Protests erupted in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday following the
destruction of a billboard with the picture of the Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, Oba
Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, allegedly on the orders of Governor
Ayodele Fayose.
The Olukere, who has been at loggerheads with the Ogoga of
Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, who is believed to enjoy strong backing from the
governor, alleged that Fayose personally tore his picture on the billboard in
the heart of the town.
But Fayose, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu
Adelusi, has dismissed the allegation as “unfounded.”
It was learnt that the incident happened when Fayose was returning
to Ekiti from Akure, the capital of Ondo State, after visiting Akwa Ibom State.
The protesters, who gathered at the popular Odo Oja junction at about 6pm on Wednesday, chanted anti-government slogans in condemnation of the action.
Angry youths, who barricaded roads leading to
the town, attacked billboards with Ogoga’s picture in Ikere Ekiti
in retaliation.
Following the development, commuters from Akure, Ita
Ogbolu, Iju, Ise, Emure, Ado Ekiti and other communities were left stranded for
hours, as they could not pass through Ikere to their destinations.