Gbonka Ebiri, or whatever you call yourself, are you more Yoruba than others to issue what amounts to a fatwah — a veiled death threat — against Ọgbẹni Rauf Aregbesola simply because of his political beliefs and affiliations?
“Tí wọ́n bá ran ọmọ níṣẹ́ ẹrú, á fi tọ́mọ jẹ́” — when one is given a task fit for a slave, one should carry it out with the dignity of a freeborn. Your recent commentary reveals not just a smear campaign, but a dangerous attempt to prepare the ground for political assassination. Your undemocratic vitriol is mercenary, irresponsible, and reeks of desperation.
The Yoruba, by heritage and tradition, are social democrats with a proud legacy of liberal democratic values. It is said: “Ojú ọ̀run tó ẹyẹ fò, láì f’arà kànra,” meaning the sky is vast enough for all birds to fly without colliding. Therefore, your assertion that “it should not be acceptable in Yorubaland for Aregbesola to join the camp of haters determined to disgrace your brother from power” is not only fallacious, it is dictatorial, oppressive, and un-Yoruba in spirit and substance.
It is not a constitutional or cultural requirement that Rauf Aregbesola must support Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political ambitions — whether for a second term or any other office. You and your desperate paymasters cannot impose your political will on Ọgbẹni Rauf. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the incomparable icon of Yoruba political thought, never forced his associates to remain loyal when paths diverged. Why should Tinubu’s falling out with Rauf be a matter of life and death?
This tired rhetoric of “the same brother who made you relevant in politics” no longer holds water. Yoruba people and indeed Nigerians know the truth: Rauf has always been the intellectual engine behind Tinubu’s early success. The current failure of President Tinubu’s socio-economic and political policies is evidence that the Midas touch left when he sidelined Aregbesola — sacrificing loyalty and competence on the altar of nepotism and ego.
To say “on principle, this should be ruthlessly rejected” in reference to Aregbesola’s independence is both intellectually lazy and democratically bankrupt. It is not Aregbesola’s duty to carry Tinubu’s political baggage forever.
The fact is, despite your hate campaign, Aregbesola is gaining momentum. He is more loved, more trusted, and increasingly seen by the suffering masses as a beacon of hope. He will not, and cannot, face “the wrath of Yorubaland” — no matter how desperately you or your ilk may wish it.
Your incendiary call that “he should be made an example in modern times of what happens to sellouts on a self-serving mission” exposes a sinister plot. It is not merely political — it is an existential threat. This is a clear attempt to silence Rauf Aregbesola through intimidation or elimination. But let it be known: the Yoruba, though battered by hardship, remain vigilant and will resist any attempt to harm Ọgbẹni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, a symbol of progressive hope.
Gbonka, with your reckless threats, you have done more to damage Tinubu’s image and credibility than all of his political opponents combined. If anything happens to Aregbesola, history will not only remember the deed — it will remember your role in inciting it.
Clearly, what your statement has exposed is not Aregbesola’s betrayal, but the tyrannical tendencies of a once-celebrated movement that has lost its way. True democrats, Yoruba or otherwise, will not stand idly by.
Comrade Wale Balogun
Convener, MEKUNNU KOYA
Writes from Lagos. August 15, 2025.
