@GovAyoFayose and Ekiti speaker at loggerheads over fuel station closure

by Kolapo Olapoju

A storm is brewing in Ekiti state between the newly inaugurated Governor, Ayo Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin of the All Progressives Congress.

Following the recent shutting down of his fuel station by the state government, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly says nothing will make him abandon his political party.

On Tuesday, 21 October, the state government announced the closure of some filling stations in the state, citing environmental hazards to the society.

Reacting to the closure, the Speaker claimed to have fulfilled all the environmental laws and had gotten necessary approval before situating his filling station.

He spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Wole Olujobi, in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, 22 October, saying that Fayose closed down his fuel station because of his refusal to defect to the ruling party.

“Hon. Joseph Olugbemi had told me two days after the governor’s inauguration that he (the governor) had made up his mind to close my filling station over refusal to join PDP. Olugbemi defected to PDP on the day Governor Fayose was inaugurated.”

“I had earlier told the governor that in the interest of Ekiti people, the House of Assembly would work with him to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Ekiti State. I called the governor to confirm what the honourable member told me about the plan to close my filling station.”

“He denied having such plans, swearing that he would not engage in victimization of his opponents. But only yesterday the governor ordered the closure of the filling station, citing environmental reasons.”

In his response to the allegations of victimization, Fayose dismissed Omirin claims through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi.

He said, “What Omirin said is totally false, there is no iota of truth in it. The essence of closing down those petrol stations is to ensure sanity and safety in the state capital.”

Adelusi stated that Fayose has nothing against the Speaker, and the closure of the fuel station was borne out of caution and adherence to environmental guidelines.

“While some petrol stations were sited on public properties or residential areas, everybody knows the danger it can cause if there is fire outbreak which had happened in some towns before, leading to loss of lives and property. Even in Lagos State, you cannot just site petrol station anyhow. Omirin should have nothing to fear, because the Governor has nothing against him,” he added.

One comment

  1. All this kind of atitude is very unfortunate and shameful, and it is an indication of the kind of person Fayose is, How can a newly elected governor enbark on victimization mission as his first agender. Ekiti state has turn to battle field there is no dout about it. A leader must be a man of wisdom and peace. Let Ekiti state carry their cross it is their choice.

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