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Man Who Disrupted 2006 Oroki Day Seeks Forgiveness From Aregbesola

Man Who Disrupted 2006 Oroki Day Seeks Forgiveness From Aregbesola
  • PublishedJanuary 13, 2025

A man identified as Sikiru Adewale Olaboye, who was among those who disrupted the 2006 Oroki Day celebration in Osogbo, has publicly sought forgiveness from the former Governor of Osun State and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his actions.

Speaking during a live radio programme on Fresh FM Osogbo on Monday, Olaboye recounted his involvement in a series of political activities aimed at opposing Aregbesola’s rise to power.

According to him, the disruption of the Oroki Day event was orchestrated as part of a broader scheme to frustrate Aregbesola’s political ambitions.

Reflecting on the events, Olaboye revealed how a group, known as “State Boys,” was formed after the court declared Aregbesola as the rightful winner of the 2007 governorship election.

“Many of my people who committed atrocities alongside me became afraid and fled after the court judgment. But I felt we shouldn’t handle things that way, so I suggested we do ‘State Boys’ to follow Aregbesola everywhere he went,” he said.

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He recalled how Aregbesola encouraged them to expand their numbers in preparation for his second-term campaign. This directive, he explained, led their leader, Alhaji Fatai Diekola, to mobilize people from every local government in the state.

Olaboye alleged that financial promises made to the group were never fully met, leaving many disillusioned. “We were promised ₦5 million each time we gathered, but out of that, only about ₦1.8 million seemed to be spent. When I realized this, I decided I couldn’t continue,” he lamented.

The aftermath of their actions, however, brought severe consequences. “Many of us faced challenges. Out of the 14 of us involved, 11 are dead, and only three are still alive. As for me, I have been suffering since 2019 with broken legs. My life is in ruins,” he revealed with regret.

Olaboye expressed deep remorse for his role in troubling Aregbesola, particularly during the Oroki Day incident. “I bullied him publicly, and I realize now how wrong I was. That’s why I came to the radio to seek forgiveness openly. I want Aregbesola to have mercy on me and forgive me,” he pleaded.

The distraught man also advised Nigerians to learn from his mistakes. “Don’t destroy your future for temporary gains. Politicians will promise you things, but those promises don’t last. Look at me now, my life is ruined because of my decisions,” he warned.

Olaboye’s appeal comes years after one of the incidents that marred the political landscape of Osun State.

Many political commentators view the plea as part of the consequences of political violence and why it is important for political actors to think twice before taking decisions that may later be counterproductive.

As at the time of filing this report, neither Aregbesola or his aides have commented on the matter.

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