A socio-political group, Omoluabi Progressives, has raised serious concerns over an alleged coordinated plot to assassinate the former Minister of Interior and ex-Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola. The group described recent events and statements as signs of a calculated campaign to silence the prominent Yoruba leader.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday and signed by the group’s spokesperson and organising secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group pointed to a series of public threats, inflammatory remarks, and state-linked actions, which it believes are part of a growing effort to endanger Aregbesola’s life.
“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.
According to Omoluabi Progressives, the first public sign of trouble came at a rally on July 23, 2025, when Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, reportedly made a veiled threat in Yoruba: “Ilẹ o mú wọn” – meaning “the land will consume them.” The group claimed that this comment was targeted at Aregbesola.
Tensions further escalated on August 2, 2025, when a well-known journalist, Mayor Akinpelu, posted a cryptic message on social media stating, “No man could repay good with evil and get away with it.” The group noted that this post, which was shared by Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga, seemed to allude to Aregbesola and carried a clear undertone of warning.
On August 14, a journalist, Gbonka Ebiri, reportedly described Aregbesola as a “sell-out” and declared that he “must face the wrath of Yorubaland.” That same day, according to the group, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally scheduled to be addressed by Aregbesola in Sagamu, Ogun State, was violently disrupted by police operatives using an Armoured Personnel Carrier.
The group said that the venue of the rally, organised in support of ADC House of Representatives bye-election candidate, Hon. Solomon Oluwaseyi Osho, was vandalised and campaign equipment seized. Aregbesola, who was billed to speak, was allegedly blocked from attending.
“The fact that the police later tried to downplay the incident only fuels suspicion of political interference and a targeted plan to frustrate Aregbesola,” the statement said.
Describing these incidents as a coordinated attempt to eliminate the former minister, the group warned that Nigeria’s political environment must not return to the dark days of violence and intimidation.
“This is how political assassinations begin – with words, threats, and then physical obstruction. We are seeing the signs, and it must not be allowed to go further,” Omoluabi Progressives warned.
The group called on security agencies to take the threats seriously and take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Aregbesola, stressing that his contributions to Yoruba society, especially during his tenure as governor and minister, must not be forgotten.
The statement highlighted his achievements in education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and his role in fostering peace within Yoruba self-determination groups like the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).
Omoluabi Progressives maintained that Aregbesola had committed no offence by choosing an independent political path and that his right to free association and political participation is protected by the Nigerian Constitution.
Backing the position of the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, whose chairman, Dayo Ogunlana, also condemned the threats, the group said: “Yoruba politics must not descend into intimidation and violence.”
It further accused appointees and supporters of President Bola Tinubu of fanning the flames of division by making unguarded statements about the former governor.
“We urge all Nigerians to take note of the disturbing pattern of threats, veiled insults, and physical attacks linked to supporters of the ruling government. The safety, dignity, and political rights of Yoruba leaders must not be sacrificed on the altar of opportunism,” the group stated.
Omoluabi Progressives issued a stern warning that any attempt to harm Aregbesola would be resisted by peace-loving Yoruba people and could spark unrest in the region.
The group ended the statement by calling on President Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and relevant security agencies to act quickly to prevent any further escalation and to ensure that political differences do not lead to violence.
“Any further threats or attacks could not only endanger Aregbesola but also risk undermining peace and unity in Yorubaland,” the group concluded.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Aregbesola himself or from the presidency regarding the allegations.
