He Has Lost His Mind — Oyo Govt Slams Fayose Over School Kidnapping Claims

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde

“He Has Lost His Mind” — Oyo Govt Slams Fayose Over School Kidnapping Claims

The Oyo State Government has responded strongly to allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing his comments as reckless, harmful, and capable of endangering lives.

Governor Seyi Makinde, through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said Fayose’s remarks were unfortunate at a time when security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of those still in captivity. According to Oyelade, the former governor’s comments have shocked many Nigerians and amounted to an attempt to politicise a deeply sensitive security issue.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyelade accused Fayose of displaying a troubling level of bitterness and hostility, adding that his remarks could undermine ongoing efforts by security operatives handling the kidnapping case. The statement read in part: “Nigerians are shocked by Fayose’s comment. He needs prayers. For a former governor to be so consumed by the politics of vindictiveness, vileness, deceit and hate, that he would further endanger the lives of those in captivity and distract security agents from handling this delicate job, smacks of one who has lost his mind.”

“Governor Makinde is too preoccupied with finding a solution to the challenges posed by the kidnappers of children and teachers in the state to engage someone whose lifestyle and comportment have been suspect over a long time,” the commissioner added. The Oyo State Government maintained that its attention remains focused on addressing the security situation and ensuring the safe return of all victims. It urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting the efforts of security agencies. Oyelade also recalled previous comments allegedly made by Fayose against the Oyo governor, suggesting that the former Ekiti governor had repeatedly sought to drag Governor Makinde into political controversies.

READ ALSO:

The latest exchange follows comments made by Fayose during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday. During the interview, the former governor criticised Governor Makinde’s handling of the kidnapping incident and suggested that the abduction may have been politically motivated. Fayose further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the incident could have been orchestrated to embarrass President Bola Tinubu, a claim that has since generated reactions from political observers and government officials. “I sometimes believe that the abduction at Oyo School was orchestrated by the Oyo State Government to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose was quoted as saying. He also accused Governor Makinde of failing to respond promptly to the incident, claiming that the governor prioritised political activities over the crisis. “The governor of Oyo State had his nomination and that of his candidates in the face of this abduction. He did not take any action, no steps were taken. It was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them,” Fayose said.

The abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area has sparked concern across Oyo State, with many residents calling for stronger security measures to tackle the growing threat of kidnappings. The attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, saw armed men raid Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in a coordinated operation that sent shockwaves across the state. Approximately 46 pupils and teachers were abducted, including a two-year-old pupil and a school principal. Tragically, there have been reports that one of the abducted teachers was killed in captivity.

In response to the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government and deployed a specialised rescue team to the affected communities. The President also dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, which included the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa. Addressing residents of the affected Esiele and Yawota communities, Gbajabiamila assured them that the President was “deeply troubled” by the incident and that the rescue operation would be “intelligence-led,” deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims. The delegation also promised to forward a request for a military base in the area to the President for consideration.

Governor Makinde has also appealed to Nigerians to stop apportioning blame over the abduction, urging instead that citizens support government efforts to ensure the safe and speedy release of the victims. Addressing protesters comprising members of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) , the National Union of Teachers (NUT) , and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ibadan, the governor disclosed that federal security operatives had been in the state for the past two weeks and that he meets with them at least three times daily to review rescue efforts. “This is not the time to trade blames,” Makinde said. “It is time to unite, to confront the challenges that we have and to bring back those children and their teachers.” The abduction has now entered its third week, with the whereabouts of the victims still unknown, leaving families trapped between hope and uncertainty as security agencies race to secure their freedom.

The exchange between Makinde and Fayose has generated heated debates on social media, with Nigerians divided over the former governor’s allegations. Some have questioned the timing of the abduction, which coincided with heightened political activity in the state, while others have dismissed Fayose’s claims as politically motivated and lacking evidence. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government insists that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and restore confidence in the state’s security architecture.