ADO-EKITI — The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has ordered the immediate suspension of his political aide, Mr. Dayo Ibijowo (popularly known as Ijaya), following his arrest by law enforcement operatives over alleged involvement in armed thuggery.
Ibijowo was arrested on Thursday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Ikun-Ekiti. He was subsequently paraded by the Ekiti State Police Command on Friday alongside 10 other suspected political thugs.
According to police authorities, the 11 suspects were allegedly balance-hired by a serving member of the House of Representatives. Their mandate was to violently disrupt the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election scheduled to take place today, Saturday, May 16.
Government Reacts with Zero-Tolerance Stance
Confirming the disciplinary action in an official statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, stated that Ibijowo’s suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
The administration emphasized that the move underscores Governor Oyebanji’s zero-tolerance policy toward lawlessness, electoral violence, and criminal conduct.
”The suspended aide will remain out of office until investigations into the alleged thuggery case are concluded by security authorities,” Oyebode stated.
A Blow to Peace Efforts
The arrests come just 48 hours after Governor Oyebanji concluded a comprehensive, violence-free campaign tour across all 16 local government areas of the state. Throughout the tour, which wrapped up on Wednesday, the governor had repeatedly admonished political actors, contestants, and party loyalists to maintain decorum and ensure peace before, during, and after the electioneering period.
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Reiterating his principal’s stance, the media aide noted that the state government will not shield anyone implicated in subverting the peace of Ekiti State, regardless of their political alignment or status within the administration.
The Ekiti State Police Command has assured the public that security has been beefed up across all voting centers to ensure that today’s primary election proceeds without further security breaches. Investigation into the identity of the serving federal lawmaker who reportedly sponsored the thugs is currently ongoing.
