Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has responded to accusations by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, who alleged Makinde orchestrated the abduction of teachers and pupils to blackmail President Bola Tinubu. The allegation was dismissed by Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who described Fayose's claims as false and said the former governor appeared to be under certain influences. Oyelade stated that Nigerians witnessed Fayose's public disintegration as he made increasingly erratic accusations. He added that Makinde has been fully focused on resolving the kidnapping crisis in the state, which began on Friday, May 15.
Oyelade said it was troubling that a former governor would make baseless claims that could endanger captives and distract security agencies. He described Fayose's actions as driven by vindictiveness, hate, and deceit. The commissioner recalled that Fayose previously alleged Makinde plotted to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in April. He also referenced a November statement by former Bayelsa State governor Nyesom Wike, in which Wike threatened to "put fire in Oyo State," suggesting the current situation reflects that threat. Oyelade emphasized that such repeated false claims reveal a clear motive behind the latest accusation.
The commissioner noted that President Bola Tinubu has publicly commended Makinde twice since the May 15 abduction. He urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that Makinde has been working continuously to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers. No further details were provided on the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation.
Seyi Makinde is being asked to pity Ayodele Fayose for making outlandish claims, even as those same claims directly implicate him in endangering kidnapped children. The suggestion that Fayose should be pitied rather than confronted undermines the seriousness of the accusations, especially since they involve a plot to manipulate a presidential crisis. If baseless allegations can be dismissed as mental decline, it sets a precedent where political rivals can weaponize mental health to silence each other. This risks normalizing personal attacks over factual rebuttals in public discourse.
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