Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has denied traveling to France to meet with President Bola Tinubu.

It will be recalled that Aregbesola, who was also a former Governor of Osun State, was purportedly expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after being accused of anti-party activities.

Aregbesola’s relationship with President Tinubu has been a matter of public concern, especially after he tactically jetted out of the country during the 2023 presidential election—a move many believed indicated his lack of support for Tinubu’s presidential bid.

However, Aregbesola, who led the Omoluabi factional group of the APC in Osun State, was believed to have played a significant role in the emergence of the current Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who defeated former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Oyetola is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

A statement denying the alleged meeting between Aregbesola and President Tinubu in France was released by the Media Adviser to Aregbesola, Mr. Sola Fasure.

Fasure dismissed the report, stating that his principal is in Abuja, not France.

His words: “Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous report on social media claiming that the former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is currently in France to meet with President Bola Tinubu.

“We wish to categorically state that this is false and there is absolutely no truth to it.

“Ogbeni Aregbesola is presently in Abuja and has not traveled outside the shores of Nigeria.

“The report is entirely false and unfounded and should therefore be totally disregarded.” the statement concluded.