Former Osun State Governor and Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola had a courtesy call from two former vice presidents, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, at his rural residence in Ilesa, Osun State on Friday.
The visit takes place just hours before Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, is crowned in Ilesa today.
As previously reported by THE INTERCEPT, the Osun State High Court in Ilesa on Thursday declined to halt the coronation.
Atiku acknowledged the visit in a tweet made on his verified X (previously Twitter) account, accompanied by a video clip showing the leaders in joyful discussion over a breakfast meal.
He said, “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola.”
The Intercept, meantime, is unable to confirm with authority why former Vice President Atiku, Sambo, and other members of his entourage went to Aregbesola’s house.
Seen in the video warmly receiving the entourage of the two former Vice Presidents alongside Aregbesola were prominent Osun political figures, including former APC Chairman in Osun State, Lowo Adebiyi; and Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji.
Others include: the former Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti; and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, highlighting the strong presence of the Aregbesola political camp at the gathering.
Atiku’s arrival in Ondo
In an earlier post from Akure Airport in Ondo State, Atiku also acknowledged the warm reception he received upon arrival for the monarch’s coronation.
Atiku, however, wrote, “I was warmly received by stakeholders on arrival at the Akure Airport in Ondo State, ahead of the coronation of the 49th HRH Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup today.”
The visit, though informal, is already being widely interpreted as a politically symbolic meeting, with comments and reactions to the post which was also shared to his Facebook account noting the significance of such a high-powered trio—Atiku, Sambo, and Aregbesola—convening in the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 political horizon.
As dignitaries continue to arrive for the coronation, Ilesa will provide further information.
The reception will be hosted on the grounds of Ilesa Grammar School, while the coronation will take place in Obokungbusi Hall in Ilesa.
