Lere Olayinka, an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has shed light on how former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose handled kidnapping cases during his tenure. In a post on X, Olayinka, who previously served as Fayose's aide, recounted that when kidnappers invaded Ekiti, the former governor did not wait for intervention from then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Instead, he took decisive action as a governor.
Mobilization of Local Hunters and Security Forces
Olayinka stated that Fayose mobilized local hunters and security personnel, including soldiers, to combat the threat. He also enacted laws banning open grazing in Ekiti, preventing Fulani herders from entering the state at night and requiring identification for cattle rearers.
Response to a Tragic Incident
Recalling a specific case, Olayinka mentioned that when a pregnant woman was killed at the Orin Ekiti Farm Settlement, Fayose summoned stakeholders, including Fulani leaders, to the government house. The son of one Fulani leader, Alhaji Abache, was accused of involvement. Fayose demanded that Abache produce his son within one week or leave Ekiti. Within three days, Abache brought his son.
Olayinka emphasized that playing politics of emotions and sentiments with insecurity issues, especially in the South-West, is unproductive. He urged citizens to hold governors accountable when they are ready to address the problem. This revelation came hours after Fayose criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde following the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren, their principal, and a teacher by bandits.
