Reactions to Monday’s attack in Osogbo, Aregbesola

The alleged exchange of gunshots between the security escort of Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of the state and current Minister of Interior, and armed thugs on Monday has sparked reactions.

Ayo Ologun, a journalist and social commentator who was interviewed on a radio current affairs program on Tuesday, stated that the disagreement between the former governor and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, revolved around the former’s ego.

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While lamenting the shootings, Ologun emphasized that the former governor had split with his successor and adopted a new candidate because his anointed candidate could not bring violence to the state he intends to govern.

He stated that innocent people were hurt as a result of the shootings that occurred in Osogbo on Monday evening.

The social crusader maintained that the action was uncalled for and it was not what the state needed at this critical time.

According to him, “There are questions to be asked if you use state powers to terrorise the people you seek to govern.”

As to the report of the police declaring that 13 spent cartridges of G-3 and AK-47 assault rifles were recovered from the scene of the shootings after the minister departed, Ologun asked the police to carry out a comprehensive investigation to determine the source of the bullets.

Ologun declared that the situation of buck-passing and disagreement between separate security agencies was not enough proof as the expended shells recovered from the scene of the shooting was enough evidence to nail those behind the shooting.

Meanwhile, in a separate chat with  Ologun noted that “It is unfortunate that at a time like this in the polity of the state, political players are introducing a dimension that is almost becoming alien in the political history of the state.

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“The way at which things stand, one is quickly reminded of the situation pre the advent of the Aregbesola’s administration when he held the state down in perpetual violence against then-incumbent, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

“For political watchers and analysts, it is the same script of then playing out. From the attack on the Oranmiyan house to the diverse claims of assassination here and there.

“In all of this, it is pertinent to call on all political players to play according to the rules in ensuring that the peace of the state is sacredly protected.

“Their politics is not worth the blood of any resident of the state and hence should know that they can’t afford to terrorise the same people they plan to govern. Osun has been relatively peaceful and such virtue should be upheld.”

Waheed Saka, the convener of Dialogue 360, stated that the former Osun governor had crossed the line this time around.

Saka, who revealed that he is a staunch follower of Aregbesola, stated that at this time in the history of the state, there was no need for violence as everyone needed to adopt peace so that all can move forward.

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Jare Ismail Tiamiyu, an Osogbo based media practitioner in his Facebook post stated that “Osun: It’s between Aregbesola and Tinubu. The game is getting interesting!

“I hope all APC guys who attacked us in 2020 and early 2021 when we said there was a crisis between Oyetola and Aregbesola, will apologise to us now.

“It’s a full-blown crisis now.”

Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, the Founder of the World Institute for Peace, stated that the shooting in Osogbo on Monday by armed men who were in the company of the former governor Rauf Aregbesola was nothing but a misplacement of priority.

Omotoyosi, who recalled that the minister once governed the state for two terms, reminded him that he should know that nothing is sweeter than peace in any given society.

He called on the former governor to apologise to the Osun people as some of them were injured while running for their lives during Monday’s shooting incident.

In his words, “I am not giving any judgement though, but the shooting was huge and caused a lot of panic. It is unfair sir.”

It was recalls that the convoy of Rauf Aregbesola was allegedly attacked by gunmen suspected to be led by one Asiri Eniba who has been linked to the state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

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Also as a result of the shootings, there has been a war of words between the state government and the faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.

While the state government alleged that it has reports of cowards invading Osogbo, the state capital, the APC faction alleged that the attack on the convoy of the minister was intended to kill him.

The Osun State Police Command and the Osun State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have also disagreed as to the origin of the shooting and for whom it was intended.