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Tag: Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji

Oni, BAO and the mathematics of alignment

The recent realignment in the UK – where figures like Robert Jenrick are “uniting the right” – proves the “defection bug” is no longer a uniquely Nigerian phenomenon. It speaks to a global volatility where traditional loyalties are being tested against the need for results. For many Nigerians, this shift isn’t about lack of principle; it is about self-preservation.

In a system where the Exclusive Legislative List still centralizes power, swimming against the tide has not only lost its authentic ring, it is politically unwise. Therefore, to seek a new terrain for tangible progress is a fantastic offer that should not be sacrificed on the altar of reproach.

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, former Ekiti State Governor, Engineer Olusegun Oni, officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC). By registering at his Ifaki-Ekiti country home, the veteran politician formally shed his opposition mantle, signaling a homecoming that significantly strengthens Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)’s coalition ahead of the coming electoral cycle.

Oni remains something of a political enigma. Deliberately understated, he nonetheless commands a powerful reputation in Ekiti, where he is widely viewed as the embodiment of clean, steady governance. The former governor possesses a rare, non-partisan appeal that transcends traditional divides. His support is anchored more in a deep-seated respect for his person than in mere party branding. His move to the APC – bringing with him a formidable grassroots structure – will inevitably reshape Oyebanji’s strategic roadmap.

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Oni’s realignment with the progressive fold is likely to stir the indifferent, the non-aligned, and the state’s civil service into action, drawing in those who previously sat on the fence as well as those who habitually sit out election cycles. For Oyebanji, this is more than just a reinforcement; it is a strategic masterstroke that makes assurance doubly sure. With the political mathematics now heavily tilted in his favour, the governor occupies an enviable vantage point.

The Nigerian electoral system – a ‘first-past-the-post’ relic of our British inheritance – has no room for proportional representation. In this winner-takes-all arena, a fragmented opposition does little more than cannibalize its own base. Consequently, Oyebanji may not even require a simple majority to consolidate his hold. With current projections placing BAO on track to clear 60% of the vote, the remaining contenders are left scrambling just to break the 20% ceiling. We are months from the polls, yet even the most imaginative scenario struggles to see a fractured opposition staging a comeback of this magnitude. In the end, Oni’s entry sincerely serves to compound the sorrows of those attempting to swing and swerve against the administration’s current.

Without questions, Oni brings a rare patrician weight to the APC, standing more as a statesman than a mere partisan. His runner-up finish in the last gubernatorial race, achieved with a fledgling party devoid of funds or a formal machine, remains a striking reflection of his personal brand. He is more than a high-profile defector; he is a moral anchor for the administration as the governor begins his pursuit of a second term.

To Oni, the state is an intricate mechanism that demands a precise blend of logic and ethical grounding. This philosophy has often placed him in a raw, existential struggle with the chaotic, immediate demands of ‘stomach infrastructure.’ His political journey – marked by its restless, migratory nature – is not a sign of instability, but rather a tireless search for moral footing within a system he views as fundamentally flawed. By merging his moral authority with BAO’s rationalist framework, the administration has moved beyond mere political calculus, it is actively fortifying the very architecture of the state itself. In a deeply philosophical sense, Oni’s enduring legacy is one of Radical Consistency; he remains a man who would sooner lose his platform than his soul.

Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, a legal practitioner, offers a striking reflection on this evolution: “As a pioneer councilor in 1997 and a pillar of the Fourth Republic’s dawn in 1999, my political identity was forged in the fires of partisan loyalty. I was a foot soldier for the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and later the Action Congress (AC), viewing the political landscape through a lens of infectious fanaticism.

“In that era, Segun Oni was the enemy – an opponent to be dismantled through grassroots condemnation and the legal rigours of his 2007-2010 tenure. My opposition was total, rooted in the myopic conviction that any rival to our cause was, by definition, an obstacle to Ekiti’s progress.

“This perspective shattered upon meeting Oni personally through my cousin, Ambassador Jolaade Onipede. I found not a villain, but a remarkably humble visionary who even suggested he would have brought me into his cabinet had we known each other then. Today, Oni is celebrated across party lines for his integrity and enduring projects; indeed, his gracious foreword to my 2013 book remains a point of pride. His return to our party is a masterstroke of political realignment – a significant victory for our stakeholders that effectively secures a clear path for Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election.”

• With Ahmed’s conversion narrative, the proof is settled. Q.E.D!

January 31, 2026
A tale of two states

Charles Dickens, in his classic novel, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, contrasted the turbulent similarities and differences of London and Paris during a time of profound change. For London and Paris, Dickens famously summed up his assessment as being “the best of times and the worst of times.”

Ekiti and Osun are currently undergoing a deep political transition, as they present both similar and contrasting situations. In Ekiti, the incumbent governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), has accomplishments to show the people and is seeking re-election. Osun, however, presents a contrasting tale!

Next year will be a buildup to the real, pivotal 2027 elections which could determine the nomenclature and the political landscape of Nigeria for decades to come. Osun and Ekiti States, like Anambra which had its own dose of electoral activity a few days ago, will be a test run, or a dress rehearsal for the real thing. In effect, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the newly-appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will have his feet held to the fire to demonstrate his managerial competence and transparent independence. It is going to be hard on Johnny-come-lately!

Ekiti and Osun reflect different undercurrents. In Osun State, the current governor, Ademola Adeleke, is swimming against the tide where decamping to the ruling party at the centre is no longer considered, in the editorial judgment of many would-be editors, a front-page Breaking News. Unlike Ekiti, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Chapter is arguably fragmented, appears to lack a cohesive anti-Adeleke position and the perception is that the aspirants are not offering a clear alternative manifesto to rally the state around.

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In contrasting fashion, the situation is unlike that in Ekiti State. There, the current thinking among neutrals and the discerning is that the governor, despite some contrived internal wrangling, is gaining acceptance. This acceptance, largely from the non-party-affiliated electorate, suggests that a second term would allow him to conclude a steady start to his administration.

The opposition in Ekiti and the APC counterpart in Osun face a similar dilemma: how to successfully campaign to unseat the incumbent. This difficulty presents a fundamental flaw in Nigeria’s current political landscape. The flaw is that, despite the intra-party rivalry and maneuvering for party candidacy, parties often fail to develop and sell a clear, alternative prospectus to the electorate. In the absence of a viable alternative vision, this reveals ill-preparedness.

Such ill-preparedness fails to provide the necessary stimulus for voters to ride an anti-incumbent wave. History shows that nobody dethrones an incumbent without first stimulating and amplifying negative public perceptions against the current administration. This is, of course, in contrast to the national level, where the current wave of decamping and the mood of the electors unambiguously point to a solid electoral victory for the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

For the opposition at the center, and in Ekiti and Osun States, it’s going to be a very steep mountain to climb. But it is climbable because the dynamics of politics is fluid; and, as the master tactician, Harold Wilson, has been quoted a million times in observing, a week is a long time in politics. However, if the current changes, we must be prepared to seize the moment!

In the case of Osun, we can ask questions such as: What does the surge in voter registration represent, what is motivating it, and who is going to gain from it? For Osun, APC should be well advised to answer these questions. The party should also look at the critical question of zoning. Will the issue of zoning become a decisive factor? Will it make political sense, leaving aside the moral question, to pick the candidate to run against Adeleke from outside of the West Senatorial District? Osun APC had better look at this critical factor before choosing its candidate and running for the election!

Osun APC should also take a realistic look at the effect of the smaller parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and their chances. Something is almost certain: wherever the Governor successfully pivots governance into a political spectacle, the PDP will most likely vote as a bloc, which means that the smaller parties might be taking votes from the APC. In our first-past-the-post electoral system, this swing in votes will be a critical factor. One can only hope that the APC already has strategists working on various permutations to counter this.

For Ekiti, the anti-incumbent people are so disparate that it is difficult to see them being galvanized on a common focus. The two states therefore represent contrasting dynamics. Events will unfold, and we intend to keep a continuing eye on the twists and turns as well as the possibility of tales of the unexpected. For instance, will the parties, after fractious primary elections, still be intact, or will there be decamping into other parties, further weakening the already unsteady party structures? These are the key issues to monitor!

As far as Ekiti is concerned, the political landscape suggests the government’s strategies are working. Oyebanji, a leader of discipline and direction, has demonstrated steady, determined gains. His administration has done enough to convince the Ekitis that a second term would be in their collective interest, especially since the opposition has failed to present a clear, alternative vision. Consequently, the odds clearly favour him.

BAO is credited with completing every General Hospital within three years and successfully connecting all Ekiti towns to the national grid. Good for the governor and the state. He must now focus on improving this transformative vision and developmental strategies, as leaders who tap effectively into the electorate’s aspirations and sense of identity tend to fare better.

Speaking generally, electoral success is often elusive for candidates who place partisan loyalty above the practical concerns and lived experiences of voters. What’s more, mere endorsements do not win elections, as the 2014 presidential election has shown. Similarly, defections alone rarely deliver victory, as the 2022 Osun governorship election has revealed. But purpose does.

Before the 2014 Osun governorship election, I asked my son, who was barely four years old at the time, the name of the then state governor. As young as he was, Abiola was able to mutter something very close to the answer I had in mind. Last year, I asked him the name of the Minister of Information as one of his birthday tests which I had promised would attract a gift. My boy started struggling with his phone! The contrast reflects the current decline in political awareness in the land.

Again, James Carville’s strategic approach in Bill Clinton’s campaign highlights the fact that Osun APC has much work to do if it aims to achieve an upset in the 2026 Osun guber election.

One of the tragedies of Osun is that the present governor is focusing largely on misplaced priorities which, unfortunately, the opposition has not done enough to capitalize on. In our very eyes, the standard of the social contract has fully collapsed, even as we are in a state of very complex ethnic and regional dynamics, and it is as if real intellectuals or names that could inspire confidence and hope are in short supply!

For example, given the lack of significant or imaginative improvement in the health and education sectors, how do we classify local government workers who have abandoned their duty posts since February 2025? Consider also the judiciary workers who have been on an industrial action with the state government practically looking away! For God’s sake, what is the percentage of the citizens of Osun State who’d never have the opportunity to become governor?

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

• KOMOLAFE wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08033614419 – SMS only)

November 22, 2025
Forthcoming …

I had the privilege of witnessing the Ekiti APC governorship consensus ratification on October 27, 2025. At this event, 885 delegates endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, aka BAO, as the consensus candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, I also joined the governor’s entourage to the commissioning of the reconstructed Itawure-Okemesi-Ekiti Road, the lighting of Okemesi-Ekiti, and the reopening of the equipped General Hospital in Okemesi-Ekiti.

Reflecting on these events, I’m led to ask: Was the outpouring of support for the governor genuine, or a carefully crafted display? Did the crowds that lined the streets, chanting ‘BAO’, act of their own accord, or were their voices procured? These questions linger, even as they invite us to ponder the complex interplay between power, perception, and reality.

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Unarguably, Oyebanji’s achievements speak for themselves, and the people’s happiness is evident in their enthusiastic response. This contradicts opposition claims and highlights the dynamic relationship between leadership and public perception.

With politics also in a state of flux in the State of Osun, it is now compelling to put the beamlight on the state of play in a highly sophisticated swing state.

Bola Oyebamiji! Akin Ogunbiyi! Dotun Babayemi! Benedict Alabi! Iyiola Omisore! Kunle Adegoke! And other APC governorship aspirants! Osun State, stretching back in time, has always been electorally competitive. It is not a state to be taken for granted, and upsets can never be ruled out. With an off-season governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026, political activities will intensify, oftentimes with maneuvers that will defy logic.

Surely certainly, all eyes will be on Ekiti and Osun States, as the twists and turns of the political drama will be more than worth watching for pundits, analysts, and anyone who appreciates political theatre.

As the days go by, we will focus on the personalities, the trends, the currents and anticipate tales of the unexpected.

It will be a treat!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

November 1, 2025
X-raying six strategic pillars of BAO’s administration

By JMO Ekundayo & Toba Fatunla

Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren Bennis

When Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) assumed office as the Governor of Ekiti State, he promised not just governance, but transformation—anchored on six strategic actionable pillars. Today, barely into his third year, his administration has delivered on those promises across all sectors, ensuring inclusive growth and quality service delivery to the people of Ekiti State; from youth development to infrastructural expansion, BAO’s exemplary leadership has placed Ekiti on a strong developmental trajectory.

Below is an in-depth look at each of the six strategic actionable pillars and how they are shaping a new narrative for Ekiti:

Youth development & job creation

Recognizing the potential of Ekiti’s vibrant youth population, Governor Oyebanji launched a multi-layered agenda to empower and equip them:

– Ekiti State Youth Policy (2024–2028) was unveiled to guide youth empowerment and governance participation.

– The government launched an MSME/ICT Hub backed by a ₦223.8 million fund, fostering digital entrepreneurship.

– Over 922 MSMEs received direct grants, and CAC registration support was provided for 5,400 enterprises.

– Access to finance was broadened with a ₦1 billion cooperative fund and another ₦1 billion in partnership with Access Bank and USADF for women-led groups and youth cooperatives.

– About 5000 Youths have been engaged to bring back youths into the Agric program in synergy with YSJ Farms.

These initiatives have positioned Ekiti’s youth not as dependents, but as drivers of innovation and economic growth, contributing massively to food security in Ekiti State.

Human capital development

A cornerstone of sustainable development, the administration made decisive investments in education and healthcare:

– Over 2,000 new teachers were recruited, with sign-language interpreters added to promote inclusive education. And another recruitment process to recruit teaching and non-teaching staff is ongoing.

– N14 billion was invested in renovating 203 public secondary schools. Running grants, instructional materials, and WAEC/NECO fees totalling ₦1.2 billion were fully covered by the state.

– In health, the administration harmonized salary structures with federal standards and restored hazard allowances.

– Eleven health facilities were upgraded with a state-of-the-art facility, and the Ulerawa health insurance scheme now covers over 50,000 rural beneficiaries.

– Different capacity development training programmes have been put together to up the skills of the civil servants in the State.

– These actions have significantly raised education and health outcomes, ensuring equitable access to quality services.

Agriculture & rural development

Understanding the link between food security, poverty reduction, and rural prosperity, the BAO administration prioritized this sector:

– 43.4 km of rural roads were reconstructed across six LGAs, while the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing (RAAMP) is currently constructing new farm access roads across the State.

– Farmers benefited from subsidized seedlings and equipment, including a 50% reduction in seed prices and 25% tractor-use subsidy.

– A model cashew scion farm was established in collaboration with USDA’s Pro‑Cashew Project.

– Support reached 2,279 farmers through input distribution, and 1,566 small-scale farms received poultry and farm support kits.

– About 4,500 ha of land have been cleared so far for cooperatives/communities/farmers’ charge across the State, ensuring farmers do not spend on opening up the arable lands.

– Land Tractorization is 50% subsidized also in Ekiti State

– About 150 youths are involved in Broiler Production under the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme (EBOPS) and have raised more than 100,000 birds so far.

The administration’s efforts have enhanced food productivity, enabled access to markets, and invigorated rural economies.

Infrastructure & industrialization

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has taken bold steps to bridge infrastructure gaps and industrialize Ekiti:

– Commissioned a 3.5 MW Independent Power Plant to address power deficits, energizing Ayekire/Gbonyin and Ekiti East LGAs for the first time in over a decade.

– About 36 roads projects are either completed or on-going gulping up to N130 billion. For instance, roads like Ado/Ilawe, Omisanjana, NTA/GRA, and parts of Ado Township were rehabilitated, while work on the Ado Flyover and Ring Road continues.

– Initiated construction/rehabilitation of 36 roads since inception – 17 completed, 19 ongoing road projects at the moment.

– Solar street lights were installed across the capital, and massive drainage desilting exercises have curbed flooding.

– Under the community impact projects, almost all communities are having one project or another ongoing. If it’s not a palace renovation, it is a community town hall renovation, borehole planting, community roads opening amongst other projects.

– Free distribution of transformers to communities in need of such to boost electricity.

– Connection of institutions to the IPP for stable 24/7 electricity (Ekiti State Government Secretariat, Governor’s office, EKSUTH, EKTV, EKSU, BSES, etc

– Ekiti International Cargo Airport completed and ready for non-scheduled flight. Likely, in December 2025, the airport will commence scheduled flights.

These infrastructural upgrades are improving mobility, connectivity, economic emancipation and wellness in the trajectory towards the “shared prosperity” mantra of the BAO administration.

Arts, culture & tourism

The state’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions are now being harnessed for tourism and economic diversification:

– Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort has been repositioned through a public-private partnership to boost tourism.

– The administration launched the International Arts and Cultural Centre (construction, on-going as we speak), and is developing an Indoor Sports Complex to nurture talents.

– The Kayode Oluyemi Stadium is receiving a befitting facelift to enhance the capacity and preparedness of our sports men and women.

– Sacred sites like Oke Igeti are being promoted for religious tourism, boosting spiritual and cultural identity.

– Remodelling of Fajuyi Park to an Intentional tourist site has been approved by Exco recently.

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These efforts not only preserve heritage but also open Ekiti to the global tourism economy.

Good governance

At the heart of the BAO’s administration is an unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement:

– The introduction of the Ekiti Dashboard/Strategic Pillar Monitoring System (SPMS) marks a new era of data-driven governance and public accountability. The dashboard now has more than 600 different projects that have been embarked upon by this government (spms.ek.gov.ng). Some of these projects have been completed while others are at various stages of completion.

– Regular Stakeholders’ Engagements and Community Communication Bureau initiatives deepening participatory governance.

– Fiscal transparency is at an all-time high: Ekiti was ranked 97% compliant in BudgIT’s 2024 Fiscal Transparency Report.

– Six key laws were enacted, including the Ekiti Wealth Fund, Rural Roads Authority, Fire Service Law, and local government reforms.

– Payment of all leave bonuses owed workers from past administrations.

– Massive payment of gratuity and pension. Since assuming office, the Governor of Ekiti has paid N7.4 billion gratuity; paid about N24.1 billion pension; paid over N710 million on the employer’s Contributory Pension Scheme and N4.4 billion as gratuity to Local Government retirees. These figures show a massive commitment to the welfare of the people. It is unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State attesting to the gracious and generous heart of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).

– Workers’ welfare including one of the first States in the federation to implement the minimum wage packages. Ekiti’s disaggregation of the wages of public servants, including pensioners, has been adjudged to be one of the best among the sub nationals in the country.

In conclusion, one can surmise that such systemic reforms ensure that quality service delivery is not episodic but institutionalized in Ekiti. In essence, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s (BAO) leadership has proven that good governance is achievable when rooted in people-first policies, vision, and strategic execution. Through these six strategic pillars, the State has not only witnessed infrastructural and economic transformation but has also laid the foundation for enduring development in the trajectory towards the “shared prosperity” mantra. All said and done, Ekiti is not on autopilot—it is being purposefully steered toward greatness.

•Ekundayo, Special Adviser/Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Fatunla, Special Assistant, Service Delivery (OTSD).

September 7, 2025
BAO and self-indictment of sacked agency boss

Soon after the unanticipated sacking of some members of the Ekiti State Executive Council on August 11, the unassuming and surpassingly modest Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), has removed from office the former Chairman of the state’s Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide. A terse statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olayinka Olabode, issued on 16-08-2025, simply described the sack to be “as a result of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty” and “was with immediate effect’. But in a statement released to the press, the sacked agency Chief asserted that it was untrue that he was sacked over “corruption”.

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Elaborating on the reason for his sack, Akogun Olumide said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the agency should recover funds amounting to N1.6 billion. But along the line, we met bottlenecks. Politicians were interfering, saying the money was not disbursed by us. Because of these obstacles, we decided to stop and recommended that those who issued the money should be responsible for the recovery. So, in view of that, we continued with our mandate”.

This curiously worded press statement does not indicate that the Chairman of the agency was directed to stop the fund recovery process that he was mandated to undertake in the first place. Rather, faced with resistance by those he was supposed to recover the money from, he desisted from carrying out the directive, advised that the responsibility be shifted to others, and “we continued with our own mandate”. Is there any description for this other than indefensible insubordination?

August 23, 2025
Ekiti gov, Bamidele, Fayose, Oni, Al-Makura, others celebrate Adeyeyeon appointment as NPA chairman

Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other dignitaries extolled the virtues of the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye on Thursday night in Abuja.

In a powerful show of unity, influence, and goodwill, political heavyweights, former governors, lawmakers, and top business executives gathered to honour Senator Adeyeye over his recent appointment

The event, originally planned as a modest gathering among friends, quickly evolved into a grand celebration as dignitaries from across Nigeria poured in to recognise what many described as a long-overdue and well-deserved appointment.

Among the most notable personalities at the event were Governor Oyebanji, Senate Leader Bamidele; former governors of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni; former Nasarawa State Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura; and key figures from federal ministries, the National Assembly, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Speaker after speaker hailed Adeyeye’s political journey as one marked by resilience, loyalty, and steadfast service.

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Oyebanji described Adeyeye’s appointment as an honour not just for the man but for all of Ekiti State.

“The President gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better,” the Governor said. “Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced. From his time as a Minister, a Senator, and a university council chairman, he brings the right mix of discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”

Oyebanji also praised the rare display of bipartisan unity among Ekiti leaders. “I am lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me. That has never happened in our state’s history. This new unity is the strength behind our progress,” he said, referencing the presence and support of former Governors Fayose and Oni, despite their differing party affiliations.

Senate Leader Bamidele drew applause when he underscored Adeyeye’s foundational role in the formation of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), the early campaign platform that championed President Bola Tinubu’s presidential bid.

July 19, 2025
APC UK caucus backs Oyebanji for second term

The Ekiti State caucus of the All Progressives Congress in the United Kingdom (APC) has endorsed Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) for a second term.

Director General of the diaspora group, under the aegis of Diaspora for BAO, Olumuyiwa Adesua, said in a statement yesterday that the group’s decision was based on his unwavering commitment to the transformation of key sectors across Ekiti State.

Adesua stated that the governor has made a tremendous impact in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and economic development.

“Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was first elected in June 2022, and he has since proved to be a leader of remarkable vision and action.

“Through his wealth of experiences and unwavering commitment, he has transformed key sectors across the state, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and economic development.

“It is no surprise that he has become the choice of Ekiti people, both at home and in the diaspora.

“Governor Oyebanji is not just a leader, he steers the affairs of the state with wisdom, humility, and integrity.

“His inclusive style of governance and relentless work ethic have earned him the confidence and admiration of the people, who now yearn for his continued leadership.

“As we set the stage for the 2026 election in Ekiti State, our group, the Diaspora for BAO will be on ground to campaign from door to door and stand firm in support of our amiable governor.

“We will mobilise, advocate, and vote with conviction in the coming election in Ekiti, and our votes will count for continuity, for progress, and for the betterment of Ekiti State,” Adesua stated.

July 18, 2025
Ekiti Roundtable gives Oyebanji pass mark, says evaluation was objective, inclusive

The organisers of the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable, held on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, have declared the event a success, affirming that its core objective—to provide an objective evaluation of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s performance—was fully achieved.

Speaking on the outcome of the event, the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, Adesina Adetola, said the roundtable was devoid of political bias and aimed at putting the governor’s performance before a broad spectrum of the public for scrutiny.

“The evaluation was done with relative objectivity, free from partisanship,” Adetola stated. “We invited every stakeholder regardless of political affiliation, and it was clear that we were not responsible for the opinions expressed. Our role was simply to place the governor’s performance in the people’s court.”

Participants at the event—drawn from labour unions, opposition parties, media, youths, market women, teachers, farmers, the organised private sector, and artisans—largely agreed that Governor Oyebanji has remained committed to his campaign promises and has so far met the expectations of the average Ekiti citizen.

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Adetola reiterated that the organisation’s interest lies solely in promoting constructive, unbiased assessments of governance. “We are only facilitators of a public dialogue. The feedback received from the people is what matters most, and it shows the purpose of the roundtable was met,” he added.

He also highlighted the longstanding commitment of Ekiti Future Agenda to the development of the state through advocacy, educational initiatives, and impactful projects. Since its inception, the organisation has implemented various schemes aimed at adding value to the state and stimulating progressive dialogue.

Established in 2010, the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and crafting strategies for the holistic development of Ekiti State. The 2025 edition continued this legacy, reinforcing the importance of citizen engagement in democratic governance.

July 13, 2025
Oyebanji’s compassion, humanity and politics

By Idowu Faleye

To be in power is one thing; to remain human while wielding that power is another. These days, politics is often reduced to a game of strategy, numbers, and control. The people who give leaders the mandate are easily forgotten. Their daily struggles, their hopes, and even their pain are buried under policies far removed from the reality of the common man. Yet, we must not forget the core of leadership: compassion.

Compassion is not a sign of weakness; it is the heartbeat of humanity. Even the Bible makes this clear. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” That verse alone is enough to guide any leader who genuinely wants to serve. It reminds us that true greatness lies not in titles or the luxury of power but in how we treat those who have no voice, no means, and no strength to fight for themselves.

That is why what is happening in Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji deserves attention. For once, we are seeing an attempt to do politics differently—not with loud propaganda or political gymnastics, but with quiet, consistent acts of humanity. Oyebanji is showing that a leader can still be human, even when sitting on a powerful seat.

A striking example is the decision to review retirees’ pensions in line with the new minimum wage. Let’s be honest. For years, pensioners have been short-changed. These are people who gave their productive years in service to the government—teachers, clerks, messengers, typists, drivers, and so many others who kept the system running when they were younger. But when their strength faded and they retired, they were left to survive on pensions calculated using outdated salary scales. Many of them received peanuts—money that couldn’t even buy enough food for a week, talk less of affording healthcare or basic upkeep. Some couldn’t even visit a hospital unless it was an emergency, and even then, they often left without being treated properly because they couldn’t afford the bills.

To cushion the hardship, a monthly payment called “palliative” was introduced. It was meant to augment their meager pensions, and it helped, though it was never enough. Yet, when Governor Oyebanji decided to include pensioners in the new minimum wage structure—thereby increasing the base pension they receive—many feared the palliative would be discontinued. It would have made sense politically; after all, if you’re already giving them more through revised pensions, why continue giving the extra palliative?

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But Oyebanji didn’t think that way. He made a bold and compassionate choice. He increased their pensions and still maintained the payment of the palliative money. That’s not just administration—it’s empathy in action. He understood that even with the updated pensions, retirees still face significant challenges, especially in this tough economy where prices of food, drugs, and other essentials rise daily. Cutting off the palliative would have erased the little financial breathing space they had left. But by retaining it, he sent a powerful message: I see you, I feel your pain, and I won’t abandon you.

That’s not all. The Governor also announced that retirees can now receive free medical treatment in any government hospital. This is another layer of thoughtfulness that shows a deep understanding of what it means to be vulnerable in old age. If you’ve ever followed a pensioner to a government hospital, you’d understand how deeply touching this policy is. Many times, they are asked to pay before any consultation or tests. Some of them borrow money just to see a doctor. Others resign to fate, hoping their pain will go away on its own. But with this declaration, they now have a chance to walk into any government health facility with dignity. They don’t have to explain or beg. Their years of service are now recognized not just on paper, but in action.

This is what it means to do politics differently. It’s not always about building roads or commissioning massive projects. Sometimes, it’s about looking into the eyes of the forgotten and doing something—no matter how small—to restore their dignity. Politics without empathy is dangerous. It becomes a cold game of numbers and transactions, where people are seen as tools, not as humans. But when leaders like Oyebanji choose to put people first, even in the face of tight budgets and competing interests, they set a new standard.

The truth is, power has a way of hardening people. It often detaches leaders from the people they serve. The longer one stays in office, the easier it becomes to forget the long queues at hospitals, the silent tears of pensioners, and the humiliation of the elderly begging for basic support. That’s why staying human in the face of power is not just difficult—it is rare. But it is also necessary. Because the purpose of power should be to heal, to uplift, and to give hope.

Ekiti is now showing the rest of the country that compassionate governance is possible. That policies can be designed not just to impress, but to impact lives directly. That a governor can make headlines not for political drama but for touching lives. And most importantly, that doing politics differently does not mean doing less—it means doing what matters most.

In all of this, one cannot help but wonder: what if every leader in Nigeria thought this way? What if policies were made with the poor in mind? What if we judged success not by the size of the budget but by the smiles of retirees, the relief of a mother in the hospital, or the gratitude of a hungry child who received food?

That’s the Nigeria we all dream of. A country where politics is no longer a game of thrones but a platform of service. Where leaders are remembered not for the cars they drove or the entourage they kept, but for the lives they touched.

And so, as we reflect on what’s happening in Ekiti, let’s not see it as just another government policy. Let’s see it as a mirror. A reminder that in the hands of the right person, power can be soft. That politics can have a heart. That compassion is not a political liability—it is a political strength.

Governor Oyebanji may not be perfect. No leader is. But in choosing to stay human in the face of power, he has done something many have failed to do—he has restored a bit of our faith in leadership. And for every retiree who can now eat better, sleep easier, and walk into a hospital with dignity, that faith is no longer just a dream. It is real.

So, here’s a call to every other leader: let power not change you. Let it refine you. Let it remind you daily that the people you lead are not statistics—they are human beings with needs, fears, and stories. Be human, stay human, even when power tempts you to forget.

Because at the end of the day, history doesn’t remember how loud your campaign was. It remembers how well you served. And the hearts you chose not to ignore.

•Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti

May 15, 2025
Oyebanji lauds monarch’s role in Ekiti’s creation

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has hailed the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Adesanya Aladejare, for his roles in the creation of the state.

The governor, who gave the commendation, while playing host to a 20-man delegation of Efon Alaaye community led by the monarch, at his Ikogosi country home, recalled instances of patriotism, dedication and interventions even at the risk of personal inconveniences of Aladejare, which underlined his commitment during the struggle for the creation of the state.

Oyebanji thanked God that the monarch was still alive to witness the growth of the young state adding that there was no way Ekiti could have produced five indigenous governors within 28 years, if it had not been created following the self denials of the like of Aladejare.

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Oyebanji, who also appreciated the patriotic dispositions and collaboration of Efon Alaaye people in the development of their community and the state sought the continued support of the people for the success of his administration.

Pledging to meet the requests put forward for further development of the community into a modern city, Oyebanji further called for harmony, unity and respect for the collegiate leadership of his party by all the Efon Alaaye APC gladiators.

The governor also hinted that, given the abundant tourism potentials of Ekiti West and Efon Local Government Areas, efforts were at an advanced stage to give a boost to the Ikogosi, Ipole-Iloro and Efon Alaaye Tourism corridor, while the DG Tourism will be mandated for an assessment on the available tourism features in the area.

The monarch praised Oyebanji for his Omoluabi mantra in reputation and for the fair dispositions and consideration of his giant strides at the development of the state.

The Alaaye, in his address delivered through the, President General of Efon Alaaye Development League, Mr Bode Fagbemiro thanked the governor for his unique disposition in carrying Efon Alaaye along in the development of Ekiti State and harped on the need for the siting of government owned tertiary institutions in the area

February 25, 2025