A short campaign film shot by Doris Simeon`s co-founded NGO,
Nollywood Voice for Credible Leadership for the Ekiti State`s People Democratic
Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ayo Fayose for the forthcoming June 2014 election
almost spelt doom for some Nollywood stars. This happened when the group sent a
representative, Adeleye Ebitayo to Ado Ekiti to present its support to Fayose
after the incumbent governor, Fayemi turned down their overture for same. As a
result of that Tayo and a couple of other movie stars realigned their support
for the PDP. This precipitate their
been hunted by thugs believed to have the support of the State`s ruling party.
Trouble actually began on the day of Fayose`s political
campaign at Ado Ekiti where Tayo flanked by the movie stars was seen raising
the hand of Fayose, signifying their support for him. Some of the screen lords present
were Femi Branaird, Olaiya Igwe and Bayo Bankole amongst others.
During a media chat with The New Star Magazine (TNS), Tayo explained,
“As Nollywood artistes we are free to give our support to anybody we see fit as
a credible leader in the society. That
was the reason we gave Fayose our support. He knows the pains and desires of
the Ekiti people and seemed to have better knowledge on how to get things right
there. He knows everything; he is a complete man.”
The heavily built actor went on to describe what took place on the
fateful day, “I was at Ado Ekiti to join the cast for a movie on APC but since
my mind was not with the party, I decided to leave the location for Fayose`s
camp. That was how APC sent armed men to assassinate me. For that I had to run
away from Ado Ekiti as early as 4:30 am, late in the night. I got the
information to leave that night that assassins are after me, from several phone
calls. A few of the APC guys also called me to prepare for death. Motor cycle commercial riders aka Okada men
were also given my picture, telling them to take me to their camp should I come
to them for a ride. It made me to trek
several kilometers on foot that dark night to get to a safe place before I took
a cab out of the town.”
This story was also corroborated by top Nollywood actor, Femi
Fadeyi who is also a member of the group.
According to Femi, “Although Tayo was officially sent to
cover the event on behalf of our organization that makes the action of the APC wrong
when its boys decided to attack him. They should have known that we are in a
democratic political clime in Nigeria. And as for such even a movie personality
like Tayo or our body has the right to support, work for or vote for persons of
our choice.”
He concluded, “This was the reason the young man could not go
top Ekiti with for our last coverage of the Fayose campaign. Anyway we want to
know why he should be declared wanted and subsequently hunted. For now, as I said
earlier he (Tayo) dare not go to Ekiti presently except he wants to die.”
Now i ve seen it and saw how d news tried assassinate d progressive in Ekiti state. the claim of threat even though is not been corroborated by any act little or much. by the way way cant artists busy themselves with other serious issues of dramaturgy than going to knock the door of Fayemi and if he's not opening to try Fayose. What are these layabouts doing on piracy and destructive tendency on Yoruba culture. i bey let's be dynamic in our prospective to issues.
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