Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as an exceptional whose imprints in the state and country stand the test of time.

Mr Adeleke made the remarks during the 67th birthday celebration organised in honour of Aregbesola by the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus on Saturday night in Osogbo.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, the governor said Mr Aregbesola remains a doyen in Osun politics.

He stated, “You are blessed. You only know a core politician by the calibre of people following him when he is not in power. For me to see the calibre of people here even without you being in power at the moment, it means God is with you. It also shows that you are grounded. From Osogbo to Iwo to Ejigbo, the crop of politicians with you is the core politicians of Osun. You are someone who always elevates your followers, and today, you are reaping the fruits of that loving gesture of yours. I want to tell you that whether somebody decides to celebrate you or not, what you did in the history of Osun will continue to speak for you. On behalf of the Osun State Executive Council, we are celebrating you. Continue to do good for people.”

Also speaking, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, said that the history of his life would be incomplete without mentioning Mr Aregbesola.

Oba Abolarin said that Mr Aregbesola encouraged and supported his drive and passion to establish Abolarin College, Oke-Ila, where indigent students were being educated free of charge.

According to him, Mr Aregbesola appreciates quality ideas and progressive projects, describing him as a reliable person.

“I can’t write my history without mentioning Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We have been together since 1980; we were together in activism and other ideological activities. When I wanted to establish my school, I consulted Aregbesola. We share everything in common.

“Aregbesola will always acknowledge and appreciate good and quality ideas, and progressive thinking. He appreciates progressive projects. He encouraged me to do good things. I don’t know why I wouldn’t associate myself publicly with a person like Aregbesola,” the traditional ruler said.

In his response, Mr Aregbesola flanked by his wife Sherifat, expressed gratitude to family, friends, political associates, the Osun State Government and others for celebrating him.

“The way to bring people out of underdevelopment is for the leadership in every stratum of society to imbibe the Omoluabi ethos in its governance template and ideology. I thank you all for honouring me. You have demonstrated courage and love for what we represent. I am indebted to you,” he said.

(NAN)