LACO: A SUPPORTIVE GROUP FOR HIS EXCELLENCY LUCKY ORIMISAN AYEDATIWA WITH RED BERETS – A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Politics involves various strategies, tactics, and events, especially during electoral campaigns. Different political parties use diverse strategies to attract voters, leading to the emergence of various political groups and names. LACO, a political group within the APC party in Ondo State, is a prime example of this phenomenon.

Contrary to claims by political opponents, LACO is not a cultist group. Its members are distinguished by their unique dress code, wearing red berets to identify themselves, and setting them apart from other APC support groups in Ondo State. Political rivals have labelled this distinctive attire as a cult symbol, viewing LACO as a threat to their chances in the upcoming governorship election on November 16, 2024.

Similar to other APC support groups, such as AYEDATIWA IMAGE MAKERS (AIM), which uses blue berets for identification, LACO is well-organized, with members across all 18 local governments in the state. The group includes prominent figures from various fields, demonstrating its broad support base.

The red beret, worn by LACO members, holds significant cultural and symbolic meaning. In many Nigerian cultures, red headgear can denote respect, authority, or social status. For example, in some ethnic groups like the Igbo, red caps are worn by titled men and elders. This tradition extends to political and cultural contexts, where red berets can represent political allegiance or solidarity. In the military, red berets signify specific regiments or elite units, such as those in the Nigerian Police Force.

In the recent political situation, the people of Ondo State were surprised by the outbreak of protests. From the start, the youth, traditional leaders, market women, students, and various associations in the state publicly announced their disengagement from the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. Despite nationwide unrest lasting nine days, Ondo State remained peaceful, with businesses operating normally and no damage reported across its 18 local government areas.

However, on the final day of protests, some individuals attempted to disrupt the state’s peace by posing as protesters. The opposition, dissatisfied with the governor’s successful maintenance of peace, sponsored these individuals to incite violence. This was an ill-conceived attempt to undermine the governor’s achievements.

The police and other security agencies, tasked with maintaining peace and ensuring economic stability, effectively intervened to restore order. This attempt to create unrest was a political strategy aimed at causing chaos and scoring political points against the governor. The people of Ondo State must remain vigilant and refuse to allow political miscreants to use protests as a means to disrupt their peace.

*AP Temitope Dadeowo Olowofoyekun*

*State Coordinator; AYEDATIWA IMAGE MAKERS (AIM ) SAY NO TO ANTI-PARTY*

*Tope Liberty Cares*