Tinubu’s Delegation Meets Aregbesola, Fashola Over Lagos/Osun APC Reconciliation

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in achieving full reconciliation in the Lagos and Osun chapters of the party in particular and his political machinery in general.

It was earlier reported that the two time ex-governor of Lagos State had reached out to two of his strongest allies who have been sidelined in the scheme of things going on in the Tinubu political family.

He had reportedly called them on phone expressing the needs for full reconciliation. Investigations have revealed that Asiwaju had taken the matter further.

On Wednesday, 21 July, 2021, two time ex-governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, received some August visitors in his Ikeja GRA home.They were eminent political leaders in Lagos and specifically, they were all members of the powerful Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest political decision making body in the state.

The team, led by elder Statesman and Chairman of GAC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has members like Otunba Busura Alebiosu, Alhaji Seriki Bamu, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale, Prince Murphy Adetoro and Secretary of GAC, Alhaji Mutiu Are among others.

They exchanged pleasantries and went straight to business. They informed the Interior Minister that the aim of the meeting was to put in place measures to achieve full reconciliation in the Tinubu political family as well as the party’s structures in both Lagos and Osun states. They gave Rauf glad tidings from the Jagaban Borgu.

It was gathered that Ogbeni Aregbesola expressed joy at the move. He was reported to have told the Elders his grievances not particularly with Asiwaju but with some tale bearers who are hell bent on causing rancour between him and his boss.

He does not and will not have any cause to quarrel with his boss and benefactor but regretted that some fifth columnists have infiltrated the Tinubu political family and dividing it with false tales.

It was further learnt that Aregbesola told members of the delegation that Tinubu as the boss, should just give instruction. “It is what Oga (boss) wants that we will do. He is the boss,” the former Governor of Osun State was quoted as saying.

It was learnt that Aregbesola stated categorically that he would not want a situation where some people will go and lie to Asiwaju again with the allegation that he wants to take over the party from him.

The delegation was happy with the outcome of the meeting, left for the Surulere home of two time former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN.

The meeting with Aregbesola took more time than expected hence the delegation got to the house of Fashola at about 5.05pm more than an hour late than the 4.00pm fixed for the meeting.

As it was in the earlier meeting, this medium learnt that the elders went straight to business on their mission. They allegedly reminded Fashola the sterling roles of Tinubu in the development of the state and members of his political family and harped on the need for a return to one single, strong and united political family.

Fashola, it was learnt, also appreciated the trouble shooting efforts of the leaders. He also acknowledged the need for unity noting that he cannot fight against Tinubu who he regarded as a leader and mentor.

The Minister of Works and Housing however, stated that all he was out for is to do things the proper way, follow due process and give members sense of belonging in scheme of things.

According to him, they should not be taking people for granted, noting that the level of impunity in the running of the party and the Tinubu family affairs has made some people see themselves as tin gods.

He was reported to have said that impunitve actions may make the people turn against them and some party members may not participate in the activities of the party anymore particularly in the area of mobilising people for electoral activities.

It was gathered that members of the delegation left Fashola’s residence after 7.00pm but it was obvious that they were happy with this initial trouble shooting effort and they have scheduled another meeting for a yet to be announced date.

Report has it that the decision to meet with both Aregbesola and Fashola was taken at the last GAC meeting which Asiwaju did not attend physically but virtually.

Investigation by this medium also revealed that the delegation will also meet with former National Legal Adviser of the party, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and current Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; and factional Chairman of APC in Lagos, Fouad Oki.