Aregbesola Labels Tinubu's 'Emilokan' as Despotism

Rauf Aregbesola, the former Governor of Osun State and current National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described President Bola Tinubu's "Emilokan" slogan as a form of despotism in a viral video. Aregbesola argued that the phrase, which became prominent during Tinubu's 2023 presidential campaign, signifies a belief in personal or divine authority over political power rather than merely indicating that it is someone's turn to lead.

He emphasized that "Emi," meaning "me," reflects an assertion of divine right to control political space. Aregbesola claimed that Nigerians are now witnessing the practical implications of this belief, urging them to protect democracy.

His remarks provoked strong reactions from Tinubu's supporters, who accused Aregbesola of distorting the phrase's meaning, which they argue was intended to convey a return of power to the South-West region, with Tinubu as the best candidate.