The Omoluabi Progressives Caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has alleged that Rauf Aregebsola is in danger.
The caucus raised the alarm in a signed statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, on Monday in Osogbo.
While accusing Ismail Omipidan, a spokesperson to former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, 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 called on security agencies in the state to investigate Omipidan’s statement and prevent any attempt on Aregbesola’s life.
According to the statement, “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, Omipidan described the allegation by the Omoluabi Caucus, linking him to the alleged threat to the life of Aregbesola, as malicious and unguarded.
Omipidan, who said he has no history of political violence said all those who sat down to put the statement together needed to have their heads thoroughly examined to ascertain their mental health.
“Only an unstable mind and character would accuse a person of my standing, who in the last two decades has no 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.