TRACKING___Drama ensued in Ekiti State on Monday as members of the political camp of the former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Ayodele Fayose was allegedly forced to take a secret oath as contained in a viral video.
It was just like a home movie as the wards executives, in the video which lasts five minutes and seconds, pledged unflinching allegiance to Fayose and laid curses on should they by any means betray him.
Vanguard gathered that the move was allegedly taken to prevent some of them from shifting allegiance and moving to Senator Biodun Olujimi’s Repositioning group.
The PDP in the state has for some time been polarised into two factions over leadership issues between Fayose and Olujimi.
In the video, each party executives after mentioning their names, then they declared; “If I betray Osokole Ayo Fayose, may the ground swallow me.”
Among the notable personalities in the sinister oath-taking process include the former PDP Chairman in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, former member of the State House Assembly, Hon Dayo Akinleye Maxima and Mr. Mike Adeosun.
Others include Mr. Segun Ademile, Mr. Aniyikaye Michael Ayo, Mr. Olayiwola Oderinde, Princess Oriade Adefunke, Mr. Ayo Komolafe, Mr. Michael Ojo, and Mrs. Yemisi Fajuyi. The others were Mr. Taye Olusile, Osalusi Niyi (Youth Leader), Oni Dada, Wale Owoeye, Dele Mackurly, Mr. Abiodun Olu, Kehinde Agbede, Olu Asiwaju, Adeola Adebayo, Kayode Olaleye and others.
A party source, who confided in our reporter said the party leaders were coerced into the oath-taking
Reacting to the video, the former state PDP Chairman, Chief Olu-Ojo denied indulging in any secret oath, describing the allegation as malicious”.
Olu-Ojo said, “it was not oath-taking but an affirmation of loyalty to our leader Fayose”.
“There was nothing secret. It was an open meeting. It was not an oath-taking because in the course of activities there was a Bible, Quran, Iron, blood, and other objects to swear with.
“It was an individual opinion. Nobody repeated anything after me. Everybody stated whatever they wanted to say on his or her own accord. There was no Special language while reading. It was individual words that were used. And we were making their pledges in the manner which is an affirmation”, he added
Also reacting, Fayose who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka denies that there was oath-taking.
“Did you see Fayose in that video? Did you see any object like the Bible, Quran, iron, if no, how does that amount to oath-taking?
“When people gathered to express their allegiance to their leader, how does that amount to oath-taking. I can tell you that the video was not leaked, it was released by one of the people there. If they have done something wrong, would they have released it?
” We have seen the picture of Chris Ngige in Okija shrine, did you see those people in good the shrine performing the ritual. There are more important issues in the country than what happened at Ijero Local Government. ”
