APC Youth Reject Incompetence Tag Against Ekiti Deputy Gov, Knock Political Adversaries.

APC Youth Reject Incompetence Tag Against Ekiti Deputy Gov, Knock Political Adversaries.

 All Progressives Congress Youth in Ekiti State have endorsed the renomination of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye to recontest in 2026, saying she is competent and intellectually vast to seek reelection with her principal,  Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The youth described the position being canvassed by a faceless group being sponsored by some hidden forces, flaunting the card of incompetence against Mrs Afuye, as not only baseless and spurious, but laced with enmity and jealousy.

The APC youth spoke in reaction to a statement credited to an amorphous group under the banner of Concerned APC Patriots, who in a statement by its convener, Joshua Ademola, rejected the renomination of the Deputy Governor for a second term ticket.

Puncturing the position canvassed by CAP and its financiers, a statement by APC Youth Leader, Ikere Local Government, Hon Fatai Bello, on Tuesday, said Mrs Afuye remains the best option for APC on account of her unparalleled loyalty, political wizardry and vast knowledge of statutory duties attached to her office. 

"Our attention has been drawn to a campaign of calumny being engineered by a sponsored group claiming that the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, is incompetent to be renominated as the Deputy Governorship candidate to Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2026.

"We want the public to discountenance this unnecessary and misdirected tirade, for lacking in substance and for the fact that Her Excellency, had in the last three years demonstrated capacity that has added immeasurable values to the Ekiti's number two office.

"It is on record that Mrs Afuye has  presided and resolved lingering  chieftaincy and land tussle cases in more than 50 towns across the state, which have attracted accolades leading to her being represented to run with Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the joint ticket in APC in the impending poll.

"Examples abound that it was under the capacious and ebullient leadership of Mrs Afuye, that the ever puzzling Osan/Epe boundary tussle was permanently resolved, ditto Osan/Iro impasse. The two land tussles have become reference points, with the National Boundary Commission now recommending them to states as template to apply in resolving inter towns land logjam.

"Through Mrs Afuye's shrewd and deft knowledge of chieftaincy issues, being a respectable princess of Akayejo Ruling House in Ikere Ekiti, the government has successfully installed 10 traditional rulers of various communities, with none eliciting judicial interventions due to openness,  transparency and strict adherence to customs and traditions that were embraced in the selection processes. 

"Through effective leadership mastery and magic wand wielded by the Deputy Governor, several inter state land matters, especially land brouhahas between Ekiti and Osun, Kwara ,Ondo and Kogi, have been resolved, to avert unnecessary bloodshed and acrimony that could strain Ekiti relationships with its neighbours.

"We couldn't decipher precisely the definition of competency this phantom group was trying to preach. Competence stands as a symbol of effectiveness and efficiency at duty post. If this still remains the case, Mrs Afuye has not faltered in any of the duties within her purview. 

"In case these alarmists are oblivious of this fact, Mrs Afuye had at various times represented Governor Oyebanji in discharging high profile State functions, even outside the state. Visits to Osun, Ogun Ondo, Kwara, Abuja, Akwa Ibom ,Lagos, Oyo for various functions,  are a few of these cases to justify the extent to which she has gone to competently stand in for her principal", Bello said.

The youth leader submitted  further that Governor  Oyebanji remains the best person to calibrate how competent his Deputy is, having worked with her closely for three years, and  not any paid agent.

" If the governor, known as a thorough-bred academic and uncompromising politician, had gleefully consented to the idea of joint ticket with his Deputy for a second term running, without subtle or stiff opposition, this suggested that he has found her worthy in character,  competency and effectiveness. 

"We want to appeal to Ekiti people  to rebuff any agent provocateur, who are being goaded to act as party man to ruffle the feathers and throw a spanner in the wheel of progress of our dear state. 

"Mrs Afuye has demonstrated her loyalty to a course and action in the last three years , which enabled stability in government and has served as a propelling force to the wonderful jobs being performed by Governor Oyebanji.

"We want to State in unambiguous terms that the claim by this irresponsible group was one of the stunts those who are suffering personality disorders  always spew to stoke unnecessary tension in the system during electioneering.

"Besides her administrative and political acumen adjudged to be captivating, Mrs Afuye is an archetype of integrity, honour and contentment that any governor would relish and will admire to work with.

"We advise these political do-gooders and hirelings to stop their crying more than the bereaved antic. This irresponsible action, we know, can't fly, because the governor , the party and the entire Ekiti citizens are pleased with the personality and capability of the Deputy Governor", he stated

Ekiti Rural roads get FADAMA interventions to enhance Agricultural Development.

Ekiti Rural roads get FADAMA interventions to enhance Agricultural Development. 

"Road access has been defined as one of the critical rural infrastructures that must be created to accelerate the rural economy.

Farmers suffer close to 50% post-harvest losses due to either a lack of good roads, culverts, or mini-bridges.

His Excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration has utilised the FADAMA CARES PROJECT intervention to reconstruct or rehabilitate the last-mile roads in 160km and 100 mini bridges/culverts.

This intervention complements the efforts of the World Bank support in the Rural Access Agricultural Marketing Program (RAAMP) which is presently working on both the state and local roads to ease the movement of agricultural products. 

We are gradually connecting the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the food value chain.

You can see that the N50bn investment in Agriculture is money well spent. 

We will continue to push the data to educate the populace."

Gov Oyebanji's Declaration and What Next For APC Members.

Gov Oyebanji's Declaration and What Next For APC Members.

By Michael Ogungbemi

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Governor Biodun Oyebanji demonstrated that he was a real and unchangeable party man. He displayed aura suggesting that he has enormous respect for the doctrine of party supremacy by declaring his second term ambition before the Ekiti State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress at the party's Secretariat at Ajilosun Area of Ado Ekiti.

The party top hierarchy, led by the Acting Chairman, Bar Sola Elesin, were dazzled by this extreme display of respect and recognition for the party leadership.

The governor stunned all that were seated when he told the party in clear terms that his overt declaration doesn't foreclose any interested party man from vying for the governorship primary. He was explicit that interested members can take a plunge for the race. 

This statement was an open verdict that Governor Oyebanji was sure of himself. It confirmed his ardent belief in the ethos of participatory democracy. He believes the system should be opened to all. Unlike some governors who often deployed their governorship powers to muzzle perceived opposition and as well gag party leadership and deprive them of exercising their powers.

The take away from such conduct was that,Governor Oyebanji was an avid believer in the transiency of power : That nothing lasts forever. Like the former President of Nigeria , Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe once said: "No condition is permanent".

Governor's Open Respect for Electoral Law :

Before the declaration, the hoopla was much and deafening , with admirers making efforts to coerce the governor to talk and accept the myriad of endorsements he had enjoyed from more than 50 partisan and non-partisan groups across the strata of Ekiti State. This was a novelty in Ekiti's history. There had been endorsements in the past, but these were more outstanding and louder .

The governor as a believer in the rule of law never jumped the gun. He waited until after the INEC opened the door for electioneering activities and reeled out its programmes for the off -season election in Ekiti and Osun States.

This buttressed the widespread notion that the governor is not a neophyte in the game. He knows exactly what to do, and he did just that: One, by going to the party and expressed his intention to recontest on the premise of hearkening to the popular will and intention of Ekiti people.

Ekiti APC on The Move :

Since assumption of office, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated respect for the party at all levels.The first thing he did was affording the leaders in each of the local governments, and ward the leeway to take absolute charge in the running of the party. 

This accounted for why the party leaders played pivotal roles in the composition of the State Executive Council. He didn't take brash and unilateral decisions in this regard. Those he composed into his cabinet went through the stringent scrutinies before the party leaders. That was democracy in action. 

Today in Ekiti APC, there are lesser intra party squabbles to manage owing to a governor who gives powers to where powers ordinarily belonged. He was never an obscurantist leader. Neither does he pose like a big cock that disallows the small ones from crowing. He gave room for political promotion, so that party politics can be enhanced.

It was this that actually propelled him to go before the real owners of the party and declared his second term ambition. When a society is to develop, it starts from the leaders and those who control the lever of powers. That was what our dear Governor was trying to prove and he did that convincingly.

What Next for APC Members:

The template has been set. How does this manifest? Governor Oyebanji has met all the parameters for reelection. One, he has declared his intention. Two, he has performed wonderfully well. Three, the people have asked him to continue. Four, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows him to recontest. In fact, all the hurdles have been removed. No impediment on the way. 

Flowing from the foregoing, time has come for party men to begin aggressive mobilisation ahead of the next governorship election slated for June 20, 2026. They must criss cross everywhere to preach the gospel of self succession for BAO. Such demand wasn't misplaced. He merits it and he must be given in the interest of our dear state. 

Though before the main election, there will be know battle for the party's ticket on October 27, 2025 APC's governorship primary, where Governor Oyebanji will participate and will win convincingly. There are signals that he may even emerge without opposition. There are pointers to that, because the party leaders have lucidly shown where they belonged.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he is with BAO. APC leaders in Ekiti State : former Governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi Phd are solidly behind him. They have told him: 'no shaking". 

Political stalwarts in the opposition's enclave have ruffled feathers with their leaders and stood by the governor's reelection. Their parties threatened suspension against them, but they never cared, because they perceived BAO as a marketable product and deserved of second term.

The members of the National Assembly, (Ekiti caucus) led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the coast is clear. The House of Assembly and all the 38 Council Chairmen have endorsed him. The party leaders across the 177 wards have queued behind his candidacy. Who then can turn the table? 

Frontline leaders like: Chief Samuel Alaba Abejide, Chief Jide Awe, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Surv Biodun Aluko, Ronke Okunsanya etc have come out in clear terms that the elders have endorsed Oyebanji and the voice of the elders stands for wisdom and reality. 

How can any internal opposition survive or launch any lethal onslaught under this tight circumstance? Except one is deluding himself, the road is already closed against any opponent in APC. Governor Oyebanji's second term is secured and only God can alter this permutation. 

The primary of any party is largely determined by party leaders. Former governors said they want him till 2030. All the state, local government and ward leaders said his leadership is captivating and bolstering party's popularity. Who then can say no to him in APC? 

Recently, the APC women wing went round the local governments under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the SSG, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and Mrs Ronke Okusanya.

 During the interfaces held across the councils, the APC women vividly showed their readiness to dive and sail with him in the ocean of second term. This support was charming, considering the attendance recorded and without dissenting voices. 

The verdict is clear: which is for Governor Oyebanji to continue till 2030. This is the time Ekiti people will show that good and sacrificial leadership has a reward. They knew Oyebanji deserves to be rewarded and the only way to demonstrate this is to back his second term ambition. This they will surely do without blinking an eyelid on the D-Day. 

Amb, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, wrote in from Iyemero Ekiti.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Vice Chairman, Alade, Celebrated for Loyalty, Grassroots Service on Birthday.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Vice Chairman, Alade, Celebrated for Loyalty, Grassroots Service on Birthday.

By Asubiojo G.O. 

The Vice Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Ekiti State, Hon. Alade Remi Babatunde, on Monday received an outpouring of goodwill messages from political leaders, top government functionaries, community stakeholders, and colleagues as he marked his birthday.

Alade, a native of Awo Ekiti, was praised for his pragmatic approach to leadership, loyalty to political superiors, and unwavering commitment to the development of his community.

In his tribute, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as CHENCO, described Alade as “a dependable deputy, a pillar of support, and a grassroots politician whose humility and dedication to service remain unmatched.”

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Hon. Sule Fatai, lauded the celebrant’s “consistent cooperation and political maturity,” noting that such qualities have been instrumental in the smooth running of the council’s affairs.

The Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, also joined in the commendations, extolling Alade’s “ability to blend administrative prudence with community engagement, thereby fostering unity and productivity in governance.”

All Directors in the council, including Mrs. Mosunmola Odeyemi (Director, Budget Planning & Research), Mrs. Kehinde Akode (Director, WASH), Mrs. Adeniyi L.T. (Director, Community Services), Mr. Asubiojo G.O. (Director of Information & Civic Orientation), Prince Adegoke Peter (Director of Administration), and Mrs. Adeyinka Bukola (Director of Agriculture & Natural Resources), jointly expressed their felicitations. They hailed the Vice Chairman as “a team player who respects institutional hierarchy and encourages synergy across departments.”

Also felicitating with Alade, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aina Olawole Festus, alongside his pragmatic executives, described him as “a loyal friend of the workforce, a man who listens, and a leader who understands the pulse of his people.”

In his own remarks, Alade thanked God for his new age, appreciated his political leaders and colleagues for their support, and reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government and Awo Ekiti in particular.

“I will continue to be a team player, a loyal supporter of my leaders, and a servant of my people. The trust reposed in me is one I will never betray,” he said.

The day’s celebrations, according to observers, reaffirmed Alade’s place as not just a political officeholder, but a bridge-builder, unifier, and symbol of grassroots inclusion in local governance.

Oyebanji’s Cabinet Sack Long Overdue, Says DG.

Oyebanji’s Cabinet Sack Long Overdue, Says DG.

The Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Hon. Mary Oso Omotoso, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Council as “long overdue” and “nothing unusual,” urging the public to ignore any attempt to give it a negative interpretation.

Omotoso, in a statement on Monday, said cabinet reshuffles are a normal governance practice, noting that previous administrations in Ekiti dissolved their cabinets much earlier in their tenure.

 “Cabinet reshuffle ought to have been done long before now. This is not new. All appointments are at the pleasure of Mr Governor,” she said.

According to her, Oyebanji has so far run with the largest and longest-serving cabinet in the history of the state, which, she said, reflects his inclusive leadership style and patience in assessing his team’s performance.

“Other governors before BAO used to dissolve at two years. This Governor has given his team more time than any of his predecessors,” Omotoso added.

She stressed that taking such a decision barely two months to the governorship primary shows the governor is not desperate for power.

“Only a leader with genuine confidence in his performance and the people’s support would make such a bold move so close to an election,” she said.

Governor Oyebanji, while announcing the dissolution, thanked the outgoing members for their service and wished them well. He, however, said some Commissioners, Special Advisers and Directors General would retain their seats.

Political analysts believe the move is aimed at injecting fresh ideas and renewed energy into the administration as it enters its next phase of delivering on campaign promises.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

The affected Commissioners and Special Advisers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs.

Governor Oyebanji thanks the affected members of the State Executive Council and wishes them success in their future endeavours.

However, the dissolution does not affect the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Also not affected by the dissolution are the Commissioner for Health and Human Services; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Commissioner for Education; Commissioner for Works; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion; and Special Adviser Lands, Survey and e-GIS.

Also, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions. These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

 

Signed:

Prof. Habibat Adubiaro

Secretary to the State Government

10-08-2025

EKSU Mourns Alara of Aramoko, Ex-Chancellor Adeyemi.

EKSU Mourns Alara of Aramoko, Ex-Chancellor Adeyemi.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, describing him as a “tower of strength” and “all things to all people.”

 

Oba Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors recently, served as the Chancellor of EKSU and reigned over Aramoko Kingdom for 16 years. Prof. Ayodele, in a condolence message on Sunday, said the late monarch was a golden king whose wisdom, experience, and deep knowledge of Yoruba history and royalty made him an institution and an authority in his own right.

 

“I express heartfelt condolences to the Aramoko-in-Council, the Oloris, children, and the entire family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father. His departure is a huge loss, not only to Aramoko but also to the university, Ekiti State, and the entire Yoruba race,” the VC said.

 

He added that Oba Adeyemi’s tenure as EKSU Chancellor was marked by fatherly guidance and golden counsel that greatly benefited the university community.

 

In the statement issued on behalf of the university, the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, also paid tribute to the late king. He described Oba Adeyemi as “a royal father whose reign symbolised dignity, wisdom, and compassion.” According to him, “Kabiyesi was not only a monarch to be revered but also a true friend of education, whose tenure as Chancellor of EKSU left behind a legacy of counsel, encouragement, and unshakable support for academic excellence."