Oroki Day attack: Aregbesola forgives man ‘who attempted to assassinate him’ in 2006

Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun State, has met with Sikiru Olaboye, the man accused of attempting to assassinate him during the 2006 Oroki Day celebration.

In a post shared on his X account on Sunday, Aregbesola revealed that he has forgiven Olaboye and holds no grudges against those involved in the attack. The former governor emphasized the importance of letting go of past grievances and fostering peace.

According to Aregbesola, Olaboye reportedly called into a local radio station in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to publicly seek forgiveness for his actions. Moved by the gesture, Aregbesola decided to meet him and extend his forgiveness.

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“Earlier today, I received Sikiru Olaboye, one of the men who attempted to assassinate me during the 2006 Oroki Day Celebration in Osogbo,” Aregbesola said.

“I was informed that he called into a local radio station in Osogbo a few weeks ago to seek my forgiveness

“Today, while praying for him, I assured him that I hold no grudges against him or anyone else involved. I neither harboured resentment nor sought revenge after God spared me from that attack.

“It is God alone who has the power to forgive all our shortcomings. As His servants, I pray that He forgives both his and mine.”

The Oroki Day celebration is an annual festival where the people of Osogbo gather to connect and engage in discussions aimed at fostering unity within the town.

On August 5, 2006, Aregbesola, then governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), was attacked by political thugs allegedly loyal to Olagunsoye Oyinlola, then governor of the state.

The violence led to destruction of at least six vehicles with many left injured.

The build up to the Osun 2007 governorship election was marred by violence.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyinlola winner of the election. However, in 2010, the appeal court upturned the outcome and declared Aregbesola winner.