Metro Violence Erupts In Ekiti Over Monarch's Billboard Destruction

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Protest erupted in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday following reported destruction of a billboard bearing the picture of the Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin.

The Olukere, who had been in a running battle with his rival and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, accused the governor of personally tearing a billboard carrying his portrait erected in the heart of the town.

PUNCH learnt that the incident occurred when Fayose was returning to Ekiti from Akure, the capital of Ondo State, after visiting Akwa Ibom State.

The protesters, who gathered at the popular Odo Oja junction at about 6pm on Wednesday chanted anti-government songs to deride the governor and condemned his action.

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Angry youths in the town in protest tore billboards of Ogoga, who is enjoying the backing of the governor and blocked all the major roads leading to the town.

Commuters from Akure, Ita Ogbolu, Iju, Ise, Emure, Ado Ekiti and other communities were prevented from passing through Ikere as the irate youths barricaded the highway with logs of woods, irons and other dangerous objects.

The protest continued on Thursday when the Olukere addressed journalists in Ado Ekiti.

Bonfires were made on the roads as the Police deployed more men to the community to prevent the mayhem from escalating.

Oba Obasoyin, while addressing journalists, expressed surprise that the governor had allegedly carried his personal animosity against him to such a ridiculous extent.

Begging President Muhammadu Buhari to save him from Fayose, the Olukere said, “My life now is at stake. If someone could have personally supervised the tearing of my billboard, what would he do if he sees me face-to-face?”

But Fayose through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, said the allegations made by the Olukere against him made no sense at all.

He said, “There are some lies when told, you win sympathy. But in other cases, you will look foolish. To say that the governor tore the poster or destroyed the bill board or sent people to destroy the whatever, is a lie carried too far.

“Fayose is not from Ikere, he is not interested in who rules Ikere. How can he nurse animosity ‎ against the Olukere? That this administration gave recognition to the Ogoga, Fayose was simply following the law, particularly on the Ikere issue.
 
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