The Oyo State Government has dismissed allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, against Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as false and capable of undermining efforts to secure the release of kidnapped pupils and teachers in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Governor Makinde appealed to Nigerians to pray for Fayose rather than become angry with him over his recent comments.
According to Oyelade, many Nigerians were shocked by what he described as a series of unfounded accusations made by the former governor, alleging that Fayose’s remarks suggested a troubling pattern of behaviour.
The commissioner said Governor Makinde remained fully focused on addressing the security challenges arising from the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and would not be distracted by political attacks.
He stated that Fayose’s comments were not only misleading but also capable of jeopardising ongoing efforts by security agencies to rescue 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 said.
The commissioner recalled that Fayose had in April alleged that Governor Makinde was plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, an allegation the state government had previously dismissed.
He also referenced a statement allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in November last year, in which Wike reportedly said he would “put fire in Oyo State,” suggesting that recent developments appeared to align with that threat.
Oyelade maintained that the series of allegations made against Governor Makinde reinforced what he described as the motives of his political opponents.
He further noted that President Bola Tinubu had publicly commended Governor Makinde on two occasions since the abduction of the pupils and teachers occurred on May 15, 2026.
The commissioner urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians generally to remain hopeful, assuring them that the governor was working tirelessly with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the situation and restoring confidence in public safety across the state.
