The much rumoured ‘war’ between the Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola seems to be over with the latter visiting the former on Thursday in his office in Osogbo, the capital city of the state.
Aregbesola who is now the Minister of Interior used the opportunity to hail his successor for his “brilliant performance” in handling the affairs of the state.
The minister, who was in the state to attend a two-day retreat organised by the Ministry of Interior to strategise on tackling the scourge of internal insecurity and other challenges ravaging the country, paid a courtesy call on the governor in his office in Abere, Osogbo.
Aregbesola, who described Oyetola as cerebral, said he and his team had come to savour the existing “peace and hospitality of the people of Osun under the able leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.”
The former Osun governor said he was highly impressed seeing the transformation that had taken place in the state in continuation of the good works started during his tenure.
He said: “I was highly impressed to see the upgrade that has been carried out in this place. When you see a cerebral man, you will know. The upgrade is commendable. I am talking in the best state of mind because I am sure I am with my own. I entered here in a carnival-like manner.
“I am very excited that we have seen a practical democracy to see a governor and his predecessor sitting together. In a monarchy, the king can only have the effigy of his predecessor.
“In other systems of government, the incumbents don’t come together with their predecessors. This is celebration of democracy. It is a civilised democracy and which we must all struggle to sustain as a culture.
“We are here in the state to savour the peace, hospitality of the people of Osun under the able leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. We are going to be here for the next three days to reflect on our core mandate of providing internal security for the country, to defend, promote and preserve citizens’ integrity. The Ministry plans to develop policies, fashion out programmes and implement projects for peace and safety of citizens.”
Responding, Governor Oyetola commended Aregbesola’s “wonderful achievements” during his tenure as governor of the state.
He described the minister as a goal-getter, who he said would perform same feat at the national level in delivering quality service to Nigerians.
He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Ministry of Interior for locating Zonal Federal Fire Service Headquarters in Osun.
Packaged by Mariam Azeez with additional reports from thenationonlineng.net
