The Omoluabi Progressives have raised alarm over what they describe as a coordinated attempt to eliminate former Minister of Interior and ex-governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola.
In a statement obtained by NewDailyPrime on Sunday and signed by spokesperson and organising secretary Oluwaseun Abosede, the group claimed recent incidents indicate a political and physical campaign aimed at silencing Aregbesola.
The organisation pointed to inflammatory remarks, veiled threats, and alleged state-backed actions, which have fuelled suspicions of a broader agenda against the former minister.
“Taken together, these developments raise genuine fears that a sinister agenda is being orchestrated to silence him permanently under the guise of politics,” the statement said.
The group cited a declaration by Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho at a rally on 23 July 2025, interpreted as a call for violence, where he reportedly said in Yoruba, “Ilẹ o mú wọn” (“the land will consume them”), a phrase said to be directed at Aregbesola.
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A social media post on 2 August 2025 by journalist Mayor Akinpelu, saying “no man could repay good with evil and get away with it,” was also referenced. The post, amplified by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, was viewed as implying dire consequences for Aregbesola.
Omoluabi Progressives argued such rhetoric amounted to incitement, citing further tension on 14 August 2025 when journalist Gbonka Ebiri allegedly labelled Aregbesola a sell-out and called for him to face the wrath of Yorubaland.
On the same day, police operatives reportedly disrupted an African Democratic Congress rally in Sagamu, Ogun State, where Aregbesola was to speak in support of House of Representatives bye-election candidate Hon. Solomon Oluwaseyi Osho. The venue was vandalised, equipment seized, and Aregbesola prevented from attending.
Police attempts to downplay the incident only deepened suspicions of political interference, the group stated.
Describing the pattern of threats and disruptions as “the anatomy of assassination politics,” Omoluabi Progressives called for urgent measures to ensure Aregbesola’s safety.
The group aligned itself with the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, whose chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, condemned the threats, emphasising that “Yoruba politics must not descend into intimidation and violence.”
The statement highlighted Aregbesola’s significant contributions to Yoruba society, including reconciliation efforts within the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and developmental projects in Osun and Lagos States. It stressed that he had committed no offence in pursuing an independent political path and urged respect for his constitutional rights.
Omoluabi Progressives warned that any harm against Aregbesola would be met with resistance and urged Nigerians to heed remarks by supporters of President Bola Tinubu while calling on security agencies to act decisively.
“The safety, dignity, and political rights of Yoruba leaders must not be sacrificed on the altar of opportunism. Any further escalation of threats could endanger Aregbesola and undermine peace in Yorubaland,” the statement concluded.
