Makinde to Nigerians: Pity Fayose, don’t be angry with him

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to Nigerians to pray for former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, following what the state government described as a series of unfounded allegations made against him.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who said Nigerians were shocked by Fayose’s recent public comments and accusations against Governor Makinde.

According to the commissioner, the former governor appeared to be acting under certain influences, leading him to make claims that were not only false but also capable of distracting attention from critical security challenges facing Oyo State.

“Nigerians watched with shock as the former governor disintegrated before the eyes of the world by making a series of false accusations, apparently under certain influences,” Oyelade stated.

The commissioner said Governor Makinde remains focused on addressing the ongoing security challenges in the state, particularly efforts to secure the release of children and teachers reportedly abducted by kidnappers.

He noted that the governor was too occupied with finding solutions to the security situation to engage in political exchanges with Fayose.

“Governor Seyi 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 statement said.

Oyelade further criticised Fayose’s recent comments, describing them as reckless and potentially harmful to ongoing security operations.

“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,” he added.

The commissioner also linked Fayose’s actions to earlier political remarks allegedly made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

He recalled that Wike had, in November last year, threatened to “put fire in Oyo State,” adding that recent developments appeared to reflect an attempt to carry out that threat through political attacks.

“Oyelade recalled that Fayose’s comrade-in-arms, Nyesom Wike, promised in November last year that he would ‘put fire in Oyo State,’ and now the threat appears to be manifesting poorly,” the statement noted.

The Oyo State government also referenced an earlier allegation made by Fayose in April 2026, in which he reportedly accused Governor Makinde of plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

According to the commissioner, that allegation, along with several others made by the former Ekiti governor, lacked credibility and exposed the motives behind the repeated attacks on the Oyo State governor.

“The Commissioner therefore contended that these false allegations and many others are sufficient to confirm their motive,” the statement said.

Oyelade pointed out that despite the ongoing security concerns, President Bola Tinubu had publicly commended Governor Makinde on two separate occasions since the kidnapping incident occurred on May 15.

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He said the recognition from the President underscored the governor’s commitment to addressing security challenges and maintaining stability in the state.

The commissioner urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians in general not to be distracted by political controversies but to continue supporting ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

He assured the public that Governor Makinde was working tirelessly with security agencies to secure the safe release of the children and teachers.

“We urge the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful. Governor Makinde has been working day and night to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers,” Oyelade said.

The commissioner concluded with an appeal for understanding and prayers for Fayose, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and protecting the lives of residents.