Aluko revelation: We have no problem with Fayose – Ekiti Obas

The Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers has denied having misunderstanding with Governor Ayo Fayose, over his protracted disagreement with his former political ally, Dr. Tope Aluko, in connection with the conduct of the June 21, 2014, governorship poll in the state.

Governor Ayodele Fayose

Shortly after their meeting, on Tuesday, in Ado-Ekiti, the royal fathers insisted that they were neither lobbied nor compelled by Fayose to write a communiqué condemning

Aluko for his exposure; that the last Ekiti governorship election, which brought about the sudden exit of Governor Kayode Fayemi, was allegedly rigged by some military personnel.

Aluko had, while testifying before Major-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade-led military tribunal , which investigated involvement of military personnel in the alleged electoral malfeasance, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of deploying military might to oust Fayemi.

But the latest development was brought about by a news story that has gone viral on the social media and an online publication, to the effect that the Obas had disagreed with Fayose over his intention to conscript them to write a communiqué condemning Aluko for his role during a recent meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

The monarchs, who spoke through their Chairman, the Ologotun of Ogotun Ekiti, Oba Samuel Oyebade, at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, denied the existence of such a meeting, and warned that his colleagues should not be dragged into the murky water of politics under any guise.

“We note that the said online publication named specific traditional rulers as the arrow-head of anti-Fayose’s stance. The Council says unequivocally that the content of that publication was a blatant lie; a fabrication arising from the imagination of the writer.

“It was also a deliberate attempt to smear the image of the traditional rulers and set the government and the council against each other.”

The monarchs added: “It is true that a meeting of traditional rulers was held on February 16, 2016, but the meeting was never attended by Fayose’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Dipo Anisulowo, or any government official, as quoted in the online publication.

“We, therefore, say, without mincing words, that there is a cordial relationship between the government of Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the traditional Council. It is, therefore, our opinion that the publication was meant to embarrass our members.

“The Ekiti Council of Obas will not allow the traditional institution to be dragged into the murky water of politics”, it stated.