Governor Seyi Makinde has said that a statement circulating purportedly from him, that Oyo State has lifted the restrictions on public gathering affecting places of worship including mosques and churches is false.
Makinde said this in response to a press statement going viral in social media, Thursday morning, claiming that the state has lifted ban on gathering in religious centres.
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“This information is FALSE and should be completely disregarded, ” Makinde tweeted on Thursday.
A statement is circulating in the Press purportedly from me, stating that we have lifted the restrictions on social distancing regarding places of worship including mosques and churches. This information is FALSE and should be completely disregarded. pic.twitter.com/hVUfQAYpFl
— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) May 21, 2020
According to him, “As I stated in my press briefing on May 18, 2020, the experts are carrying out a risk situational analysis and we will communicate whatever decisions are reached through our Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force Press briefings in due course,” Makinde added in his tweet.
Also, in a follow up statement, Mr Jide Ajani, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, said Oyo State government has not has not lifted the ban on public gathering in the state.
Ajani made this known to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.
Ajani said: “There is a fake press statement presently in circulation, referencing some Executive Orders allegedly issued by the Gov. Makinde that the state was reopened.
“This fake news is not from Gov. Makinde’s Media Office, and the so-called Executive Orders are false.
“Being a member of Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, I can confirm that no such decisions has been taken.
“Therefore, as of today, there is no lifting of the ban on public gatherings, including Churches and Mosques.
“Please, treat the statement as FAKE NEWS and another handiwork of enemies of the state.”
According to him, prior to this latest evil scheme, the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force’s daily update flyer had been cloned and used to post incorrect data.
“On another occasion, they had posted pictures on social media depicting outbreak of violence in Oyo State when the Park Management System was kickstarted.
“Individuals, who can go to this extreme, vile and vicious extent, can do anything.
“Members of the public are please advised to ignore the statement,” he said.
