Ogoga of Ikere Refutes Claims of Waning Support for Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.

Ogoga of Ikere Refutes Claims of Waning Support for Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.

…Says Deputy Governor Enjoys Huge Popularity in Ikere.

The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, Agirilala II, has refuted claims by a former Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Femi Ayodele, that support for the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, is dwindling in her hometown due to alleged misunderstandings.

Speaking with reporters in Ikere, Oba Adu-Alagbado dismissed Ayodele’s social media post, stressing that the Deputy Governor enjoys overwhelming popularity in the town.

According to the Ogoga, Mrs. Afuye has the full backing of the people of Ikere, especially from himself as the traditional ruler, the Ogoga-in-Council, and other prominent personalities of the community. He commended her contributions to the state as Deputy Governor and her service to Ikere as both a Princess and a titled chief of the town.

He urged residents to remain united in their support for the Deputy Governor, noting that she played a key role in his emergence as Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The monarch further stated that the present administration, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji with Mrs. Afuye as Deputy Governor, has prioritized the welfare of Ikere indigenes. He highlighted several development projects already sited in the town for the benefit of its residents.

EKITI APC PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

EKITI APC PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN DEPUTY GOVERNOR.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has passed a vote of confidence in the Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye. 

In a release signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, the Party described Mrs Afuye as a party faithful, qualified, competent and loyal representative of the party in government. 

According to Dipe, the Deputy Governor matches the Governor well, and there is no reason for anyone to call for her removal in office. Not only is such call unnecessary, the party also lacks the power to grant it. 

Dipe noted that such power to remove a Governor or his deputy from office, if for any reason, is vested only the State House of Assembly, and cannot be applied recklessly or arbitrarily, rather after following the due process laid down in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999.

Some faceless persons under the guise of an unregistered group have been circulating an unsigned release, demanding for the removal of Chief Mrs. Afuye as deputy governor, citing unsubstantiated academic qualification as their ground. 

On the matter of academic qualification, the Constitution is crystal clear in Section 177 that the minimum qualification required of a governor and deputy governor is a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent as recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Also, it is only the State House of Assembly that can remove either the governor or the deputy governor and the ground for which any or both of them can be removed is that of gross misconduct. 

Section 189(11) describes gross misconduct for which a governor or deputy governor can be removed as "a grave violation or breach of the provisions of the Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion of the House of Assembly as gross misconduct." 

As noted from the above, it is crystal clear that neither a person not group of persons can raise their voice(s) against the sitting governor or his deputy for a jejune reason not provided for in the Constitution. 

Dipe then called on the good people of the State to disregard the call by the mindless group as an intention to create a distraction in governance. 

Speaking generally on the conduct of Chief Afuye, APC said that she was good mannered, trusted and tested representative of the party in government. 

"We can further confirm that Chief Afuye is a good compliment of the governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, in the day to day running of the affairs of the State. The governor on the other hand has not for once complained of Mrs Afuye's performance in office as deputy governor," Dipe said. 

Signed:

Segun Dipe

State Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti State. 

Wednesday 13 August, 2025.

Ekiti South Elders Reaffirm Commitment to BAO/MCA Till 2030, Urge Public to Shun Political Jobless People.

Ekiti South Elders Reaffirm Commitment to BAO/MCA Till 2030, Urge Public to Shun Political Jobless People.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Ekiti South Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its total commitment to the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, declaring the BAO/MCA team as the unshakable choice for Ekiti State’s development till 2030.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s chairman, former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Surv. Abiodun Aluko, and its secretary, Afuye Oluwaseun, the elders said their decision followed a consensus reached at a meeting attended by ward leaders, local leaders, and prominent political figures from the six local government areas of Ekiti South.

Surv. Abiodun Aluko described Mrs Monisade Afuye as “a loyal, humble, and highly capable deputy governor whose service to the people of Ekiti State has been both diligent and impactful.”

“We in Ekiti South know the value of a dependable team. Governor Oyebanji and Mrs Afuye have brought stability, unity, and visible progress to our dear state. Our stand is clear — this team must continue till 2030 to consolidate the gains already made,” Aluko stated.

Echoing this, Secretary Afuye Oluwaseun praised the deputy governor’s capacity to represent the governor on critical assignments without any lapse, noting that her performance continues to earn the admiration of the governor and party leadership.

Oluwaseun further thanked all APC members in the Ekiti South Senatorial District for their unwavering stand in support of the administration, urging them to sustain their loyalty to the current government for the sake of the state’s progress.

The forum also revealed that all present and former lawmakers from Ekiti South have thrown their weight behind the Oyebanji-Afuye ticket, underscoring the depth of political unity in the zone.

They urged members of the public to shun the antics of political jobless people whose only mission is to tarnish reputations for selfish ends, stressing that, “Who Jah bless, no man can curse. BAO/MCA till 2030 remains unshakable for the progress and stability of Ekiti State.”

Ekiti Govt Renovates 1,135 Classrooms, Builds 83 New Ones in Education Drive.

Ekiti Govt Renovates 1,135 Classrooms, Builds 83 New Ones in Education Drive.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has intensified efforts to improve basic education infrastructure across Ekiti State, with over 1,135 classrooms renovated in the last year.

The government said the initiative was part of its commitment to providing safe, modern, and conducive learning environments for pupils in public schools.

According to the state government, the renovations included improved ventilation, upgraded furniture, and safer structures to replace facilities that had suffered years of neglect.

To reduce overcrowding in growing communities, 83 new classrooms were constructed, while 419 new toilets were built and 277 existing ones rehabilitated to promote hygiene and align with global best practices.

Water access was also prioritised, with 32 new boreholes drilled and eight rehabilitated to provide clean water for schools, thereby enhancing sanitation and reducing the time pupils, especially girls, spend fetching water.

Governor Oyebanji described education as the “most powerful investment in Ekiti’s future,” noting that the projects were part of a broader vision to make every school a centre of excellence where children can learn and grow in a healthy environment.

The governor said the ongoing reforms were aimed at producing a more skilled and confident generation of Ekiti youths.

Ekiti South APC Backs Oyebanji, Afuye for Second Term, Knocks Detractors.

Ekiti South APC Backs Oyebanji, Afuye for Second Term, Knocks Detractors.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti South Senatorial District has thrown its weight behind Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, for another term in office, dismissing critics as “jobless caucuses” bent on spreading falsehoods.

Speaking with journalists in his Ikere-Ekiti office, the APC South Senatorial Secretary and Elder Forum Secretary, Afuye Oluwaseun, described Mrs Monisade Afuye as “a competent and diligent public servant who has discharged her duties with loyalty and excellence.”

The forum condemned what it termed “jobless and faceless caucuses” peddling falsehoods against the deputy governor, dismissing such claims as baseless.

According to the group, Governor Oyebanji has continued to express admiration for Afuye’s hard work, dedication, and loyalty, both to the state’s development agenda and to the APC.

“As far as we are concerned, the leadership of the APC in Ekiti State has endorsed both the Governor and his deputy for continuity till 2030. This is unshakable,” the statement read.

Highlighting her competence, the forum cited several instances where Mrs Afuye represented the governor on high-profile occasions, including at a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja, as well as other critical state and party functions.

“She has always demonstrated the capacity to stand in for her principal without any lapse, and this is evident in the smooth relationship she enjoys with the Governor and the party leadership,” the statement added.

The movement urged party members and residents to ignore smear campaigns, noting that “Ekiti South stands solidly behind BAO/MCA for the progress and stability of our dear state.”

Ekiti Records Agricultural Breakthrough, Targets ₦6bn Produce Sales in 2025.

Ekiti Records Agricultural Breakthrough, Targets ₦6bn Produce Sales in 2025.                      By Olamide Akinwumi.

Ekiti State is fast establishing itself as a national pacesetter in modern agriculture, with the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji rolling out initiatives aimed at boosting productivity, empowering youths, and strengthening value-chain development.

Ekiti State Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade

The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed this during a media briefing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, where he highlighted landmark achievements in the sector.

Boluwade noted that the Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub and the Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet were designed to address post-harvest losses, ensure fair prices for farmers, and stabilise food costs for residents.

“Every harvest season, farmers lose income due to rot and spoilage because they can’t sell quickly enough. The hub now provides safe storage and a steady market for crops such as rice paddy, beans, maize, and garri,” he explained.

The retail outlet, he added, helps control price volatility by selling food below market rates, ensuring affordability all year round. By sourcing directly from farmers and selling to households, the initiative cuts out middlemen, keeping more money within local communities.

The commissioner revealed that the state currently operates 115 farm clusters—the first of its kind in Nigeria—offering farmers incentives such as a 50% subsidy on seedlings and agrochemicals. Recently, over 4,000 improved cocoa seedlings were distributed to promote crop diversification and boost export potential.

Youth participation in agriculture has surged under the Bring Back Youth to Agriculture Project, increasing from less than 1,000 registered young farmers in 2024 to almost 5,000 this year. The state has allocated nearly 3,000 hectares across 13 clusters to youth-led farming through its partnership with YSJ Farms.

Despite a late start and climate challenges in 2024, the clusters generated over ₦200 million in sales. For 2025, the state is targeting ₦6 billion in produce transactions. To support this growth, fully equipped dormitories are being built in farming zones to accommodate young farmers.

In addition, the state’s poultry empowerment scheme has seen over 150,000 birds raised and sold by trained youths, with proceeds going directly to them. The project, which began in Ilupeju and Erifun, has now expanded to three more locations, with a target of 5,000 youths in poultry farming by 2026.

Looking ahead, the Oyebanji administration is partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to establish Agricultural Transformation Centres, integrating research, seedling production, and value-addition facilities to support farmers from planting to market.

Boluwade stressed that the government’s focus is on productivity, not publicity.

“Every cluster activated, every youth empowered, and every harvest sold is proof that agriculture can go beyond subsistence to become the engine of prosperity in Ekiti,” he said.

OSV Commends Oyebanji Over Cabinet Readjustment.

OSV Commends Oyebanji Over Cabinet Readjustment.

The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), a grassroots mobilisation group for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has hailed the recent readjustment of the Ekiti State Executive Council, describing it as a bold step towards improved governance and better performance.

In a statement signed by its Convener, HC Ade, the group applauded the governor for what it termed a “strategic realignment” of his cabinet rather than a complete dissolution, expressing optimism that many of the affected officials could return to government in the near future.

The cabinet shake-up followed a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, announcing the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

Governor Oyebanji had inaugurated the now-dissolved cabinet on August 7, 2023, comprising 19 commissioners and 14 special advisers. The carnival-like swearing-in ceremony was attended by past and present public office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents.

While thanking the outgoing members for their service, the governor wished them success in their future endeavours.

The OSV urged the relieved officials to sustain their contributions to state development by collaborating with like-minded groups in grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation for the continuity of good governance.

“This is not an end, but a reshuffle for greater results. We are confident that most of the affected members, if not all, will return in due course,” the statement read.