Tunde Sala to Fayose: Show Compassion for Kidnap Victims, Avoid Politicising Security Challenges

Open Letter to Dr. Ayo Fayose
Dear Dr. Fayose,

I extend my greetings to you.

Over the years, I have observed two traits that many have come to associate with your public engagements.

First is your tendency to speak bluntly and without restraint.

Second is what many perceive as a pattern of disrespect toward individuals and institutions, including respected leaders such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and traditional rulers in Ekiti State.

It is against this backdrop that I find your recent comments concerning the security situation in Oyo State particularly troubling. At a time when families and communities are deeply concerned about citizens reportedly in the custody of kidnappers, many expected expressions of sympathy and support.

Instead, your remarks appeared to direct criticism at the state government rather than focusing on the plight of the victims.

While political differences between you and Governor Seyi Makinde are well known, moments of insecurity and public distress call for caution, empathy, and responsible commentary.

Regardless of political affiliation, leaders are expected to demonstrate concern for affected citizens.

Furthermore, if one were to accept the suggestion that the Oyo State Government orchestrated the abduction incidents for political purposes, it would raise similar questions about incidents that occurred during your **first tenure** as Governor of Ekiti State.

Among such incidents are:

1.
The assassination of Dr. Ayo Daramola, a World Bank official from Ijan-Ekiti, whose political aspirations reportedly positioned him as a potential gubernatorial contender.

2.
The killing of Tunde Omojola, an indigene of Ifaki-Ekiti who was based in the Netherlands and was in the state during a bye-election period.

3.
The attack on students of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, during protests by the institution’s students.

These events generated significant public concern at the time, yet it would be unfair and irresponsible to conclude, without evidence, that any government directly orchestrated them.

Finally, if you argue that the Oyo State Government may have engineered recent abductions to discredit the administration of President Bola Tinubu, it is worth noting that both Oyo and Ekiti States have experienced security challenges at different times. Since both states have also been governed by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), should similar assumptions then be directed at every opposition leader whenever criminal incidents occur within their jurisdictions?

Public discourse, especially on matters of security, should be guided by facts, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of citizens rather than partisan considerations.

Yours sincerely,
Tunde Sala