THE POLITICAL GBOKO-GBAALA: THE RISE OF OPPORTUNISTIC FENCE-JUMPERS.

THE POLITICAL GBOKO-GBAALA: THE RISE OF OPPORTUNISTIC FENCE-JUMPERS.

By Fagboro Aladekomo.

In recent times, the political landscape within Ekiti State has been increasingly threatened by the disturbing culture of Gboko-gbaala — a form of opportunistic political fence-jumping where individuals move from one political camp to another without regard for principle, ideology, or collective interest.

This trend is not only disappointing but also deeply revealing. It reflects a dangerous pattern that goes beyond ordinary ambition or political survival. Many of these actors appear to have emerged from an acephalous political background — a culture where discipline is weak, loyalty is temporary, and constituted authority is treated with little respect. In such an environment, political allegiance becomes disposable, while the guidance of party elders and leadership is ignored at convenience.

What we now witness is a political culture of kebesimu — childish and unstable movement from one camp to another merely to display relevance or agility. Some individuals now mistake inconsistency for strategy and instability for political intelligence. This is not progressive politics; it is a game of convenience that weakens institutions, destroys trust, and ridicules the very essence of democratic engagement.

Politics, by its nature, demands discipline, ideological direction, patience, and respect for structure. It is not a platform for endless experimentation or selfish political acrobatics. Those who practice this Gboko-gbaala style of politics must understand that credibility and influence are earned through consistency, sacrifice, and loyalty — not through constant defection and opportunism.

Therefore, it has become necessary to sound a clear warning: this culture of political kebesimu must stop. Those involved should retrace their steps and embrace a more responsible and principled approach to political participation. No political system can thrive where there is no respect for leadership, no commitment to collective goals, and no adherence to party structure.

If we truly desire a political system that commands respect and delivers meaningful development, then this acephalous disposition — marked by indiscipline, instability, and disregard for order — must give way to accountability, loyalty, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Only then can politics regain its dignity and genuinely serve the people.

Write By Fagboro Aladekomo from Ekiti East.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100.

 Former Governor of Ekiti State and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has released a glowing tribute to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a formal statement dated May 10, 2026, Dr. Fayemi described the centenarian as a "divine blessing" to the Nigerian nation and a moral compass for the Yoruba people. He emphasized that reaching the age of 100 is not just a personal milestone for the elder statesman but a significant event for the country’s democratic history.

Dr. Fayemi highlighted Chief Fasoranti’s century of life as a testament to sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to good governance. He noted that in moments of political uncertainty and national turbulence, the elder statesman remained one of those rare voices whose convictions never shifted with convenience. The tribute traced Fasoranti's impact through several key eras, including his involvement in the Action Group during the First Republic, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic, and his "incomparable" tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

Beyond politics, the former Governor praised Fasoranti’s enduring legacy in education. Having earned degrees from the University of Ibadan and post-graduate certifications from the University of Hull in the UK and Macquarie University in Australia, Fasoranti is credited with shaping generations of leaders as a teacher and administrator. Fayemi remarked that the Afenifere leader understood early on that the future of any society rests on the quality of its education and the moral character of its citizens.

The statement also touched on Fasoranti’s consistent advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria. Fayemi described the leader's vision of "true federalism" not as a mere political slogan, but as a necessary foundation for national stability and inclusive development.

Concluding his tribute, Dr. Fayemi, on behalf of his wife, Bisi, and his family, congratulated the centenarian, stating that in an era where values are increasingly contested, Chief Fasoranti’s life proves that true leadership is measured not by power or position, but by sacrifice, consistency, and fidelity to principle.

He noted that the nation celebrates a man whose life has enriched Nigeria’s democratic journey and strengthened the voice and aspirations of the Yoruba people.

OYEBANJI’S STATEWIDE GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES MONDAY AS TOUR RECORDS MASSIVE SUCCESS ACROSS EKITI.

OYEBANJI’S STATEWIDE GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES MONDAY AS TOUR RECORDS MASSIVE SUCCESS ACROSS EKITI.

The statewide grassroots engagement and Local Government tour of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, will continue on Monday, May 11, 2026 with visits to Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Government Areas. 

The engagement train will move to Ekiti South West and Irepodun/ Ifelodun local Government areas on Tuesday; while the last leg of the local government tour will hold in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday. 

Since the commencement of the statewide tour, the engagement has recorded tremendous success, with unprecedented turnout, enthusiastic participation, and overwhelming support from party faithful, community leaders, youths, women groups, artisans, and other stakeholders across the various Local Government Areas visited.

The massive reception witnessed throughout the tour is a clear demonstration of the people’s appreciation of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership, developmental strides, and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of Ekiti State.

The Campaign Council expresses profound appreciation to party leaders, members, supporters, and residents of all the Local Government Areas visited so far for their warm reception, peaceful conduct, and steadfast support for the BAO administration.

As the tour continues on Monday, all party faithful and stakeholders in Ijero, Efon, and Ekiti West Local Government Areas are encouraged to come out in large numbers to receive the Governor and the campaign team.

In line with earlier directives, members of the public are advised to remain within their respective Local Government Areas, while participation in the organized moving entourage remains strictly limited to duly approved individuals already contacted by the Campaign Council.

The Campaign Council once again reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, orderly, and issue-based campaign anchored on performance, continuity, and sustainable development for the people of Ekiti State.

GJZ Scales APC Screening, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Representation.

GJZ Scales APC Screening, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Representation.

A House of Representatives aspirant for Ekiti North Federal Constituency I under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Gbenga Joseph Zaccheus, popularly known as GJZ Hope for Reformation, has successfully completed his screening exercise at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

The screening, held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, marks another significant step in the lawmaker hopeful’s bid to represent the people of Ikole and Oye Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, GJZ expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the screening process, describing it as transparent, orderly, and credible.

The aspirant said his ambition is rooted in a strong desire to provide purposeful and people-oriented representation capable of addressing the developmental needs of the constituency.

He pledged to champion policies that would promote youth empowerment, infrastructural development, improved welfare, and grassroots advancement if elected into office.

According to him, his aspiration also aligns with the developmental vision of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Prosperity Agenda as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I am committed to offering effective representation that will directly impact the lives of our people positively. Our constituency deserves quality leadership that listens, responds, and delivers democratic dividends to the grassroots,” he stated.

GJZ further noted that the successful completion of the screening exercise represents a major stride in his political journey and a strong indication that victory is achievable with the continued support of party faithful and constituents.

He called on members and supporters of the APC across Ekiti North Federal Constituency I to remain united and committed to the progress of the party ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The aspirant also urged party loyalists to work tirelessly for the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20 governorship election, stressing that the governor has demonstrated inclusive leadership and remarkable commitment to the development of Ekiti State.

He added that supporting Governor Oyebanji’s re-election would ensure continuity of good governance and sustained progress across the state.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AFENIFERE LEADER, FASORANTI ON 100TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AFENIFERE LEADER, FASORANTI ON 100TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti on his 100th birthday.

The Afenifere leader, a renowned educationist and elder statesman, clocks 100 years on Monday, May 11, 2026. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said Chief Fasoranti deserves to be celebrated for his enduring integrity, forthrightness and selfless service to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation.

The Governor said God has been so kind to Chief Fasoranti to have witnessed his centenary birthday in good health, fulfillment, and peace of mind. 

He described Pa Fasoranti as a Nigerian patriot, nationalist, a moral compass and an icon of democracy who stood in defence of the common man at a critical time in the nation's history.

Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti

According to him, Pa Fasoranti has contributed immensely to the development of the nation's manpower as a teacher, school principal and education policymaker in the prime of his life before venturing into politics.

The Ekiti Governor also noted that Pa Fasoranti remains a committed disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and is consistent with the ideals and core values of Afenifere as handed down by his mentor.

He noted that the centenarian, has, over the years, been an advocate for the unity of Nigeria and indivisibility of the country.

Governor Oyebanji wished Pa Fasoranti more fruitful years and service to his fatherland saying the government and the people of Ekiti State join family, friends and admirers of the Centenarian to celebrate him on his landmark birthday.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our dearly beloved leader, Baba Fasoranti on this awesome milestone- the celebration of his 100th birthday. Our prayer is he will continue to enjoy God’s immeasurable grace and strength as he continues to serve humanity.”, the statement added.

Progressive Youth Ambassadors Rally Support for Oyebanji, Tinubu in Ado Ekiti.

Progressive Youth Ambassadors Rally Support for Oyebanji, Tinubu in Ado Ekiti.

Members of the Progressive Youth Ambassadors (PYA), Ekiti State Chapter, on Friday staged a massive rally in Ado Ekiti in support of the re-election bid of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The rally, held across major parts of the state capital, attracted scores of youths from within and outside Ekiti State, who displayed banners and chanted solidarity songs in support of the two leaders.

Speaking during the rally, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Kayode David, said Governor Oyebanji had continued to demonstrate purposeful and grassroots-oriented leadership through youth empowerment, infrastructural development, and the promotion of peace across the state.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Community Communication for the group, Mrs Mary Oso Omotosho, commended the governor for sustaining inclusive governance and creating opportunities for young people in the state.

One of the patrons of the group and the Executive Chairman of Ekameta LCDA, Hon. Dr Leye Adeniji, described Oyebanji as a visionary leader committed to the growth and development of Ekiti State.

The speakers also lauded President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope agenda, saying the administration’s economic and democratic reforms would reposition the country for sustainable growth.

According to them, the increasing support for both leaders among youths reflects confidence in their leadership and commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.

The rally ended with participants reaffirming their support for the continuity of the Oyebanji administration beyond 2026 and President Tinubu’s administration till 2031.

BAO2BAO,

Back2Back

BAO Till 2030

PBATTill2031

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI.

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI.

...Says Ekiti ‘ll appreciate FG projects with massive votes for Tinubu.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has canvassed a peaceful conduct of the June 20 governorship election saying his re-election bid does not worth the blood of any citizen of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer spoke on Friday while addressing rallies at Emure, Ise/Orun and Ikere Local Government Areas in continuation of his campaign and statewide engagement with citizens and stakeholders ahead of the governorship poll.

Rounding off the campaign for the day in Ikere Ekiti, the Governor emphasised his stand against violent and bloody electioneering, urging members of his party to remain calm, work assiduously and reply the opposition with a resounding victory on June 20. 

The Governor noted that since he started the statewide citizens' engagements and campaign tour since Monday, there have been no record of violence anywhere and he wants the momentum of peaceful conduct and issue- based campaigns sustained throughout the electioneering period down till results are declared.

He had earlier in the day made a case for a peaceful and violence-free election at Emure Ekiti, his first port of call, where he appealed to APC members, members of other political parties and all citizens and residents of the state not to be involved in any act that could lead to loss of lives at the poll.

The Governor specifically stressed that his quest for a second term in office should not come at the expense of human lives as he hopes to secure a historic re-election under the atmosphere of peace and harmony for which the state has been famous under his watch.

Showing the statesman in him who prioritises the welfare of his people, Oyebanji again reiterated the readiness of his party and its teeming members to toe the line of peace before, during and after the election to allow for a successful conduct of the poll.

He said: "As we go back to our wards and polling units, let us be at peace with one another. The APC is a party of peace, a party of order and a party of process. We should not fight with anybody. We started the campaign on Monday and we have not had problem anywhere and that speaks to our party's love for peace and unity.

"Our ambition, my ambition and the ambition of every other person in Ekiti State do not worth the blood of any Ekiti man. By God's grace, this election will hold and we will all be alive and in good health when our government is re-elected. All of us shall have our share in the prosperity it will bring."

He used the opportunity of the Ikere rally to commend the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye whom she praised for her steadfastness, loyalty and being a good ambassador of the town and a co-pilot in the success story the administration has become so far.

The Governor said his administration's projects in Ikere including Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, agric project, Moshood Road and Ikere-Akure Highway executed by the President Bola Tinubu Administration should motivate the people to retain APC in power both at the state and the federal levels.

He urged party member to embark on aggressive membership drive and mobilisation by making friends with eligible voters with voter's cards for the minimum target of 500,000 winning vote tally to be realised.

Speaking in Emure Ekiti and Ise Ekiti, the Governor urged party leaders and members to work on non-party members and other citizens who possess voters' cards as the APC hopes to secure 80 percent of the votes of registered voters in the local government areas.

Scores of People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members joined the APC at the Emure rally hinging their action on the popularity of the Governor and the impact of his administration on the lives of the people.

Oyebanji said he was happy with the sense of appreciation of the people of Emure on projects delivered in the town which include roads, schools, youth in commercial agriculture, security of lives and property adding that the people of the state are benefiting from key projects executed by the Tinubu Administration.

He said: "As you all know, APC is a party of peace, law and order and we desire a peaceful election. My (second term) ambition does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man or woman. Let us be at peace with ourselves. I have absolute confidence in the ability of Emure electorates to vote wisely and vote for our party. 

"APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace , employment and amenities that make life easier for our people. Journey from Akure to Ikere now takes less than thirty minutes because of the work done on the road through President Tinubu.

"Ikere-Emure Road has been done and the only thing we can do to make our President happy is to vote for his party because APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. Let us sustain that and ensure the continuity of good things."

"The only thing we can do to say thank you to President Bola Tinubu is to vote for the party. APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. To ensure the continuity of all these things, we need to vote for APC.

"The target we set for our party is 177–0. We are expecting nothing less than 80% of the total registered voters. Let us go back to our wards and units to canvass for votes. If you vote for us, you have voted for progress and development."

Addressing the rally in Ise Ekiti, the Governor assured that work would soon start on Ise-Ijan Road to boost transport, commerce, agriculture and connect the local government area with other parts of the state.

He further disclosed the intention of his administration to commence on the Olowe Museum to boost arts, culture and tourism in the ancient town and its environs.

Describing Ise/Orun as critical to the success of the APC in the governorship poll, Oyebanji said the good work done in the council area since coming to office should galvanise the residents to cast their votes for the ruling party.

The Governor urged the people of the state to vote for the All Progressives Congress APC at the governorship election and presidential election because of positive impact in the lives of the citizens in terms of  policies and projects executed so far.

All the spokespersons of the towns visited pledged massive delivery of votes in favour of the Governor and his party in appreciation of the benefits so far reaped from his administration.

The Governor during the tour paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers who all prayed for the realisation of his second term ambition. The monarchs all commended the Governor for living up to expectation since assumption of office in 2022.

The rallies were attended by House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon Adeniyi Ojuawo; House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon Femi Bamisile; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Bolaji Olagbaju; husband of the Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and other top officials of the campaign council.