LSome residents of Ondo State expressed worries following the adoption of red berets as an emblem by the supporters of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Supporters of the governor, under the aegis of Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers have been wearing red berets as their symbol.
During the inauguration of the group, Aiyedatiwa was seen putting on the beret, which has been described as a symbol of cultism.
While the move generated confusion within the social media space, some people opined that such action will further encourage cultists in their activities across the state.
They also explained that cultists can use the avenue to carry out their nefarious activities by disguising themselves as supporters of the governor.
Backing the Governor for his actions, @AkureCityhunters, wrote, “To be honest, I don’t think it’s out of place to question the morality of the red beret as a form of campaign by Mr Gov, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. However, my reservation with this concern is the group (opposition) it’s coming from, coupled with how it was never an issue with Aketi.”
Also @hon_ags, said, “Aiyedatiwa is pressing these people’s neck gidigan, Aketi used red beret in 2020, Ifedore PDP candidate used green beret, even Sowore uses beret, beret is not a strange thing in Ondo politics #OndoisLucky”
One social media user who slammed Aiyedatiwa @BrosYomi, wrote, “Aiyedatiwa is too desperate and he is ready to burn down Ondo state with his red beret group of ppl.”
@OndoFirstBorn, while criticizing Aiyedatiwa ability to rule the state, said, “I think d beret is worn by Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers (LACO-FS) am beginning to suspect dis lucky am not sure his capable of ruling dis state y will his campaign organisation wear red beret it’s symbol of cultism.”
Noting that people are scared of this action @Olakjet, wrote, “The people are already getting scared and wondering what’s going on. Election no be war.Like seriously d state is know for peace I don’t know y someone will come and fly beret because of election I think we all need to caution him with an hashtag #notocultismaiyedatiwa or #electionnobcultistmovement.”
Another user @Lifeofsegsy, said, “As the junta’s rule faced criticism for human rights abuses. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s sudden reasons for adorning his attire with a red beret aren’t about communism and his actions so far have shown he’s not a communist. Aside from communism, the red beret holds a storied.”
A public affairs analyst, Oluwagbega Ajongbolo, who commented on incident 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?”
Also speaking, 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.”
In his own words, 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.”
