenure.
From the Owode end of the Osogbo/Ilesa road, residents of the town erupted in jubilation, singing and dancing as they sighted the convoy of the former Governor of the State.
The shout of “Ogbeni,” “Symbol,” “Aregbesola,” “Baba Niyen,” rented the air as his convoy drove through Ilesa Garage to Oke-Ijetu, Oke-Ayepe, Ita-Olokan to the Ataoja’s Palace at Oja-Oba.
The son of the soil paid homage to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, and his chiefs.
Presenting his compendium of achievements to the Ataoja of Osogbo, the former Minister reminisced on when he first arrived the town after the progressive government had lost power in the state stating that after four years in government, people started eulogising him for his contributions to the turnaround of the state capital.
Aregbesola noted that: “I’m happy to say that between then and now, the eulogies have not stopped. Between Ilesa and Osogbo this morning, the people trooped out in their numbers to welcome me.
“It was because of my promise to the then Ataoja of Osogbo that I picked my deputy from Osogbo. It is never my desire to leave any of them, but now that they have gone the way they did, I beseech you, our royal father, to plead with them. I would always wish them well and always desire to work with them.
“I hold no grudge with anyone in Osogbo or Osun State. My hands are wide open to work and receive anyone. Anyone who have issues with me have their reasons, but I hold no grudge against anyone.
“On the Ministerial assignment, please thank President Buhari for giving me the opportunity to serve in his government.
“For the rest of my life, I will continue to thank Osogbo and its people for adopting me as their son. I deeply appreciate it.
“Anywhere I am, please be rest assured that Osogbo’s interests are covered”.
Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun described the former Minister as an achiever, one whose golden imprints in Osogbo would forever linger.
The monarch said the people of the town are aware of the efforts of Ogbeni Aregbesola to sustain the level of development in Osogbo, which he has not backtracked.
Oba Olanipekun stated that: “When Ogbeni took over governance in Osun, everyone thought he was going to dethrone me because I was enthroned by an opposition government, but he announced publicly that that wasn’t going to happen.
“When the location of the Nigeria Air Force base was going to cause issues, the former Minister intervened on our behalf. He said with me, stayed with Osogbo, and he’s still with us.
“We appreciate you. We appreciate all that you have done for us. Osogbo will forever be grateful and be with you.”
