2019 Election
Oyo State: Ajimobi Mourns Killed Lawmaker Says Wining Is Not Do Or Die
Ajimobi Saddened After The Killing Of Lawmaker In Oyo State.
Incumbent Governor of Oyo state Senator Abiola Ajimobi has expressed sadness over the killing of a lawmaker, Hon. Temitope Olatoye in Ibadan, during the governorship and state assembly elections yesterday.
He also described the level of violence that characterized some areas in the state as ‘heartrending’ noting that he has put security operatives on their toes since the incidence.
The lawmaker representing Lagelu/Akinyele federal constituency of Oyo state, was killed by suspected hoodlums who attacked him in Elesu village, Lalupon, Lagelu local government area of the state.
He later died during an operation in at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Naija News reports.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, earlier today, the governor said that the desperation and do-or-die that attended the election was uncalled for since the candidates in the governorship and Assembly election were in the race to serve the people and not themselves.
Commiserating with the families of Olatoye and others who reportedly lost their lives in the election, the governor assured the citizens that the perpetrators would be brought to justice irrespective of their political affiliation and status.
His words: “I’m greatly saddened by the pockets of violence that attended yesterday’s (Saturday) election; although the circumstances surrounding the violence and loss of lives are still hazy. It is heartrending that Hon Olatoye and others had to die because of election.
“Nobody’s ambition should be worth the blood or life of any citizen. I’m, therefore, appalled that some unscrupulous politicians and their followers have turned this contest into a do-or-die affair, which is alien to democratic norms in saner climes.
“We struggled hard for this democracy, and for it to be entrenched we must eschew every act of bitterness, desperation and foul play during elections. In life, you win some contests and you lose some. If we imbibe this philosophy, we will take every victory and defeat with equal measure of equanimity.
“I have been in regular touch with all the security agencies since yesterday and they have assured me that the situation had been brought under control. May I use this opportunity to implore them to redouble their efforts and ensure the safety of lives and property going forward.”
The governor condoled with the families of Olatoye and others that lost their lives to Saturday’s skirmishes and prayed for the repose of their soul.
Ajimobi enjoined citizens of the state to be law abiding and to go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation, warning those spreading rumours of renewed violence within the city to desist from such unpatriotic act.
Meanwhile, Naija News reports that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Seyi Makinde, is winning his close All Progressive Congress (APC) Opponent, Adebayo Adelabu in the election.