NIGERIA: Atiku, Sambo Visit Aregbesola In Osun Ahead Of Owa Obokun’s Coronation

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Two former Vice Presidents of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, on Friday, paid a courtesy visit to former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, at his residence in Ilesa.

The high-profile visit took place just hours before the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, scheduled to hold today at Obokungbusi Hall, Ilesa.

Atiku confirmed the meeting in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, sharing a video clip showing him, Sambo, and Aregbesola engaged in cheerful conversation over breakfast.

“Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola,” Atiku wrote.

The gathering attracted notable political figures from Osun State, including former APC State Chairman Lowo Adebiyi, Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, former Secretary to the State Government Moshood Adeoti, and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, signaling a strong showing from Aregbesola’s political camp.

Although the purpose of the visit remains informal, political watchers have begun interpreting it as a significant moment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 political build-up.
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The convergence of Atiku, Sambo, and Aregbesola is already sparking conversations on social media, with many viewing it as a subtle signal of shifting alliances.

Before arriving in Osun, Atiku had shared an earlier post from Akure Airport, where he was received by local stakeholders en route to Ilesa.

“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,” Atiku wrote.

Meanwhile, the Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa had, just a day earlier, declined to stop the coronation ceremony, paving the way for the traditional event to proceed as planned.

More dignitaries are expected to arrive in Ilesa throughout the day, as preparations continue for the coronation and a grand reception scheduled to hold at the Ilesa Grammar School premises.