Loyalists of former Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, have submitted a petition to the Department of Security Service and Police against Mr Ismail Omipidan, spokesman of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Both Aregbesola and Oyetola are former Governors of Osun State elected on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) and are at loggerheads over control of the structure of the party in the state.
Members of the party under the auspices of Omoluabi Progressives Congress in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Abosede Oluwaseun, alleged that Omipidan in a write up threatened Aregbesola but he (Omipidan) debunked the insinuation.
Oluwaseun said the caucus is worried about the comments made by Oyetola’s spokesperson, urging the security agencies to investigate the motive behind Omipidan’s articles.
According to the statement, “we expressed serious concerns about statements made by Mr Ismail Omipidan, spokesperson for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.
“Mr Omipidan’s remarks, as quoted in a widely circulated article, implied a potential threat to the life of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
“As representatives of the Omoluabi Progressive Caucus, we take the safety and security of our members and leaders very seriously. We cannot ignore any statement or action that may jeopardize the well-being of individuals within our community.
“Therefore, we have urged the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into Mr Omipidan’s statements and to invite him for questioning regarding his intent behind the remarks.
“We believe that such clarification is necessary to ensure the peace and security of our state and to prevent any further escalation of tensions.
“Furthermore, we want to assure the public that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, our former Governor of Osun and immediate past Minister of Interior, is in good health and high spirits.
Reacting, Omipidan described the statement by the Omoluabi Caucus linking him to an alleged threat to Aregbesola’s life as malicious and unguarded.
Omipidan 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 practised 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.
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