Two former Vice Presidents—Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, on Friday, paid a courtesy visit to a former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, at his country home in Ilesa, Osun State.
The visit comes just hours ahead of the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, scheduled to hold today in Ilesa.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa, on Thursday, refused to stop the coronation.
Atiku confirmed the visit in a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, accompanied by a video clip showing the leaders in cheerful conversation over a morning meal.
He wrote, “Breakfast time at the residence of former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola.”
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online cannot authoritatively verify the purpose of the former VP Atiku, Sambo and other members of his entourage to Aregbesola’s residence.
Seen in the video warmly receiving the entourage of the two former Vice Presidents alongside Aregbesola were prominent Osun political figures, including former APC Chairman in Osun State, Lowo Adebiyi; and Chairman of Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji.
Others include: the former Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti; and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, highlighting the strong presence of the Aregbesola political camp at the gathering.
In an earlier post from Akure Airport in Ondo State, Atiku also acknowledged the warm reception he received upon arrival for the monarch’s coronation.
Atiku, however, wrote, “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.”
The visit, though informal, is already being widely interpreted as a politically symbolic meeting, with comments and reactions to the post which was also shared to his Facebook account noting the significance of such a high-powered trio—Atiku, Sambo, and Aregbesola—convening in the build-up to Nigeria’s 2027 political horizon.
More updates to follow from Ilesa as dignitaries continue to arrive for the coronation.
The coronation, which will be held at Obokungbusi Hall, Ilesa, with the reception taking place on the premises of Ilesa Grammar School,.
