Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-governor of Osun, has asked Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, not to “disturb” Gboyega Oyetola, governor of the state.
Oyinlola, in a statement on Wednesday, said as a former governor, he did not disturb Aregbesola who succeeded him in 2010.
Oyinlola, who governed Osun from 2003 to 2010, was reacting to a report that Aregbesola had scheduled a political programme on Saturday, the same day the incumbent governor planned to hold his second year in office anniversary.
He asked Aregbesola to avoid doing anything that would make the state ungovernable for Oyetola.
“It is necessary that I put my own experience on record. I took over from Chief Bisi Akande in May 2003 and, I can say that throughout my almost eight years in government, and despite our political differences, Akande never gave me any problem”, he said.
“It is common knowledge that Mr Aregbesola took over from me, and, despite the circumstances of his coming to that office, I did not do anything to undermine his authority throughout his eight years in government. That is the spirit with which I appeal that the Interior Minister (Aregbesola) avoid doing anything that will suggest a plan to make the state ungovernable for Mr Oyetola.
“As a former governor of that state, I plead that we give peace a chance. The state has witnessed enough unnecessary crises in recent weeks coupled with the Coronavirus pandemic which has upended people’s economy and general wellbeing. Our people are suffering; they deserve a respite from all forms of crises as they struggle to make ends meet.
“All of us former governors, as leaders of our people, we all have a stake in making Osun State to work for the good of our people who have had to deal with one hardship or the other. We will be seen as doing that when we avoid making the job of the incumbent governor difficult for him. May God help our state and its people in this difficult time.”
He advised Oyetola to put the interest of the citizens first as he celebrates his second year in office
