The Omoluabi Progressives Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has raised the alarm over threat to the life of the immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The APC group said there was a clear threat to Aregbesola’s life and freedom, saying it was evident in an article released by Ismail Omipidan, the media aide to former governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola.
In a statement signed by the Organising and Publicity Secretary of the Omoluabi caucus, Comrade Abosede Oluwaseun, the group said the threat to Aregbesola’s life could not be overlooked going by the previous attacks on the former governor of the state and his loyalists in the recent past.
The caucus quoted Omipidan as saying, “Yet with the feeling of self-importance, he continues to wage war against the structure which brought him into limelight. But let me say for the umpteenth time that if Aregbesola continues his political war against the party and persons that brought him to political reckoning, He MAY NOT SURVIVE IT.”
The caucus called on security agencies in the state to investigate Omipidan’s statement and prevent any attempt on Aregbesola’s life.
A copy of the statement made available to newsmen yesterday reads: “An article came out recently from Ismail Omipidan, the media aide to Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun State, titled “What does Aregbesola want from Oyetola?”
“We urgently draw the attention of the law enforcement agencies and all responsible individuals to the evident and explicit threats against the life and freedom of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, clearly expressed in this hostile narrative.
“Omipidan’s assertions betray a deeper and more insidious conspiracy and subterfuge by his sponsors.
“For context, Omipidan and his sponsors are not only playing God which they are grossly incompetent and unqualified to do, they are certainly hatching a very dangerous, sinister and diabolical plan against Aregbesola, which must not be overlooked.
“It is a criminal offence to TERMINATE A HUMAN LIFE. It must therefore be seen for what it is, condemned and resisted by all civilized people; and the law enforcement agencies to take appropriate actions in line of their duty to protect lives and properly and deter any criminal activity anywhere in the country.
“We cannot dismiss the clear murderous intent openly canvassed in the statement. This is very important because of the wicked antecedents of these people.
“On February 14, 2022, a murder squad under the leadership of Asiri waylaid Aregbesola’s convoy and openly attacked it at the Orisumibare market/Old Garage, Osogbo.
“Oranmiyan House, Aregbesola’s political office in Osogbo was viciously attacked twice. The attacks were with guns. The second attack was most brutal and venomous.”
Reacting to the development, Ismail Omipidan, spokesperson to immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the statement by the Omoluabi Caucus, linking him to an alleged threat to the life of former Interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as malicious and unguarded.
Omipidan, who said he has no history of political violence however little, further said all those who sat down to put the statement together before Abosede Oluwaseun appended his signature needed to have their heads thoroughly examined to ascertain their mental health.
He said :”Only an unstable mind and character would accuse a person of my standing, who in the last two decades has no any record of political violence of an alleged threat to the life of a former governor, a former minister.
“As a journalist, my records of service in all the states that I have practiced are open books. Those accusing me are only trying to dress me in a borrowed robe. They know those who are in the habit of using extrajudicial means by deploying non-state actors to deal mercilessly with perceived opponents.
“If this strategy is aimed at preventing me from pressing charges against Osun Defender and its reporters for lying against me, it has failed. I will press charges. It is going to be a long battle, but I am prepared for it in Sha Allah.
“Finally, let me enjoin security operatives to be on the alert because my accusers might be the ones actually plotting something sinister against themselves and might just be looking for an alibi,” Omipidan added.
