Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to pray for former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, following recent remarks and allegations attributed to the former governor.
The position of the Oyo State Government was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
According to Oyelade, many Nigerians were taken aback by Fayose’s comments, which he described as false accusations, stressing that Governor Makinde remains focused on addressing the security challenges facing the state.
“Nigerians are shocked by Fayose’s comment. He needs prayers. For a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit and hate, that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job, smacks of one who has lost his mind.
“Governor Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time,” the commissioner said.
Oyelade also referenced previous comments allegedly made by Fayose linking the governor to political tensions in the state, including claims surrounding the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
He urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians generally to remain calm and optimistic, assuring that the government is working tirelessly to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
The latest exchange follows comments made by Fayose during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he accused the Oyo State Government of failing to respond swiftly to the kidnapping incident.
Fayose also alleged, without presenting evidence, that the abductions were politically motivated and aimed at embarrassing President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the incident may have been orchestrated by the state government, claims that have since generated fresh political controversy and reactions.
