Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has reaffirmed his controversial comments suggesting that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde may have questions to answer over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Fayose made the remarks during an interview on EKTV, saying he had no regrets over his earlier comments despite the backlash they generated.
Fayose Refuses to Retract Statement
Speaking in a mix of English and Yoruba, Fayose said his experience as a former governor informed his position on security matters.
He maintained that he understood how security challenges should be handled and insisted he was speaking based on his convictions.
“I stand by what I said about Governor Makinde. I was a Governor too and I handled security issues very well. I used my security very well,” Fayose said.
His latest comments come days after he alleged that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area could have been politically motivated.
Earlier Allegation Against Makinde
Fayose had made the initial allegation during an interview on Channels Television, where he suggested that the kidnapping incident may have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu.
The former governor argued that the timing of the abduction raised suspicions and questioned whether political interests could be behind the incident.
His comments generated widespread reactions from political observers and members of the public.
Tinubu Will Win, Fayose Says
During the EKTV interview, Fayose also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s political strength ahead of future elections.
According to him, politicians seeking to remove Tinubu through political tactics should instead wait for the next election cycle.
“Anyone who wants Tinubu out should wait until we get to the field and let the votes speak. Tinubu will beat them all silly,” he said.
He added that using security challenges as a political weapon would not produce the desired outcome.
Kidnap Crisis Continues
The controversy comes as concerns continue over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the victims, while political leaders and stakeholders continue to debate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"I stand by what I said about Governor Makinde. I was a Governor too and I handled security issues very well. I used my Security very well. Using security issues to play politics is a waste of time, it amounts to nothing…." Ayo Fayose
— Omotoyosi A.A Ijaya JOURNALIST (@omotoyosiwrites) June 4, 2026