He Has Lost His Mind” — Makinde Fires Back at Fayose Over Kidnap Allegations, Urges Nigerians to Pray for Ex-Ekiti Governor

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has launched a scathing response to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over comments linking the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State to political motives, declaring that Nigerians should rather pray for Fayose.

The dramatic political clash erupted after Fayose, during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, accused Makinde of failing to act swiftly following the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area. Fayose further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the abduction may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu politically.

Reacting strongly on Tuesday, the Oyo State Government dismissed Fayose’s remarks as reckless, false, and deeply insensitive, especially at a time when efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims safely.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Governor Makinde described Fayose’s comments as shocking and unfortunate, insisting that the governor remained fully focused on tackling the worsening security situation rather than engaging in political mudslinging.

According to Oyelade, Makinde is currently devoting his energy and resources toward securing the release of the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers, stressing that the situation requires unity, seriousness, and compassion not divisive political accusations.

“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,” the statement read.

The commissioner did not stop there, delivering an even harsher criticism of the former Ekiti governor.

He said, “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.”

The Oyo State Government also accused Fayose of attempting to politicize a painful security crisis that has thrown families into fear and uncertainty.

Oyelade noted that while parents and residents anxiously await the safe return of the abducted victims, Fayose chose to fuel controversy with “baseless and inflammatory” statements capable of distracting security agencies from ongoing rescue operations.

The commissioner further referenced Fayose’s previous political attacks against Governor Makinde, alleging that the former governor had consistently tried to stir political tension in the state with unfounded claims and divisive rhetoric.

Despite the political storm, the Oyo State Government reassured residents that efforts to rescue the kidnapped pupils and teachers remain ongoing. Oyelade urged citizens to stay calm, prayerful, and supportive of security agencies working round the clock to secure the victims’ freedom.

The controversy began after Fayose, during his television interview, openly questioned the Oyo State Government’s response to the abduction incident.

“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 alleged.

The former governor went further to suggest that the kidnapping could have been politically motivated.

“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,” he said.

The remarks have since sparked outrage within political circles and among supporters of the Oyo State Government, with many describing the allegations as dangerous and irresponsible amid a sensitive security crisis.