Lagos — Mrs. Funmilola Eletu, Secretary of Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA) in Lagos State, has publicly alleged that a coup plot aimed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was planned in Nigeria. Speaking to supporters and local media, Mrs. Eletu said she believes the plot targeted the president’s life and that elements behind it are now being denied by government sources.
A retired army intelligence officer, Mrs. Eletu told reporters that denial by officials was predictable, arguing that admitting the plot would invite wider fears of military intervention. She said her background in intelligence informed her view that the threat was real and that some actors might be using proxies from other regions to conceal the plot’s origins.
Mrs. Eletu further suggested that two recent events — an increase in fuel prices and a planned protest in Abuja calling for the release of detained activist Nnamdi Kanu — coincided with the alleged coup preparations. She warned that the timing of those events could be exploited by conspirators to create unrest that would provide cover for a wider strike.
Accusations and political blame featured prominently in Mrs. Eletu’s remarks. She alleged that Fulani actors were behind the plot and asserted that such forces oppose policies like state police and regional security arrangements that would shift power away from centralized control. Mrs. Eletu also expressed distrust of some Yoruba political leaders, including state governors, accusing them of failing to protect Yoruba interests and of being politically complacent.
On security and mobilisation, Mrs. Eletu criticised existing community security arrangements — saying that, in her view, groups such as Amotekun and neighbourhood watches are insufficiently equipped and often serve elite interests. She contrasted this with vigilante and militia groups in other regions, which she described as more organised and better armed. Mrs. Eletu warned that the balance of arms across regions leaves Yorubaland vulnerable and urged community leaders to pay greater attention to security concerns.
Her statement also contained sharp political commentary about the dynamics of power in Nigeria, arguing that some ethnic and political blocs prefer continuity of the current system and would resist reforms such as state policing and stronger regional autonomy. She said those actors would prefer a military intervention if it served their interests.
Responses and context
Mrs. Eletu’s allegations have not been independently verified. Officials from the Presidency and security agencies have not publicly confirmed any coup plot consistent with her description, and national authorities frequently caution against the spread of unverified claims that may inflame tensions. Analysts and civil society actors typically urge careful investigation by appropriate agencies and stress the importance of relying on verified intelligence and due process.
Observers note that claims of coups or plots are politically sensitive in Nigeria and can have immediate security and political consequences. Experts recommend transparency from security services, timely public briefings where warranted, and measured responses from political leaders to avoid escalation.
Call for due process
While Mrs. Eletu’s comments raise serious questions that many will want clarified, civic leaders and analysts emphasise that allegations of violence and conspiracy should be handled through lawful and peaceful channels. They call for independent investigation where necessary, protection of due process, and public communication that calms rather than inflames communities.
About the speaker
Mrs. Funmilola Eletu is identified as Secretary of Apapo Oodua Koya (AOKOYA), a Yoruba socio-political organisation in Lagos State. Her military background was cited during her address; she described her perspective as informed by prior service in intelligence.
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