Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has responded to recent allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, urging Nigerians to pray for the former governor rather than pay attention to what he described as false and reckless accusations.
Makinde’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
According to the commissioner, the governor is currently focused on efforts to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area and has no interest in engaging in political disputes.
“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,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner condemned Fayose’s recent comments on a television programme, describing them as baseless and capable of undermining ongoing rescue efforts.
He said it was disturbing for a former governor to make allegations that could distract security agencies and potentially jeopardise efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“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,” Oyelade stated.
The Oyo State Government maintained that its priority remains the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers and called on residents to remain calm while security agencies continue their operations.
The latest exchange follows remarks made by Fayose during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, where he accused Makinde of failing to act swiftly following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Fayose further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the kidnapping may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
“He did not take any action; no steps were taken. It was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them,” Fayose said.
“I sometimes believe that this was orchestrated in a way, I am not saying totally, by the government of Oyo State to blackmail President Tinubu.”
The comments have triggered fresh political controversy, with the Oyo State Government dismissing the allegations and insisting that all efforts remain focused on resolving the security situation and ensuring the safe return of the victims.