Ekiti Govt Reacts To Kayode Ojo’s Claim; Says ‘It’s Unfounded’

THE KAYODE OJO’S CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY: SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

The Government of Ekiti State recognizes the right of every citizen and aspirant in a democracy to express their views and canvass for support , it also has a responsibility to the good people of Ekiti State to protect the sanctity of truth and the integrity of public information, being the bearers of the people’s mandate to transparently govern.

Therefore, we are duty- bound and wish to categorically set the records straight regarding some spurious allegations leveled against the administration by the Kayode Ojo Campaign Organization, as follows:

1. ON ALLOCATIONS AND UTILISATION OF FUNDS

• The claim that over ₦286.23 billion in federal allocations and ₦70 billion in IGR have been mismanaged is false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated. The administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has consistently published audited financial statements, quarterly budget implementation reports, as well as procurement records required by law, and in line with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments. This is why Ekiti State constantly ranks as the best state in fiscal transparency and accountability, and has come first in the last two quarterly rankings carried out by the well-respected BudgIT team.

• Major projects across the 16 Local Government Areas — including road construction, school rehabilitation, healthcare facilities, and rural electrification — are being executed with full transparency and due process. As a responsible Government, details of these projects are available on the State’s procurement portal for those who seek additional information. In addition to this, the Government’s unwavering commitment to agriculture has led to preparing over 4,000 hectares of land for farmers, constructing agric clusters for youths in agriculture, and many other interventions designed to make Ekiti, one of the smallest States by land mass, a food basket of the nation.

• While our eminent former governors are able to defend themselves, the allegation of paying them between ₦50 million and ₦120 million monthly is not only preposterous but defamatory, and we challenge the Kayode Ojo Campaign to produce any shred of evidence to support this wild claim.

2. ON LOANS AND THE ALLEGED ₦90 BILLION BOND To allege that any bond was arranged in “connivance” with private individuals and an illustrious former Governor of the State is completely unfounded. The claim that Ekiti State took a N90billion bond is not only unsubstantiated but libelous. We challenge these individuals to provide any evidence of such a bond. It is on record that Ekiti’s State domestic debt has reduced from N118 billion in September 2022, to N51 billion as at March 2025, when the most recent domestic debt figures were released, due to the prudent management of the State’s finances. It is therefore ludcirous to suggest that the State has taken a N90 billion bond, when the total domestic debt reported by the Debt Management Office for Ekiti State is only N51 billion.

3. ON DELIVERY OF ROAD PROJECTS

Suggesting that 90% of communities in Ado-Ekiti, the State Capital are without motorable roads and electricity supply shows a complete disconnect from facts on ground.Till date, the State Government has awarded road contracts exceeding N200 billion, covering 350 kilometres across the State. Out of this, over N150 billion has been paid to contractors, with 126 kilometres conpleted, while the balance are at various stages of completion. These roads were carefully selected to connect commercial hubs, large communities, as well as to provide alternatives to Federal roads that are either being repaired or awaiting reconstruction. The overhead bridge project referenced in Ado-Ekiti is ongoing, not stalled, and is being executed in line with the agreed project plan. As at today, the project is at over 60% completion, and will be completed in Q1 2026, which is on track with the expected delivery date. This is outside of the rural agriculture roads being constructed under RAAMP, where 132 kilometres of rural roads are being constructed.

4. ON WORKERS’ WELFARE

Apart from the heavy investment in road infrastructure, the State spends an average of N5 billion per month on salaries and pensions, and has spent N40 billion on this since the beginning of the year. In addition to this, the State has paid N7.5 billion to State retirees and another N4. 3 billion to local government retirees, making a total of N11.8 billion. Apart from this, Ekiti State’s faithfully implemented the minimum wage adjustment and now pays an average of N5 billion per month in salaries and pensions. This is in addition to the payment of leave bonuses, and the regular replenishment of various loan schemes.

One of Governor Oyebanji’s widely celebrated attributes, especially within the labour community, is his regular engagements and open dialogue with labour leaders, and the associated remarkable record of honouring negotiated agreements.

5. ON SECURITY AND POLITICAL TOLERANCE

The allegation that supporters of a particular aspirant are being arrested for “fictitious offences” like kidnapping and armed robbery is completely false. Worse still, it casts a dark shadow on the reputation of our dedicated law enforcement agencies, and undermines their genuine efforts at combating crime. Politicisation of serious security matters should be off limits. The Government of Ekiti State does not, and will never direct security agencies to target any citizen for political reasons.

Furthermore, all APC aspirants are free to campaign. There is no restriction, no threat, and no directive against the reception or mobilisation of supporters.

6. ON ALLEGED ENDORSEMENT RALLIES

The rallies held across the state are not government-funded but were organised by support groups, trade unions, and grassroots associations who are satisfied with Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and are exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

To label these voluntary public endorsements as wasteful “endorsement rallies” is completely inaccurate, and may be interpreted as an attempt to silence the voices of fellow Ekiti people who are exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

7. OUR POSITION ON THE APC PRIMARIES

Governor Oyebanji remains a loyal party man and has never declared the primary election a “do-or-die” affair. The Governor has expressed, repeatedly, that party supremacy will guide the process, and the choice of the people will prevail. The Governor respects every aspirant’s ambition and will support the party in every way to ensure that the primary election is free, fair, and credible.

CONCLUSION

This administration welcomes robust debate, but it must be based on facts, not fiction.

We call on the good people of Ekiti to remain vigilant, and not be misled by falsehood.

We thank them for their continued support as we press forward in our commitment to their welfare, security, and progress.

Ekiti is working, and the Government’s commitment to its vision of shared prosperity is unwavering.

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun

Special Adviser to the Governor (Information)

27th August, 2025