Some state citizens have expressed disapproval after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s supporters, operating under the auspices of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organization Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS), adopted red berets as an emblem.
Aiyedatiwa was seen wearing a beret during the group’s inauguration. The beret has been characterized as a symbol of cultism. This development has sparked controversy on social media, with some claiming that it will give cultists more confidence to carry out their activities throughout the state.
They added that cult members might pose as governor’s supporters and use the avenue to commit crimes.
Oluwagbega Ajongbolo, a public affairs commentator, addressed the matter by asking, “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?
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“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?”
Sunday Terebo, on his side, stated, “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.”
“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,” says Niyi Arogbo. 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?”
In response, Kayode Fasua, the State Director of Information for LACO-FS, disassociated the group from activities associated with cultism claiming: “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.”