Assassination Attempt: Akeredolu visits Oyetola, appeals to youth to be wary of thugs

By Richard Akintade, Osogbo

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on Sunday paid a solidarity visit to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola over the attack on his convoy and the attempt on his life by armed thugs that infiltrated the ranks of the #EndSARS protesters in Osogbo, the state capital.

Akeredolu appealed to the protesting youth to give government time, and possibly an ultimatum, to attend to their demands which are growing by the day.

Akeredolu, during the solidarity and “thank you” visit to Osogbo in the company of the Deputy Governor-elect of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, thanked Governor Oyetola for standing solidly behind him like the rock of Gibraltar during his re-election, adding that Oyetola commuted between Osogbo and Akure to support him as a friend and brother.

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Akeredolu, speaking on the attack on Oyetola and his aides, described the incident as shocking and an assassination attempt on a sitting Governor.

He commended the security aides of Governor Oyetola for not fighting back in the face of the attack, stating that it would have resulted in an unpleasant outcome and defeated the Governor’s solidarity with the people.

Akeredolu called on the youth of the State to be wary of criminal elements that have infiltrated their ranks, adding that “those people do not understand the objectives of the cause the youths are fighting for.”

In his response, Governor Oyetola thanked Mr Rotimi Akeredolu for the solidarity visit, congratulating him on the resounding victory at the recently concluded election.

He also commended Akeredolu for the development strides he accomplished in his first term, which earned him a re-election.

Oyetola took the opportunity to reiterate that “protests are a legitimate venture in a democracy,” but that “youths should be wary of political thugs that seem to be steadily hijacking the movement in the State.”

“Youths should be careful because the core protesters’ ranks has been infiltrated by thieves, looters and vandals who went as far as attacking private businesses in Osun Mall.

“Please, reconsider the way the economy is being hampered and the fear that has been created in other citizens of the State, and let’s stay focused with our demands. Don’t let hoodlums defeat the purpose of this movement,” Oyetola said.