Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, played vital roles in supporting and ensuring the success of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
The Khadimul Muslimeen of Oyo, Sheikh Daud Tijani Igi-Ogun, stated this while addressing dignitaries at the commissioning of a building for his Arabic and Islamic Institute in Oyo town named after Aregbesola as part of activities marking the institute’s 29th anniversary.
Igi-Ogun, who narrated the close relationship between the duo, urged the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, to join hands with clerics who are working tirelessly to reconcile the duo.
He noted that Aregbesola had sponsored no less than 10 Hajj trips specifically for the actualisation of Tinubu’s lifelong political ambition.
“Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has sent me to Hajj for ten times to pray for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become Nigeria’s President. Whenever I ask him for the prayer request, he will say just pray for my leader alone.
“Whatever political differences may exist today between Aregbesola and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu do not erase the historical role Aregbesola played during the journey toward Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
“Ogbeni don’t be angry. Baba Alaafin, there is work for us to do. We will talk about it later,” the cleric noted.
He stressed that history should record people’s contributions based on their actions at particular moments, irrespective of subsequent political developments.
Speaking at the event, the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged Nigerian youths to prioritise education, describing it as a critical foundation for personal development and success in life.
Aregbesola stressed the importance of investing in the education of young people, urging parents to give their children a balanced education that combines Western and Arabic/Islamic learning.
He said education remained one of the most important tools through which young people could acquire knowledge, develop their talents and prepare themselves for meaningful contributions to society.
The former Minister also encouraged the students and other prospective beneficiaries of the institution to make full use of the educational opportunities available to them.
He urged them not to take the opportunity for granted, noting that access to education was only meaningful when students were prepared to apply themselves diligently to learning.
Also speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, emphasised the importance of education in the development of human capital and the future of the younger generation.
Adeleke commended Sheikh Daud Igi-Ogun for his commitment to education and for investing in an institution that promotes both Arabic/Islamic and Western education.
He noted that such initiatives were important in complementing government efforts in the education sector and expanding opportunities for young people to acquire relevant knowledge and skills.
