Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu's Defence statement on Ekiti shooting.

The attention of the Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi (SAN), has been drawn to a malicious report by the campaign organization of the governorship candidate of the PDP in Ekiti state, that Governor Akeredolu was behind the needless shooting that occurred today in Ado-Ekiti during the rally for the APC governorship candidate in Ekiti, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The statement, signed by one Lere Olayinka on behalf of the Olusola Eleka Campaign Organization, alleged that the thug that fired the shot that injured about four persons in the rally,  including an APC chieftain, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, was brought to Ekiti State by Governor Akeredolu.

We wish to categorically state that though there was shooting in Ado-Ekiti by a thug today, Governor Akeredolu knew nothing about the identity of the suspect. It is nothing but a wicked lie from the pit of hell.

Governor Akeredolu was in Ekiti State to show support for the APC and its candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and none of the governor's security detail fired a single shot throughout the rally in Ekiti.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Police PPRO, Adeyemi Albert Asemola, has disclosed that the policeman who handled the rifle was hired from Lagos. We hope this will put to rest dangerous allegation.

You will recall that the same Lere Olayinka had a few days ago alleged that Governor Akeredolu had promised to spend the state’s two months allocation on the Ekiti election, another lie that has been punctured by Nigerians from all walks of life, especially the people of Ondo State.

It is, therefore, pertinent to state here that at no gathering did Governor Akeredolu make a remark that he was ready to put two months allocations of Ondo state together to pursue Dr. Fayemi’s governorship election in EKiti state.

Once again, we condemn the incident that occurred in Ado Ekiti today and sympathize with the victims and their family. We also sympathize with the APC family in Ekiti and the nation in general.

Governor Akeredolu is a man peace who is known to have devoted unrelenting efforts at sustaining peace in his state. We are, however, relieved with the news of the arrest of perpetrator by the police.

Oluwasegun Smart Ajiboye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor