Ekiti PDP's Conspiracy Against Afe Babalola: An Affront to Ekiti's Dignity

By Debola Akingbade 

Aare Afe Babalola, a true pride of Ekiti and the largest employer of labour outside of the government, has worked tirelessly for decades to build a reputation based on hard work, integrity, and service to the people.

Now, Baba is defending that reputation, built over the years, something no one should have to do at this stage in their life. 

But, thanks to Dele Farotimi, who deliberately slandered his name, reputation, and work after losing a case to him, Baba is fighting tooth and nail to clear his name and fight for his rights, which ordinarily should have receive the support of any right-thinking Nigerian.

The most troubling aspect is that, instead of uniting as Ekiti and standing with our own, the Ekiti PDP has maliciously decided to side with the defamer of their own, Dele Farotimi.

The sole reason for this seems to be Baba's commendation and endorsement of the performing governor, Biodun Oyebanji, something many prominent Ekiti figures also support.

Their inglorious decision to side with Farotimi, who sought to pull down one of their finest, will not be forgotten, because the internet doesn't forget. Those who chose to betray their own for political reasons will be judged by history.

The Ekiti PDP's choice to stand with Farotimi rather than support Baba Afe serves as a stark reminder of the divisive politics that have been tearing the party apart and holding it back for so long.

We are watching, as history will remember those who turned their backs on one of Ekiti's greatest sons for temporary political gain.

Let’s be clear: failing to support Baba Afe is not only a bad politic

al move; it is a betrayal of Ekiti itself.

The PDP should remember that cynicism does not remove sweetness from honey.  The party cannot undo what Baba Afe has done for humanity.

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Police Ban Protests as Dele Farotimi Faces Court Over Defamation of Afe Babalola

NaijaPulse 

The Ekiti State Police Command has imposed a ban on protests across the state, following plans by supporters of activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi to stage demonstrations demanding his release. 

Farotimi, who was arrested for allegedly defaming the renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has been remanded in custody by a court pending a bail hearing scheduled for December 10.

In a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, the command cited intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals were preparing to exploit the protests to incite violence and disrupt public order.

“While peaceful protests are recognized under the law, intelligence at our disposal indicates that certain persons aim to hijack the planned protest to create chaos and disturb the peace of the state,” the statement read.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order, warning that violators of the directive would face the full force of the law. 

Parents and guardians were also urged to counsel their wards against participating in any unlawful assemblies.

Farotimi, a vocal activist, was charged earlier this week with criminal defamation, following allegations that he made damaging statements about Afe Babalola in his recently published book, which has become a bestseller on Amazon. 

Afe Babalola, a revered figure in Nigerian legal and academic circles, is seeking legal redress over the claims, which he described as defamatory and injurious to his reputation.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with supporters of Farotimi questioning the motives behind the charges. However, the police insist that their actions are guided by the need to uphold the law and ensure public safety.

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Why afraid at the mention of Governor Oyebanji?

As a believer of the Christian denomination,have often listened to messages or preachings that centered on why is the devil frightened at the mentioning of the name of Jesus?

I’m not coming here to preach sermon,but just want to clarify some of the lingering political issues evolving around us today as to be free of some misconceptions of the truth about them.

One need to ask some question on  why the devil doesn’t want the mentioning of the name of Jesus?

But I know there are lots of people here who are bible scholars who could provide an answer on why the mentioning of the name has brought more discomfort to Lucifer.

Please pardon me of making this illustrations by the comparisons of this two biblical characters,as well as I’m not referring anyone as been the devil,but rather wanting to make a clarification for a better understanding.

In the political landscape of today in Nigeria.We’ve had several leaders belonging to respective political parties through which they have been elected to lead and re-elected as well.

We also have those who have contested and have never won an election.

Some names have been so prominent in the political domain of old till the present time such as our respected political leader Late Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo,Chief Bola Ige,Chief Lateef Jakande,Chief Adekunle Ajasin etc.

In the 20th century we have the political giants who have governed in one capacity or the other in their larger numbers and just to mention are few are president Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has also been a former governor of Lagos state, former governors;Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Peter Ayodele Fayose,Dr John Kayode Fayemi who are all former governors of Ekiti State.

Some other prominent politicians governed as well from other states and regions of Nigeria whose names are in records of history.

The truth has always been that some names creates fear when heard in the political public space,and when you study critically why this names are been scary by some opponents/opposition.It’s much likely about some qualities attributed to leadership which has high mark them for this recognitions.

Pa Obafemi Awolowo was known and recognized by his various developmental torches across the region of the south west,and majorly in agricultural inputs of farming and outputs of bountiful harvests which was the major source of wealth in the south west regions of those days in high yield of cocoa productions and other food crops which are mainly products of exportations.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji who succeeded former Governor John Kayode Fayemi is much looking like a replica of Chief Obafemi Awolowo by looking at his mode of governance which has attracted him lord of commendations in and out of Ekiti State by notable men and women of honors in their larger numbers such as the Nigerian Vice President His Excellency Shetima who has been opportune to commission a symbolic drive way linking two communities of the state headquarters to each other(Omisanjana-Ajebamidele)Chief Afe Babalola,Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN)who was triggered by the good performances of Gov Oyebanji and out of philanthropy gesture donated a gigantic senate building to a citadel of learning at Ikere Ekiti.

All the former governors of Ekiti at one occasion or the other appraised the governor for doing wonders in his discharge of duties with outstanding results.

The workers has enjoyed their welfare packages in deductions back to respective locations it was sourced from,salaries are payed as at when due and all arrears has been offsets with the local government and primary schools teachers leave bonuses paid to meet up with that if their colleagues at the state level.

The more reason the local government workers drums their supports with public rally in support of Gov Oyebanji re-election.

The traditional leaders are not exempted in their positive remarks on the impacts Governor Oyebanji is making all around the communities of Ekiti by the provisions of social amenities  such as the restoration of electricities to some  communities who have been disconnected over a long periods of time.

Agriculture has been so prioritized by the government of governor Oyebanji which is actually the best way to go in a time like this when the nation is looking forward for locally made productions of foods and other commodities which could result as in boosting the economy by dependency as against importation of goods.

The Adire initiative embarked upon by the First Lady Associate Professor Olayemi Oyebanji has added much value to the lives of the professionals in Adire making now in Ekiti.

The production of Adire is going global as the First Lady has charged the Adire attires producers to go online trading since the productions has been in the increased,and the good testament of it was that the products is well been patronized in Ekiti by different associations as uniforms for occasions,thus putting smiles in the faces of the idled hands who has become a manager of clothing’s enterprise.

The giant strides Governor Oyebanji has made in the education,health sector, roads constructions and rehabilitation will ever be mentioned about his visions of transforming Ekiti better than he met it.

I wouldn’t over emphasize the context resulting to this very juxtaposition of why the devil is afraid of the mentioning of the name of Jesus.

In those days the oppositions mostly in the Northern and southern regions don’t want to hear the name Awolowo.

Even in the western part of  Nigeria where Awolowo came from,few of the opposition there are always jittery at the pronouncements of the name.

Oyebanji is a replica of Baba Awolowo with much similarities which has distinguished him the best among his equals with the series of remarks which has generated much issues among his rivalries who are most of the time very unpleased with the accolades the governor enjoys by his supporters and admirers.

I have a very different perspective on why not marketing Gov Oyebanji now?

The Yoruba’s has an adage which says when your masquerade dances well,your head gets swollen.

Provided Governor Oyebanji has not been doing well,all those men and women of integrity in our society wouldn’t have been bestowing those encomiums on him.

Why are they afraid of the mentioning of the name of Oyebanji?

The response is boldly written and well understood.

In a nutshell when you see a boxer going into the ring and coming out with his titled belt.You supposed to know that the victory was not won at that moment in that particular ring.

The victory was as a result of the long time training,supports with encouragements by the coaches,admires and supporters.

So why the name callings of the Oyebanji supporters?

His endorsements isn’t out of place since it isn’t a campaign that contradicts the electoral law.

Can Governor Oyebanji ever stop people from making all this laudable remarks?

With all humility can governor Oyebanji prohibits his supporters by marketing his achievements and his need for continuity?

Governor Oyebanji should hence put a full stop to his performance God forbid it,and also his  performance of space of two years in office is heartwarming enough of acceptability.

The truth be told,can the Idoma people and other ethnics groups yesterday be stopped from supporting Governor Oyebanji with their declarations for his second term which goes a very long way with oaths and prayers?

I could remember in 2017 we started mobilizing for our leader Dr John Kayode Fayemi along others who are also committed to his return back to power as the executive of Ekiti State  which eventually came to reality.

Those who doesn’t want to hear the mentioning of the name Oyebanji today are also the one’s who antagonized former governor Fayemi in 2019.

They that don’t want to hear  BAO till 2030 has long since 2016 been mobilizing for 2019.

What exactly has happened about Oyebanji that has not happened in the past.

I come in peace with my usual political gospel of truth.

If you hate me for it,that’s your luck and won’t take offense in it.

I remain Irewolede Victor and one of the BAO 2026 Proclaimers.

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Landslide Victory: Hope Lost, Morale Low for Ekiti PDP as APC Clinches Ondo Governorship Election

The results of the 2024 Ondo governorship election have left the Ekiti PDP scrambling to pick up the pieces. For a party already battling internal divisions, the APC’s emphatic victory in Ondo feels like another huge nail on the coffin.

Before the election, social media was awash with PDP supporters beating their chests and taking digs at the APC-led government. 

However, since APC’s landslide win on Saturday, the opposition’s loud voices seem to have faded into whispers. The harsh truth has become clear, with reality dawning on them that removing a government that is delivering results and enjoys federal backing is not as easy as some online campaigners make it seem.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political experience and dominance in the Southwest continue to bear fruit for the APC. Tinubu, who has held Lagos State firmly in his corner since 1999, understands the game better than most. His influence across the region remains a significant factor in the APC’s stronghold.

The Ondo election wasn’t about election-day tricks or foul play; it was a masterstroke of grassroots politics and strategic planning. For the umpteenth time, it’s been proven that elections in Nigeria are not decided on social media. What counts is being on the ground, showing results, and building trust with the people.

In Ekiti, some opposition members had spent months on social media criticizing the APC administration and fueling anti-government sentiments. But, the outcome of the Ondo election has left them rethinking their strategy. It’s now evident that their daily rants and propaganda will never translate into votes.

The back-to-back wins in Edo and Ondo have sent a strong message that APC as a united and formidable party is not just holding on; it’s thriving. 

Ekiti, a key state in Tinubu’s Southwest political bloc, is too crucial to gamble with. The APC’s wide-margin victory in Ondo, against a united PDP, is a glimpse of what’s to come.

For the PDP in Ekiti, the future looks bleak. The party, plagued by infighting and lack of direction, is ill-prepared for the battle ahead. As events begin to unfold in the polity, the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti will eventually be a total annihilation of a disunited, factionalized PDP.

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Ekiti Contract Fraud Scandal: Isaac Fayose’s Dubious Deals and Ehinafe’s Role as a Complicit Ally

By Kayode Balogun 

As more details emerge about Isaac Fayose’s alleged shady dealings in Ekiti, questions are now extending beyond him to encompass the role of Odunayo Ehinafe, a member of the APC. 

Despite his connection to prominent APC figures, Ehinafe has been accused of using his platform to amplify Fayose’s persistent critiques of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration. 

The situation has led many to question Ehinafe’s motives and loyalty, particularly given Fayose’s tainted record and Ehinafe’s  political affiliations.

The controversy surrounding Isaac Fayose stems from so many shady deals he got during his brother’s administration, when he allegedly secured lucrative contracts including security and ID card deals, that he reportedly failed to complete. 

The accusations point to Fayose’s misuse of public funds, which some claim were diverted while Ekiti’s public projects were left unexecuted. 

This past, many argue, makes Fayose’s current criticisms of the BAO administration’s development agenda appear less like civic concern and more like a smokescreen to deflect attention from his own dubious history.

Ehinafe’s actions in amplifying Fayose’s attacks have not gone unnoticed. Gabriel Adesoji Angelgabby, a senior media aide to Governor Oyebanji, remarked, “That’s Odun for you; he has a hidden hatred for this government, but he has failed. He is a failure; he can’t fight me... he no fit. But for the sake of peace and love for BAO, we let him be.” 

Angelgabby’s statement sheds light on the long-standing tensions between Ehinafe and the administration, implying that Ehinafe’s actions may stem from personal resentment rather than legitimate criticism.

Adding to the scrutiny, Asiwaju Kasali Oluwafemi, another of the governor’s media aides, recently took to Facebook to accuse Ehinafe of harboring ulterior motives. Olufemi wrote, “Odunayo Ehinafe, evidence yapa against you... you are a mole in the APC. You added Isaac Fayose to fight the government of Ekiti State because you are angry that the names you recommended for appointments were excluded from the last appointment.” 

The backlash against Fayose intensified when one of his former associates, known on social media as “Ikole Nation,” stepped forward to reveal details of Fayose’s alleged misconduct. According to “Ikole Nation,” Fayose obtained a substantial security contract and an ID card production deal, both of which he allegedly abandoned after securing the funds. 

This disclosure, made through WhatsApp, paints Fayose as an individual who, rather than prioritizing Ekiti’s development, has historically put personal gain first.

Ehinafe’s role in providing Fayose a platform has sparked public outrage, especially among those who feel his association with the APC should entail loyalty to BAO’s administration. As WhatsApp user Icon Ayomide noted, “Those taking Isaac Fayose seriously are not in any way better than him. We know that Isaac is looking for government patronage... But what’s troubling is that someone like Ehinafe, who owes his political career to a top APC ally, is turning his back on the administration that gave him a chance.” 

Ayomide’s comment echoes a sentiment felt by many who believe Ehinafe’s actions undermine the progress BAO’s administration has achieved, including high-profile projects like the Ekiti airport and the upcoming flyover, both on track for completion within the next two years.

As these accusations continue to surface, both Fayose and Ehinafe find themselves under increasing scrutiny.

Fayose’s alleged history of unexecuted contracts and Ehinafe’s decision to provide him with a platform to undermine BAO’s administration leave many wondering: Is this simply a case of old allies seeking relevance, or is there a more calculated agenda at play?

 

The recalcitrant stance of Ehinafe seems to lend credence to the suspicion that he has an unholy agenda with Isaac Fayose against the BAO administration.

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Exposed! Isaac Fayose's Critique of Ekiti Government Fueled by Personal Vendetta, Failed Patronage Bid

Kayode Balogun 

"He who comes to equity must do so with clean hands." 

This doctrine don't seem to be put in consideration by a confirmed swindler and gigolo who have recently chosen to go round zuckerville  with a garb of decency and morality. 

Isaac Fayose, a mentally deranged person, is at it again, stirring public criticism of the Ekiti State government and positioning himself as a vocal opponent of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration. But what lies beneath this performance? 

Far from being a public watchdog, Fayose’s record is marked by a litany of fraud allegations, calling into question his credibility and the integrity of those hailing him as a genuine critic.

In 2019, Isaac Fayose was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of a N17.6 million fraud, in which he allegedly defrauded one Joe Onyiuke under the pretense of leasing a property. According to the charges, Isaac Fayose collected millions by falsely claiming he had a legitimate deal to offer, a fact that casts a long shadow over his current complaints about transparency and governance.

Aside this, there are numerous allegations against this conman, but because of his status, as Former Governor's brother, these allegations have been surpressed. 

Icon Ayomide, a prominent voice on WhatsApp, captured the underlying motives in Fayose’s sudden opposition and wrote, “Those taking Isaac Fayose seriously are not in any way better than him. We all know Isaac is after government patronage, believing his family name alone entitles him to a seat at the table.” 

According to Ayomide, Fayose has followed a calculated series of moves, from distancing himself from his brother, Ayo Fayose, to banking on the PDP’s remaining discontent to amplify his platform, all in the hope of catching the government's attention.

Despite these attempts to sway public opinion, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has remained transparent with its plans. Major projects such as the Ekiti airport, slated for completion by early 2025, and the flyover expected by late 2025, are on track, with regular updates provided to the public. Ayomide calls out the hypocrisy here: “If not for clout chasing, Isaac wouldn’t have gone on social media discrediting a government that’s on track.”

Ayomide didn’t hold back when engaging with Fayose directly on a WhatsApp platform, reputed for shielding voices that critique the BAO administration. When Fayose reportedly insulted the governor, Ayomide shot back: “You were with your brother when he was in power, part of those who influenced his decisions. In all those seven to eight years, what tangible difference did you make? If not for the white powder you are addicted to, you wouldn't have been posting rubbish every now and then."

The exchange reportedly left some platform admins, particularly Hon. Odunayo Ehinafe, unsettled.

Although Ehinafe admitted that Isaac Fayose’s intentions were driven by a desire for recognition and that he sees him as a “crook and fraudster,” he allowed these criticisms as a form of “payback” for being excluded from recent appointments.

In a moment of candid admission, Ehinafe’s stance reveals how quickly some critics abandon principles for personal gain.

Isaac Fayose’s critiques fall flat when examined in light of his own past and motives. With every baseless accusation against a government making measurable strides, the people of Ekiti are reminded that public servants should be accountable, and so should their critics.

As Ayomide noted, those knowledgeable can see through the game: real progress and real accountability do not stem from vendettas or staged clout-chasing. Ekiti deserves better, and the facts show they’re getting it.

Isaac Fayose should embark on self appraisal in order to know how he can readjust his lifestyle instead of roaming the cyber space like a rabid dog,  spewing mindless invectives and criticism.

Kayode Balogun writes from Ado Ekiti

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