Open Letter to President Tinubu and Ogbeni Aregbesola

 

By Adeola Agoro

 

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,

 

I greet you both in the name of peace, love and unity.

There are moments in life when silence becomes too heavy to bear and wisdom demands that we speak.

This is one of such moments.

The growing political rift between you two men whose bond predates your fame and public glory is not just unfortunate; it is painful to watch.

Those of us who have followed your journey from the days of Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the struggles of opposition politics and through the birth and strengthening of progressive movements in Nigeria cannot pretend not to be concerned.

You have both walked long miles together. President Tinubu when you worked to become the Senator representing Lagos West in the dark days of military rule, Rauf Aregbesola was there behind you, fiercely loyal and determined, working behind the scenes with others to make this a reality.

Mr. President, you were also there for Ogbeni. Yours was a rare brand of support and loyalty. You gave to brotherhood, not just political alliance but mutual trust, vision and deep unliftment.

And both you and Ogbeni, without question have been there for each other even in your most trying times.

You have lifted each other up, fought for each other, protected each other. And under your political umbrella, Rauf became Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State, then went on to become Governor of Osun State a governorship won with sweat, strategy, and solidarity – all thanks to you.

Today, people who do not know the depth of that journey are writing narratives. They are building walls between you with rumors, half-truths and bitter insinuations. But what they cannot erase is history. And history reminds us that what you both built together is stronger than the noise of any marketplace.

Ogbeni, it is true that you have ventured into new spaces and now dine with different allies – let’s call them strangers. But the question remains: can they ever replace the comfort of home? Can they ever understand your heart the way President Tinubu does? And to you, Mr. President, I ask with all humility: how many people have truly stood for you the way Rauf has done over the years?

You both still know where the soft spots are in each other. You know what buttons to press to fix this and there should be a will to fix it.

And so, I say to you Mr. President, make that call to your brother now. Your voice is the one Rauf will still pause for, even now. There is no dignity in this cold distance. There is no victory in prolonged silence. Mr. President, please make that call. You know what magic that will do.

If one man has helped another rise, his fall should never be an option. Let grace, not ego, have the final say.

Dear sirs, if truly you have fought side-by-side for the good of Nigeria and her people, then you owe us and yourselves the maturity to close ranks.

There are bigger enemies to fight, I tell you. The stage of leadership is too sacred for unresolved personal pain. The country is watching. Your children are watching. And history is already writing.

Shame the distractors. Return to brotherhood. Prove to us all that what was built on loyalty and love is stronger than political noise.

With deep respect,

*Adeola Agoro.

(Journalist, author, movie producer but most of all a real Osun State born of Erinmo, Oriade Local Government omo Baba Aladura, Dr. Olapade Agoro who taught me to stand for the love of Osun and Nigeria).