Kunle Ajayi, the governorship candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in Ondo State’s upcoming November 16 election, has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of deploying thugs to prevent the #EndBadGovernance protest from taking place in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ajayi alleged that the thugs, supported by security agencies, were intimidating and threatening protesters to deter them from joining the demonstration against the nation’s hardships.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is orchestrating the mobilization of thugs across the state to obstruct and intimidate protesters. Alarmingly, these known thugs were accompanied by a combined force of Amotekun, police, and NDLEA throughout the weekend,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi claimed he had contacted the security forces to question why they allowed the thugs to menace residents.
“The thugs in Ore were led by Deji Rainwater and Abayomi Ojonakoku, who vowed to assault anyone participating in the protest. It is disturbing that government officials were escorting this violent group,” Ajayi stated in the statement obtained by Peoples Gazette.
The accusation follows a directive from the state police command, which required protesters to provide details of their demonstrations to prevent them from being overtaken by armed thugs.
Ajayi insisted that no threats would deter the nationwide protest, asserting that citizens must be able to exercise their civic rights free from intimidation.
He urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to cease spending government funds on thugs and to ensure that peaceful protests are not disrupted. “I call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to stop financing thugs to attack protesters and barricades. A word to the wise is sufficient,” Ajayi added.
The Gazette was unable to immediately reach Kayode Fasua, spokesperson for Aiyedatiwa’s campaign, for comment. However, an aide to the governor, who wished to remain anonymous, denied the allegations. “The governor has no involvement in these accusations. Aiyedatiwa is committed to peace and would not interfere with citizens exercising their rights. He supports peaceful demonstrations and is not involved in any activities that could lead to violence,” the aide said.