by Lekan Olanrewaju

Never wrongfully claim to be an ex-governor; especially one of a state currently headed by a man who, as he puts it, “won’t swallow water if you put it in his mouth”. This is the crux of the current war of words between Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi and his predecessor Chief Segun Oni, as the former has warned the latter to stop presenting himself as an ex-governor of the state.

Fayemi categorically stated at a rally organised by the  Conference of Nigeria Political Parties,  “There is no former governor in the state known to the laws of Ekiti State or laws of Nigeria as Mr Segun Oni.”

“The judgment of the  Court of Appeal which removed him from office is very clear that he was not elected as governor in 2007,” Fayemi continued. “Engr. Segun Oni  was never a governor. No law by the state or the federal recognises him as a former governor.”

“Very soon appropriate steps will be taken to make sure that anyone who impersonates will be prosecuted,” Fayemi warned. ” We are very  generous  in this state, enough of the nonsense we have allowed to go on. Those who know our friend should tell him that they should even put their house in order and desist in this journey that is leading to nowhere.”

“You know that I am a very quiet person and if you put water in my mouth I won’t swallow it,” the governor continued as he went proverbial.

Oni Responds

Oni wasted no time in retorting, releasing a statement through his media aide, Mr Lere Olayinka, and stating that Fayemi had to be ignorant of the law.

“If he is not ignorant, he must be aware of the recent judgement of the Supreme Court on the tenure of former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and others” Oni said.

The two men had just a few days ago traded words over the reinstatement of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, with Governor Fayemi stating that Chief Oni was practicing “do-or-die’ politics.

“It did not come as a surprise that Mr Oni and his co-travellers in the do-or-die politics will come out to fault NJC’s decision recommending the reinstatement of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.” said Fayemi, to which Oni responded by saying it posed no burden on him either way.

“If Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami is returned, what burden does that impose on me? Absolutely none! Rather, it splashes mud on Nigeria.” read a statement released by Oni’s media aide.

Are these guys for real?