PART 2: Lere Olayinka Under Fire Again as Fresh Criticism Trails Attack on Makinde Over Oriire Kidnap Crisis
Political commentator and media aide Lere Olayinka has continued to face intense criticism on social media after launching another attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his handling of the Oriire Local Government school abduction and his subsequent call for an international investigation.
In a lengthy social media post, Olayinka questioned Governor Makinde's priorities during the period the pupils and teachers were in captivity. He accused the governor of engaging in political activities instead of giving full attention to the security crisis.
Among other claims, Olayinka alleged that the governor organised a political rally just days after the abduction, publicly projected what he described as presidential ambition, attended political engagements outside Oyo State, and later appealed to the United Nations for an investigation only after the victims had been rescued.
He concluded his remarks by describing Governor Makinde as "confused by confusion", insisting that the governor needed urgent help.
The comments came after Governor Makinde called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The governor described the incident as unusual and serious enough to deserve international scrutiny while assuring residents that his administration would continue to support the rescued victims through rehabilitation and counselling.
However, rather than generating sympathy for Olayinka's position, the post triggered another wave of criticism from social media users, many of whom accused him of selective outrage and political bias.
Several commenters questioned why Olayinka was now criticising Governor Makinde while, according to them, he and his political associates remained largely silent during previous kidnapping incidents in Ekiti State. Some also referenced political activities that allegedly continued in Ekiti despite security challenges at the time, arguing that the same standard should apply across political divides.
Others accused Olayinka of consistently attacking Governor Makinde regardless of the issue, suggesting that his criticisms appeared politically motivated rather than driven by public interest.
One commenter wrote that politicians were gradually destroying public confidence in Nigeria through endless political battles instead of focusing on national development and security.
Another remarked that Olayinka's opinions seemed to reflect those of his political leaders rather than independent analysis, while another user expressed disappointment, saying they had once regarded him as an objective democrat before concluding that his interventions were politically influenced.
Some contributors also expressed gratitude that the abducted pupils and teachers were eventually rescued alive, arguing that public attention should remain on supporting the victims instead of turning the tragedy into another political contest.
Others responded with humour, joking that Olayinka had shifted his attention from previous political opponents to Governor Makinde, while some openly questioned the reasoning behind his latest comments.
The exchange further illustrates how the Oriire abduction has evolved beyond a security issue into a subject of intense political debate in Oyo State and beyond.
While supporters of Governor Makinde argue that his request for an independent international investigation demonstrates transparency and confidence, critics maintain that aspects of the government's response deserve public scrutiny.
As online reactions continue to pour in, the discussion has once again exposed the deep political divisions surrounding one of Oyo State's most significant security incidents in recent years.
At the time of filing this report, Lere Olayinka had not issued any further response to the latest wave of criticism, while conversations surrounding his comments and Governor Makinde's handling of the Oriire abduction remain active across social media platforms.
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