Two former Nigerian Vice Presidents, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, paid a significant courtesy visit on Friday to former Osun State Governor and Minister of Interior, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola.
The meeting took place at Aregbesola’s country residence in Ilesa, Osun State, just hours before the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
The visit was marked by a warm and convivial atmosphere, as captured in a video shared by Atiku on his verified X account, where the leaders were seen enjoying breakfast together. “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola,” Atiku wrote in his post.
The coronation event, scheduled to take place today at Obokungbusi Hall in Ilesa, had faced legal challenges, but the Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Thursday refused to halt the ceremony. This decision cleared the way for the traditional event to proceed as planned.
Prominent political figures from Osun State were present to receive the former vice presidents, including Lowo Adebiyi, former APC Chairman in Osun, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Moshood Adeoti, a former Secretary to the State Government, and Najeem Salaam, ex-Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly. Their presence underscored the strong political influence of Aregbesola’s camp.
Earlier on Friday, Atiku also shared his arrival in Ondo State, where he was warmly welcomed by local stakeholders at Akure Airport. “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,” he stated.
Though the visit was informal, political analysts interpret the gathering of Atiku, Sambo, and Aregbesola as a symbolic show of political unity and strength, especially in the context of Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 elections.
More updates are expected as dignitaries continue to arrive in Ilesa for the coronation festivities.
