Former Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola attributed the disagreement he went through with his successor Adegboyega Oyetola's administration to the devil.

Aregbesola said that the devil successfully encouraged enmity to flourish between them during the Supreme Court victory party in July 2019. He made this claim while speaking in Yoruba during a rally organized by his supporters to welcome him back to the state at Freedom Park, Osogbo.

The former minister hailed President Bola Tinubu, who recognized and backed him from 1999 from Lagos state, for his political achievements.

However, he begged for pardon from everyone who felt wronged by the previous four incidents, claiming that he was in the state to work for peace and the growth of the progressive tendency.

He claims that politics in this region of the world revolve around animosity, but I am not here for that today. We are here to look for forgiveness and reconciliation. My accomplishments as governor were a team effort, including some who have now turned against us.

“In July 2019 after the Supreme Court victory, we were together in this venue where we call on ourselves to be united. I said on that day that I’d concluded my tenure and handed over to the person I preferred but warned that it was left for my successor to be a good person and that I will be the godfather.

“But my statement was misconstrued and the devil took over leading to the rift that lasted four years. I did not request anything from my successor talkless of being denied such a thing but some people just feel envious of our presence. Despite all of these, I seek forgiveness from those who felt offended by some of our actions.

“After this, I will not beg anybody again. We didn’t offend anyone and we don’t believe anyone offended us but it’s possible that they believe we offended them, that’s why we are seeking forgiveness”, he said.

Meanwhile, the former governor was received into the state by jubilant residents of Ilesa and Osogbo following the completion of his appointment.