Report from Oba Akoko indicates that the town is now under political attack and tension following a clash between supporters of the APC and the PDP candidates amidst preparations for October 10 governorship election.
It was alleged that Governor Oluwarotimi ordered shooting of his opponent Eyitayo Jegede’s convey at a spot in Oba Akoko, but this has been denied by the governor’s camp.
The two candidates are in Akoko axis today for rallies.
Another eyewitness said it was the PDP supporters in the area that first attacked some APC members at Oba Akoko who were heading to Ikare from Akure.
But according to Samuel Fasua, Head, Media Research, Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation, (EJCO), “No fewer than five persons sustained varying degrees of injuries Today, Wednesday, September 16, 2020, when, quite unexpectedly, the convoy of Ondo State governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stormed Oba-Akoko in Akoko South-West and started attacking the campaign team of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP governorship flagbearer.
“As at now, no fewer than three vehicles in the convoy of Jegede have been badly damaged, while Jegede himself is being held hostage inside the palace of the monarch of Oba-the Oloba, by gun-totting hoodlums suspected to be agents of the governor.
“Curiously, Akeredolu was sighted inside he convoy while the attacks lasted, while police operatives in the location simply vascillated and looked on in the face of the orgies of madness.
“In the last five days too, there have been series of attacks on PDP supporters in Aiyede-Ogbese community in Akure North LGA, leading to machete and gun attacks and the burning of at least two houses of PDP members.
“These continued attacks on PDP members by Aketi’s political thugs and shock troops, are no doubt threatening the peace of our dear state.
“We earnestly call on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police to urgently wade in, to save the lives of members of the public who are being prevented by the powers-that-be in Ondo State from belonging to political parties of their choice. We are gravely oppressed, and are overwhelmed beyond words,” Jegede alleged.
PRESS STATEMENT
ATTACK ON GOVERNOR AKEREDOLU’S CAMPAIGN CONVOY IN OBA-AKOKO IS DESPICABLE, SIGN OF DESPERATION BY THE PDP
The Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation condemns in strong terms the continued and unprovoked attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the opposition PDP in Ondo State.
Just today, Wednesday, the 16th of September, hoodlums of the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), attacked the campaign convoy of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), at Oba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu and the campaign train of the APC, were on their way to Ikare-Akoko, in continuation of the local government rally, when the thugs struck and attacked the convoy.
In their crass display of madness and thuggery, the hoodlums set ablaze the branded campaign vehicle donated to the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation by Ambassador Sola Iji.
The driver of the vehicle sustained bodily injury and he is now receiving treatment at a government hospital.
While we are shocked and saddened by this attack, we are not too surprised, because the PDP has shown that it is not focusing on issues in its campaign for the election. They will rather deploy violence and falsehood to score cheap political points.
We say this is despicable and we view it as a sign of desperation by opposition parties in the state, who can’t stand the popularity of the APC, as they have seen the handwriting of their imminent defeat in the coming election on the wall.
This unfortunate act is not only condemnable, but also deserves serious reprimand. So, we call on security agencies to investigate this latest attack by the PDP against the APC and bring the perpetrators to justice. This must not be swept under the carpet, as it portends a grave danger for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Governorship election in the state.
While we await the necessary action from the security agencies to bring perpetrators to book, we want to warn those who are bent on formenting trouble in the state to desist.
The Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation wishes to assure the numerous APC supporter to remain calm and the resist attempt to join these enemies of Ondo State in perpetrating violence. Victory is certain for the APC! We shall resist them through the ballot in a peaceful manner.
Signed:
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Spokesperson, Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization.
September 16, 2020.