Guber poll: Aiyedatiwa’s red beret insignia causes uproar in Ondo (Photos)

Following the adoption of red berets as an insignia by the
supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, some residents of the state have been
raising eyebrows.

 

Supporters of the governor, under the umbrella of Lucky
Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS), have been wearing red
berets as their symbol.

 

While inaugurating the group, Aiyedatiwa was seen putting on
the beret, which has been described as a symbol of cultism.

With the development causing uproar within the social media
space of the state, some people stated that such a move will further embolden
cultists in their activities across the state.

 

They also stated that cultists can use the avenue to
perpetrate crime by disguising themselves as supporters of the governor.

 

Speaking on the issue, a public affairs analyst, Oluwagbega
Ajongbolo, said, “What exactly are Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his supporters bringing
into Ondo State with their berets? What’s the idea and ideology behind donning
red berets on the streets of Akure and Akoko? What’s the socioeconomic belief
of a typical Aiyedatiwa supporter? What does Aiyedatiwa stand for?

 

“If this is not about their economic and political beliefs,
should we be scared that a set of people, led by Mr Governor, have now adopted
a style of clothing that has significant meaning and messages it is passing
across? Are we safe in Ondo State?”

 

On his part, Sunday Terebo said, “Ondo State, which way,
when I saw this in Ondo town yesterday, I thought Vikings were having converged
in Ondo state. Make una fear God ooo, but no withstanding fight, no dey always
guiding yellow still remains the victory colour.”

 

For Niyi Arogbo, “Now that Aiyedatiwa has adopted a red
beret, let Chief Olusola Oke use a yellow beret, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
uses a blue beret, and Wale Akinterinwa chooses black. Make sure we systematize
everything. Make sure we start the battle from there. Ondo 2024 will be so
interesting.”

 

Omoduni Olamide: “Red Beret is known for cultism and
violence. Now that the state governor has aligned with the brand. Are we safe
in Ondo State?”

 

Reacting, the State Director of Information of LACO-FS,
Kayode Fasua, distanced the group from cultism-related activities.

 

“It is benumbing to come across grave expressions on social
media, especially through some Twitter handles (now rebranded as X), that our
group is bringing cultism to Ondo State for the simple reason that we don red
berets to our campaign rallies.

 

“While those bandying the insinuations of thuggery or
cultism have bombarded the net with their tar brushes, they fail woefully to
prove any instance of violence in our activities and find it hard to produce
any pictorial or camera evidence of where Aiyedatiwa supporters under the aegis
of LACO-FS are armed with any weapon at all, much less a dangerous one.”