Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has appealed the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, not to make the state ungovernable for Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Aregbesola is the immediate past governor of Osun State.
Oyinlola made the appeal against the backdrop of the plan by Aregbesola to organise a programme capable of causing chaos on the day Oyetola would be celebrating the second year anniversary of his administration.
News of the parallel programme being planned by Aregbesola has caused tension in the state.
But reacting on the development, Oyinlola warned that the people of the state should not be plunged into unnecessary crisis.
According to him, the people of the state had suffered enough of unnecessary crises in recent weeks and should be allowed to enjoy peace.
Oyinlola’s statement reads: “It is necessary that I put my own experience on record.
“I took over from Chief Bisi Akande in May 2003 and, I can say that throughout my almost eight years in government, and despite our political differences, Akande never gave me any problem.
“It is common knowledge that Mr Aregbesola took over from me, and, despite the circumstances of his coming to that office, I did not do anything to undermine his authority throughout his eight years in government.
“That is the spirit with which I appeal that the Interior Minister (Aregbesola) avoid doing anything that will suggest a plan to make the state ungovernable for Mr Oyetola.
“As a former governor of that state, I plead that we give peace a chance.
“The state has witnessed enough unnecessary crises in recent weeks coupled with the Coronavirus pandemic which has upended people’s economy and general wellbeing.
“Our people are suffering; they deserve a respite from all forms of crises as they struggle to make ends meet.
“All of us former governors, as leaders of our people, we all have a stake in making Osun State to work for the good of our people who have had to deal with one hardship or the other.
“We will be seen as doing that when we avoid making the job of the incumbent governor difficult for him.
“May God help our state and its people in this difficult time.”
