Lere Olayinka Draws Social Media Backlash Over Remarks on Makinde’s Call for International Probe Into Oriire School Abduction
Media aide and political commentator Lere Olayinka has come under heavy criticism on social media after questioning Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's decision to invite the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shocking abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Governor Makinde made the appeal during a statewide broadcast after formally receiving the rescued pupils and teachers in Ibadan on Monday. According to the governor, the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction were "sufficiently grave and unusual" to warrant an independent international investigation beyond Nigeria's domestic institutions. He also pledged comprehensive rehabilitation, medical care and psychosocial support for the rescued victims.
The Oriire incident attracted national attention after armed attackers invaded schools in the local government area on May 15, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. Following an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and other security agencies, the victims were rescued after spending nearly two months in captivity. Authorities disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the operation while others were neutralised.
Reacting to Governor Makinde's call for an international investigation, Lere Olayinka posted in Yoruba:
«"E fit kuku be say Ibadan Gomina General get agenda on top this matter."»
The remark, loosely interpreted as suggesting that the governor might have an ulterior motive, immediately sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many users accusing Olayinka of contradicting earlier allegations made against Makinde.
Several commenters argued that if previous accusations suggesting the governor had questions to answer regarding the incident were genuine, then an independent international investigation should be welcomed rather than criticised.
One respondent wrote that Olayinka ought to be pleased with Makinde's request because his political associate had previously alleged that the governor might have had prior knowledge of the abduction. According to the commenter, an independent investigation would either confirm or completely clear such allegations.
Another commenter stated that the governor's request demonstrated confidence, insisting there was nothing to fear if all parties desired the truth. Others argued that international scrutiny would help expose anyone responsible, regardless of political affiliation.
Some contributors recalled that during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, opposition politicians petitioned international bodies over the Chibok schoolgirls' abduction, questioning why similar appeals were now being criticised.
Another social media user wrote that there was nothing wrong with inviting the UN to investigate, particularly amid reports that foreign nationals have allegedly participated in criminal activities across parts of Nigeria, while another described Makinde's move as one befitting a national leader.
Others maintained that an independent investigation would help eliminate speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the incident, stressing that transparency remained the best path to restoring public confidence.
A few commenters also revisited earlier public statements made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who had suggested that Governor Makinde should explain certain aspects of the abduction. They argued that an international investigation would provide an impartial platform to establish the facts once and for all.
The debate has continued to generate significant political discussion online, reflecting the deeply polarised opinions surrounding both the Oriire abduction and the wider political environment in Oyo State.
While supporters of Governor Makinde view his appeal as a demonstration of transparency and accountability, critics remain sceptical of the motivations behind involving international organisations.
As of the time of filing this report, Lere Olayinka had not issued any further clarification regarding his post, while public reactions continue to dominate conversations across multiple social media platforms.
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