>
Former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has explained why he did not attend the Peoples Democratic Party South-West leaders’ meeting, to reconcile him with Oyo State governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde.
It was gathered that the meeting which was held at the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, had Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Segun Oni; Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Makinde and others in attendance.
But Fayose, his loyalists and some PDP leaders in Oyo State who are supporting Dr Eddy Olafeso’s bid to return as the National Vice-Chairman of the party in South West were absent at the meeting.
Media aide to Fayose, Lere Olayinka, told The Punch on Thursday that although the former governor wanted to attend the meeting, his loyalists said they would not sit on the same table with Makinde because of his utterances and actions.
“Fayose did not attend the meeting. Those invited from the other side said they were not going to be part of the meeting. They said they did not want to go to the Government House or sit on the same table with Governor Makinde.
“The impression as at yesterday (Wednesday) was that the meeting would be shifted but I believe Governor Wike just came to attend it for formality sake.
“One thing is that nothing can be achieved without the other side at the meeting,” Olayinka said.