By John Dike, Osogbo
Omoluabi Progressives has raised an alarm over alleged coordinated attempt to politically and physically eliminate the former Interior minister and ex-Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Arebesola.
The group, in a statement signed by its spokesperson and Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, expressed deep concern over what it calls a disturbing escalation of threats, state-backed intimidation, and inflammatory rhetoric allegedly targeted at Aregbesola in recent weeks.
I t said these incidents suggest a “sinister agenda” allegedly aimed at permanently silencing Aregbesola under the guise of political rivalry.
“On July 23, 2025, Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho made a provocative statement at a rally, declaring in Yoruba, ‘Ilẹ o mú wọn’ (the land will consume them), a comment widely interpreted as incitement against Aregbesola,” Abosede said.
He added that on August 2, a veiled threat circulated on social media further raised concerns. The threat, shared by journalist Mayor Akinpelu and endorsed by Presidential spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga, suggested Aregbesola would face consequences for his political stance. Akinpelu wrote, “No man could repay good with evil and get away with it.”
The group also cited a statement on August 14 by journalist Gbonka Ebiri, who called for Aregbesola to face the “wrath of Yorubaland” and labeled him a “sell-out” who should be “made an example of.”
“These statements amount to incitement and have no place in a civilised democracy,” Abosede stated.
More troubling, according to the Omoluabi Progressives, is the escalation from rhetoric to physical intimidation.
“On August 14, police operatives reportedly disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally in Sagamu, Ogun State, where Aregbesola was scheduled to campaign for House of Representatives bye-election candidate, Hon. Solomon Oluwaseyi Osho.
“The venue was vandalised, campaign equipment seized, and Aregbesola was obstructed from attending the event,
“The attempt by the police to downplay this incident only deepens public suspicion.”
He warned that what is unfolding appears to be a pattern of “coordinated attacks — from inflammatory language to physical obstruction — which some analysts have described as an ‘anatomy of assassination politics.’”
The group aligned itself with the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, whose Chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, condemned the threats and emphasized that political violence must never replace healthy democratic engagement.
“Ogbeni Aregbesola has committed no crime by choosing an independent political path. His constitutional and democratic rights must be respected,” Abosede stressed.
The group warned those behind the alleged plot: “Any attempt to harm Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will be resisted by the people. The safety, dignity, and political rights of Yoruba leaders must not be sacrificed on the altar of opportunism.”
It also urged security agencies to investigate the threats and ensure the protection of democratic values, while calling on well-meaning Nigerians to take note of the escalating rhetoric, particularly from political figures close to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group warned that any further escalation could destabilize peace and unity across Yorubaland.
