Fayose pronounces Makinde leader, gunshots cause scare at south-west PDP zonal congress

Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose

Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has made up with Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, declaring the governor his leader after months of power tussle.

Speaking at the Wocdiff Centre, Osogbo, venue of the zonal congress of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Fayose acknowledged, “The governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, my brother, my friend and by the grace of God, our leader.”

Fayose also apologised to members of the party not in his faction for all they have all gone through over the years.

“I and Seyi Makinde are one from the beginning,” he said, praying that the tenure of Makinde as the party leader in the south-west would usher the PDP into a season of great accomplishments.

“Nothing last forever, if I offend anybody, I apologise,” he added.

Fayose and Makinde have been enmeshed in a leadership crisis. While Makinde laid claim to the leadership position of the PDP in south-west by being the only PDP governor in the region, Fayose said he was leader by virtue of being a former governor.

Meanwhile, the police reportedly raised tension at the congress with gunshots to disperse suspected hoodlums who were threatening to attack Fayose.

Osun police commissioner Wale Olokode, who led the security team that dispersed the hoodlums, also shot canisters sending people scampering for safety.

Also, Taofeek Arapaja, the candidate backed by Makinde’s camp, got 343 votes to emerge the new south-west PDP zonal vice-chairman.

Eddy Olafeso backed by Fayose got a total of 330 votes.

Earlier, Makinde and Fayose had promised to accept whoever emerged winner.