Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday commiserated with those who lost their property during the recent clash and setting ablaze of the Oja Oba Market in Ado Ekitii, the state capital.
Fayemi, who also condemned the spate of kidnapping in the state, lamented that the present negative image of the state had begun to take its toll on the economic activities in the state.
He recalled how those who engaged in the hospitality businesses now lament low patronage.
The former governor stated this when he visited the traditional ruler of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, in company of former members of his cabinet.
He added: “Some of colleagues friends would have accompanied me to Ekiti but many of them declined the invitation as a result of the spate of violence and kidnapping.
“I don’t think Ekiti deserves this negative label, which is why I am calling on well meaning indigenes of this state to join hands with those who are willing to return peace to the state.”
Fayemi, who arrived the palace around 2pm on Sunday, told the monarch that he was in the palace to identify with him over the unfortunate incident.
Responding, Oba Adejugbe thanked the ex-governor for the visit, urging him not to relent in his efforts to ensure that peace reigns in the state.
The monarch hinted that a committee, which comprises major stakeholders, had been set up to ascertain the extent of damage during the clash.
He explained that many of the victims of the clash had been seeking for assistance as they actually took loan to set up their businesses, which were consumed by fire.
Ekiti State people, according to the Oba, are very accommodating.
He said they should not allow the relationship to be affected by ethnicity or politics.
—