Federal Roads Should Not Define Oyebanji’s Performance ~ Babatuyi

... says Oyebanji’s Achievements Speak for Themselves 

A journalist and media consultant, Kayode Babatuyi, has described the recent outrage over the state of some roads in Ekiti as unfair and mischievous, insisting that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has recorded outstanding achievements that outweigh the criticisms.

Babatuyi, in a statement made available in Ado-Ekiti, said while it is true that some roads such as Igede-Aramoko-Itawure, Ado-Ijan-Ikare and Aramoko-Ijero are in deplorable condition, most of them fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and should not be used to unfairly judge the performance of the governor.

According to him, “Governor Oyebanji has made giant strides in several sectors - health, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare, power, tourism and grassroots development. Reducing his achievements to the state of federal roads is insincere and mischievous.”

Babatuyi recalled that Governor Oyebanji inherited huge financial burdens in 2022, including unpaid salaries, pensions, and over ₦40 billion in gratuities. He explained that within less than three years, the Oyebanji administration has cleared salary and pension arrears, reduced gratuity debts from ₦48 billion to ₦26 billion, and increased subventions to state-owned institutions by almost 50 per cent.

“This has restored industrial harmony in EKSU, EKSUTH, BOUESTI, and other agencies that were plagued by strikes during the previous administration,” he said.

The media consultant highlighted major investments in the health sector, including ₦814 million spent on renovating 177 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of doctors and health workers, the flagship Ulerawa health insurance scheme covering 429,000 residents, and improved hazard allowances and salaries for medical staff.

He added that the administration has also sustained welfare programmes for widows, the aged and vulnerable groups, while ensuring Ekiti remains one of the few states implementing the new national minimum wage.

On education, Babatuyi noted that Governor Oyebanji has released over ₦3.5 billion counterpart funding for UBEC/SUBEB projects and approved ₦200 million in loans for teachers. He also cited the “Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture” programme, which has provided training and ₦140 million funding for young farmers across the state.

Babatuyi further listed the completion of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, the Ado-Ifaki road, Ajebandele-Omisanjana road, office complexes at the Secretariat, an 80-bed facility at EKSUTH, and the connection of government institutions such as EKSUTH, EKSU and BSES to 24-hour power supply from the Independent Power Plant.

He added that Oyebanji’s influence at the federal level has also brought national presence to the state, including a new Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, a college of education, and an Army barrack in Ikere.

Babatuyi stressed that while constructive criticism is welcome, deliberate attempts to vilify the governor over federal roads ignore the inclusive and people-oriented governance that Oyebanji has brought to Ekiti.

“Before calling the governor out unfairly, we must acknowledge the peace, inclusiveness and socio-economic development he has delivered. The loud outcry on roads is unnecessary when weighed against his undeniable gains,” he said.

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Kayode Ojo’s Weak Defense Exposes His Ties to Tinubu’s Political Opponents ~ RMA

NaijaPulse 

August 16, 2025 

Kayode Ojo’s hurried attempt to deny sponsoring comedians’ viral skits on Ekiti’s federal roads has not only failed to convince but has further exposed his close political ties to sworn opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Renewed Media Agenda (RMA) accused Ojo, who currently serves as Chairman Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, of aligning with figures like Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar, two long-standing political adversaries of President Tinubu.

“Ojo’s close political friendship with Rotimi Amaechi, a known adversary of PBAT, is no secret. To make matters worse, his own campaign Director-General is a staunch Atiku Abubakar loyalist,” RMA declared, insisting that such alliances say far more about Ojo’s true loyalties than his “hurried and poorly written” press statement.

The group also pointed to the “smoking gun” in Woli Agba’s viral skit, where voting for "an Engineer" was mentioned in the final seconds of the video, as clear evidence of his involvement. “That was no coincidence; it was the signature of sponsorship,” RMA stated.

According to the group, Ojo’s actions are part of a pattern. “This is the same Kayode Ojo who, after losing the APC governorship primary in 2022, dragged the party to court all the way to the Supreme Court and directed his followers to work against the party in the election. His history is one of division, sabotage, and political opportunism,” the statement added.

The RMA warned that Ojo’s "media urchins" have been at the forefront of celebrating the viral skit that mocked the APC-led Federal Government and PBAT administration, suggesting he is deliberately undermining the same government under which he serves as an appointee.

“A leopard never changes its spots. Kayode Ojo’s brand of politics is toxic to party unity, destructive to governance, and dangerous to the collective interest of the APC,” the group cautioned.

The statement concluded with a call for the APC, both in Ekiti and at the national level, to make a choice: “Either protect the integrity of the party and its government, or allow political opportunists like Ojo to continue rocking the boat from within.”

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Tinubu Appointee Caught Sponsoring Skits to Attack FG Over Ekiti Roads ~ RMA

A major political controversy has erupted in Ekiti State as the Renewed Media Agenda (RMA) accuses a Federal Government appointee, Engr. Kayode Ojo, of bankrolling a coordinated smear campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the state of federal roads in the state.

Ojo, who is Chairman Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, allegedly hired comedians Kunle Aford and Woli Agba, both from Ogun State to produce attack skits targeting the Federal Government and, by extension, the President.

RMA described the videos as “carefully crafted to mislead the public, shift blame, and tarnish the reputation of the state government,” stressing that the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road, which was the focus of the attacks, is a federal road under Abuja’s jurisdiction.

“The smoking gun came in the final moments of Woli Agba’s video, where he made a direct reference to Kayode Ojo, effectively confirming the source of sponsorship for this orchestrated misinformation campaign,” RMA said in its statement.

The group dismissed the stunt as “a calculated and coordinated political ambush dressed as entertainment,” adding, “A leopard will never change its spots. Ojo can never be a loyalist of any party.”

They recalled that after losing the APC governorship primary in 2022, Ojo “dragged the party to court all the way to the Supreme Court and openly directed his followers to work against the party and vote for SDP in the last gubernatorial election.”

According to RMA, Ojo’s current moves mirror his actions in 2022: “If he could sabotage APC in Ekiti, then it should surprise no one that he is now attempting to undermine the PBAT-led Federal Government. Like he did in Ekiti, he is simply repeating the same playbook at the federal level.”

Defending the President’s performance on Ekiti roads, RMA stated: “The Ado-Ijan-Omuo road has been awarded, contractors are on site, and the Ado-Ikere-Akure road is nearing completion.” They further noted that the Ekiti State Government had paid over ₦400 million in compensation to fast-track work on federal road projects in Ikere, Ado-Ijan, and Omuo-Ifaki corridors.

“Rather than bankroll comedians to act out ignorance, we urge all stakeholders to unite behind ongoing efforts to secure more federal attention for Ekiti’s road network. 

"The people deserve solutions, not sponsored drama,” RMA concluded.

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Veteran Journalist Backs Oyebanji’s Second Term Bid, Says Ekiti Can’t Afford Disruption

Respected journalist and political analyst, Akin Ogunmola, has declared strong support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, describing his second-term ambition as a necessary step to preserve the steady progress currently unfolding across Ekiti State.

Ogunmola, a respected columnist, award-winning broadcast journalist, and fearless public analyst, made this known in a widely circulated opinion piece titled “BAO: Renewing the Mandate, Celebrating Progress, and Empowering the Future.”

He argued that Governor Oyebanji’s second-term aspiration goes beyond politics and should be seen as a collective call to safeguard the gains of inclusive governance, reforms, and infrastructural renewal that the Oyebanji-led administration has delivered since assuming office in 2022.

“Governor Oyebanji gunning for a second term is not just about politics, it’s about sustaining progress,” Ogunmola wrote. “The gains made in the last few years are too critical to be derailed by an abrupt change in leadership and risk uncertainty.”

He referenced the continuity mantra which brought Oyebanji into office, stressing that the same principle remains essential as Ekiti approaches another election cycle.

According to him, the Governor’s achievements under the six pillars of development - Governance, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Agriculture and Rural Development, Knowledge Economy, Social Investments, and Youth Empowerment - have transformed from mere slogans into measurable actions.

“These are not just buzzwords. They have been the blueprint for measurable action,” he added.

Ogunmola also praised the Governor’s inclusive style of leadership, highlighting his regular engagements with former governors, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and diaspora Ekiti indigenes as proof of his people-centered governance model.

On social investment, he pointed to initiatives such as support for petty traders, free healthcare for the elderly, and subsidies for pregnant women and children as direct interventions that are touching lives.

He further cited the revamp of public schools, the recruitment of qualified teachers, the rehabilitation of roads across the 16 LGAs, and the successful test operation of the Ekiti Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, among other milestones, as compelling indicators of progress that must not be truncated.

“As a homegrown leader who was part of the creation of the state, BAO has a deep understanding of Ekiti’s needs,” he wrote. “A second term would mean deeper reforms and accelerated development.”

Referencing a Yoruba proverb, “Ti ọmọde ba ṣubú, a wo iwaju; ti àgbàlagbà ba ṣubú, a wo ẹhìn,” Ogunmola urged the people of Ekiti to look back at what Governor Oyebanji has done and weigh it against the noise of opposition.

“It is time to take a look at the performance of Governor Oyebanji in the last few years and decide whether Ekitikete are wrong to be rooting for a second term in office for him,” he wrote.

He concluded his article with a call for the people to rally around the Governor as he seeks to renew his mandate.

“Let’s give progress a second chance. Let’s give continuity a second chance. Let’s give BAO a second term,” Ogunmola appealed.

The Governor had earlier this week formally declared his intention to seek re-election at a meeting with APC stakeholders in Ado Ekiti, stating that he was yielding to “the voice of the people.”

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BREAKING: Two Arrested with Weapons During Attempted Kidnap in Igede Ekiti

NaijaPulse 

There was tension earlier today in Igede-Ekiti, Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area, as two young men were arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping incident.

The suspects, both known loyalists and local coordinators of governorship aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, were reportedly caught with guns, cutlasses, and fetish items. They were apprehended after the victim raised an alarm that drew the attention of residents and the police.

According to eyewitnesses, the men were intercepted after a victim raised alarm during the attempted attack. Residents quickly mobilised and alerted security operatives, leading to the arrest.

Security sources confirm that investigation is ongoing to unravel the full extent of their operation and possible affiliations.

Calm has since returned to the area.

More details shortly…

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Ojudu Backs Oyebanji for Second Term, Credits Peaceful Leadership for Ekiti’s Growth

NaijaPulse

Senator Babafemi Ojudu, CON, has declared his full support for the second-term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State converge in Ado Ekiti to endorse the governor.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Ojudu said although he could not attend the event due to engagements outside the state, he stands firmly with the decision of the party faithful.

“I wholeheartedly align myself with this collective aspiration. I believe he has earned the trust and confidence of the people and deserves the opportunity to continue his work,” the former presidential aide stated.

Ojudu, who was present at the Central Senatorial District’s earlier endorsement of the governor, described Oyebanji as a focused and effective administrator who has made tangible impact despite limited resources.

He particularly praised the governor’s role in maintaining peace and political stability in the state.

“Since taking office, Ekiti has enjoyed an unprecedented atmosphere of political calm. There have been no reports of political assassinations, targeted violence, or harassment of opponents, whether within or outside our party,” he noted.

Ojudu urged stakeholders to preserve the peaceful environment as the 2026 election season approaches. He stressed the importance of free and fair competition, allowing every aspirant to campaign without fear or intimidation.

“Democracy thrives when all voices can be heard. Let the people decide at the ballot box-freely and fairly,” he added.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the governor’s performance and goodwill will earn him a second term.

“Let us keep the peace, strengthen our democracy, and move Ekiti forward,” Ojudu said.

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A Story of Leadership and Endorsement

Byy Steve Oribamise 

As I watched the preparations for the joint endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, scheduled for July 28th in Ado Ekiti, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism. The event, which was initially set for July 23rd, has been rescheduled to allow for better logistical coordination and robust attendance.

President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji have demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities that make them ideal candidates for a second term. 

Both leaders have shown a clear vision for the country and the state, driving development and progress through their policies.

Governor Oyebanji's administration has prioritized the welfare of Ekiti people, investing in critical infrastructure and promoting inclusive growth.

President Tinubu's leadership style emphasizes discipline and integrity, earning him respect and admiration from many Nigerians.

Governor Oyebanji's achievements in healthcare, sports, and infrastructure development have transformed Ekiti State, making him a deserving candidate for re-election .

The people of Ekiti should support President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their remarkable achievements and commitment to development. Thousands of Ekiti residents are expected to attend the rally, demonstrating their collective decision to support both leaders for a second term.

Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, Chairman of the State-wide Endorsement Committee, emphasized that the endorsement is driven by the people's satisfaction and confidence in Governor Oyebanji's leadership, citing his performance across all aspects of governance ¹.

The joint endorsement rally is a testament to the people's confidence in President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji's leadership. With their visionary leadership, people-centered approach, and commitment to development, they deserve the support of the people for second term.

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