Former federal lawmaker and elder statesman in Osun State, Prof. Olusola Adeyeye, has expressed regret over the strained relationship between President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, revealing his unsuccessful efforts to reconcile the once-close allies.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Adeyeye recounted the deep trust that once defined their friendship, noting that Tinubu had unwavering confidence in Aregbesola.
“I was at a meeting where Tinubu said, ‘If you see me sleeping and you see Rauf coming with a dagger or a knife, don’t wake me up; Rauf will never injure me,’” Adeyeye recalled.
He added that Aregbesola, in turn, held Tinubu in the highest regard, second only to God in his hierarchy of loyalty and respect.
Despite this strong bond, the relationship deteriorated, with Adeyeye suggesting that Aregbesola may have felt betrayed by Tinubu’s perceived support for a rival.
“I have the feeling that what happened between them was Rauf thinking that Tinubu sided with his own brother against him,” he explained.
Adeyeye expressed sorrow over their fallout and admitted that his multiple attempts to mediate reconciliation had failed.
“I tried my best to settle them. Not once, not twice, but several times,” he lamented. “Power can be a terrible thing. It is treacherous in Nigeria.”
Despite the rift, he remained hopeful that a reconciliation was still possible if both men were willing.
“If the two of them want to settle, it’s not impossible,” he concluded.
