A former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is not the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-west.
He noted that leadership should be earned and not for anyone as a title.
Fayose added that an ex-Ondo State Information Commissioner, Dr Eddy Olafeso, should be the next PDP National Vice Chairman (West) as, according to him, earlier agreed in Makinde’s house at Ibadan, Oyo State.
Fayose and Makinde have been at loggerheads over the leadership of the South-West PDP.
However, the Ondo state Executive of the PDP led by Hon Fatai Adams and the party’s 2020 governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede are loyal to Makinde while another section of the Ondo state PDP leaders are pledging their loyal to Fayose.
The ex-governor spoke in Lagos on Monday while receiving prominent members of the party who paid him a solidarity visit.
The delegation was led by Senator Nicholas Tofowomo, representing Ondo South District in the National Assembly.
Among the delegation were Olafeso, former House of Representatives member, Lad Ojomo, ex-House of Assembly member, Niyi Ogunboye, Chief Ibini Oyedele, Chief Tunde Akindehin, Pastor Larry Ogunmusere, Ife Akinsoyinu, Sola Ebiwonjumi, Olusola Adewo, Adeolu Akinseye and Ebenezer Alabi.
Fayose commended members of the delegation for “not sitting on the fence.”
He stated, “It is dangerous to sit on the fence. I don’t play to the gallery.”
He also berated Makinde’s supporters for calling him an “APC man,” adding that why wasn’t he labelled as such when he supported the Oyo State governor and worked for his victory in last general elections.
Fayose added, “Tell the baby governor that the way up is the way down. Let Makinde put feeding bottle in the mouth of his dogs. You are called a leader because you earned it, not your title.
“Can I be an All Progressives Congress man and be fighting Buhari (the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)? I was governor at 42. He is governor at 51. I don’t deserve an insult from Makinde.
“Governor Makinde is not my leader. He is my follower. Respect should beget respect. I have been a warrior. They thought I will be with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission now. But, I am surviving.”
Senator Tofowomo, who said Fayose was a credible leader of the PDP in the South-West, added that he was accessible, a grass-roots operator and a defender of fairness, equity and justice in the party in the last 17 years.
On his part, Ojomo described Fayose as a great and faithful leader worthy of pride, saying he was a fighter for justice.
