Omoluabi Progressives Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot Against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

The Omoluabi Progressives has expressed grave concern over what it describes as a calculated attempt to politically and physically eliminate the former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

According to the group, recent weeks have seen a disturbing rise in inflammatory statements, veiled threats, and direct state-backed actions targeted at Aregbesola, fueling fears of a larger conspiracy to silence him under the cover of politics.

The group cited several incidents, including a 23 July 2025 rally where Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, declared in Yoruba: “Ilẹ o mú wọn” (“the land will consume them”), which was widely interpreted as a call for violence against Aregbesola. This was followed on 2 August 2025 by a social media post originally written by journalist Mayor Akinpelu, later amplified by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, which warned that Aregbesola could face “dire consequences” for charting an independent political path.

On 14 August 2025, journalist Gbonka Ebiri escalated the rhetoric by branding Aregbesola a “sell-out” who should face the “wrath of Yorubaland” and be “made an example of.” The Progressives described this as open incitement to violence.

Matters worsened that same day when police operatives, backed by an Armoured Personnel Carrier, disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally in Sagamu, Ogun State. Aregbesola was billed to lead the campaign for ADC candidate Hon. Solomon Oluwaseyi Osho, but the event venue was vandalised, equipment seized, and Aregbesola prevented from attending. The police’s attempt to downplay the incident has only heightened public suspicion, the group said.

The organisation warned that this sequence of events from inflammatory rhetoric to physical disruption  amounts to what analysts have called “assassination politics.”

The Omoluabi Progressives aligned itself with the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, whose chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, condemned the threats and insisted that violence must never replace healthy political engagement.

“Ogbeni Aregbesola committed no offence by choosing an independent political path. His constitutional rights must be respected,” the statement read.

The group further warned that any attempt to harm Aregbesola would be strongly resisted. It urged Nigerians to take note of the rhetoric being pushed by some allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation that could threaten not only Aregbesola’s safety but also the peace and stability of Yorubaland.