Let’s play politics with facts, Oyebanji cautions critics

2026-02-18 - 15:56

By Rotimi Ojomoyela The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned critics to base their engagements on verifiable facts and shun exposing the state to unnecessary ridicule through their jaundiced and half-baked truth The Governor stated that Ekiti has never been neglected by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the state had benefited significantly from federal infrastructure interventions over the years. Oyebanji said this while receiving leaders of the Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere, led by its chairman, Elder Yemi Alade. He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving major road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at boosting economic activity in the state. According to him, key projects include the rehabilitation of the Ado-Iworoko–Ifaki federal road, approval for the construction of the Osun border–Aramoko road valued at N153 billion, and the reconstruction of the Aramoko–Ijero–Ido and Omuo–Ikole–Ifaki roads. “Mr President has also directed and approved reconstruction of Aramoko-Ijero-Ido road, as well as Omuo – Ikole –Ifaki road. Very soon, I know that work is ongoing in ensuring that we are linked to the Osogbo rail line, so when you cumulate all these things, he has done well for us. But unfortunately, some of our children, maybe because of ignorance or what they think they will eat, still portray Ekiti as ungrateful people. We need to caution such people. I am not against politics, but they should play politics with facts”. The governor said the road projects, when completed, would stimulate economic growth in Ekiti State and the wider Southwest, especially as some of the routes connect with neighbouring Ondo and Osun States. He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for what he described as the fulfillment of promises made to the state, leading to unprecedented infrastructure development. Oyebanji described Afenifere as a custodian of Yoruba cultural and political values and thanked the group for endorsing him and the President for re-election, with a pledge to continue implementing policies and programmes that would improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. He added that his administration remained committed to delivering on campaign promises and upholding party supremacy by carrying party stakeholders along in key decisions, particularly in political appointments. His words, “I also want to appreciate the President for his support for Ekiti, and I want to thank you for endorsing his re-election. Mr. President has fulfilled more than he promised us. “As I speak now, Akure to Ado-Ekiti is 35 minutes. He did it, and with his support, we completed the airport. With his support, we have rehabilitated the Ado-Iworoko–Ifaki federal road. He has also approved the construction of the road from the Osun State border to Aramoko; the contract value is N153 billion, as it will be a concrete pavement. “On behalf of myself and Mr President, I thank you for the open endorsement, because Afenifere is the custodian of our values, political values and our culture. So, for you to come out openly to say this is where they are, I do not take it for granted, and I’m extremely grateful on behalf of myself and the President. The endorsement was based on facts you know, I’m aware that you went through all the projects and that is what separates Afenifere from other groups, you are meticulous, you are not partial, and you say things the way they are.” Earlier, Elder Alade reaffirmed the group’s endorsement of the governor, attributing the decision to what he called unprecedented achievements in infrastructure, economic management, agriculture, and social welfare. He cited regular salary and pension payments, as well as youth and women’s empowerment initiatives, as evidence of purposeful leadership. “Ekiti State chapter of Egbe Afenifere assures your excellency of our continued support, cooperation and loyalty during and after the forthcoming election,” Alade added. Vanguard News