By Segun Dipe
If you keep pounding yam and dishing it out to everyone, don’t think that will make everyone to like you; you’ll still have your enemies. If on the other hand you throw stones at every roof and at every passerby, don’t think that will make everyone to hate you either, you’ll still have your own friends. People will haul stones at fruit-bearing trees for their fruits. Those who don’t bear fruits at all, people will still target their flowers and leaves. To avoid criticism, do nothing. Even then, people will still say. Why not let them say and you simply remain focused.
This is the principle Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) of Ekiti State holds dear, and keeps sharing with those who care. However, there is the need to ex-ray what the critics of the Governor are saying as against what he is doing.
Oyebanji’s critics are busy boxing more of shadow than substance, and in doing so, they keep speaking with Babel of voices.
Let’s see what Oyebanji’s critics are saying: Some keep foaming in the mouth on projects like the flyover bridge between Ijigbo Roundabout and Okeiyinmi in Ado‑Ekiti and the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport. One moment, they call them white elephant projects that may never be completed, another moment they say Oyebanji is pumping too much into them to prove a point.
They talked about the projects initiated by his predecessors in office and wonder why he should complete them instead of starting his afresh. They said he didn’t push enough for the federal roads in the state to be repaired. And when the federal government eventually approved them for repairs, they said he was able to influence it because of his second term ambition. They talked about his interest in the state stadium and other sporting activities, saying that should not have been a priority project. He is also accused of being wasteful in building a cultural village, among others.
Yet when asked what alternative projects Oyebanji could have spent money on, they fail to list them.
On the other hand, there are the enemies within, who see BAO as a softee. Some power mongers within the ruling party see him as wielding more of “soft‑power” and leaving them feeling powerless over their perceived political enemies. They say his reluctance to use “hard‑hand” tactics has created a perception of indecisiveness, especially when it comes to do certain political armtwistng. Yet they admit that the Oyebanji soft touch has left the opposition subdued.
As if not enough, some still complain of political appeasement, accusing the governor of “rattling feathers” by reaching across party lines too often, suggesting his consensus‑driven. Yet those in the opposition have come to regard the approach more as political survival than genuine inclusivity.
While the critics may have created a mixed but engaged public discourse, they get weaker and weaker by the day, whereas Oyebanji’s administrstion grows stronger and many keep calling for an enchore.
Since Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, BAO, assumed office in October 2022, Ekiti State has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by his visionary leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
Evidently, Ekiti State is now a model of transformative governance and sustainable development. Thanks to the determined focus of the man in the saddle.
Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, leading to significant improvements in the quality of life for Ekiti residents.
Agricultural revolution is one of the standout achievements of Oyebanji’s administration. The Ekiti Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (E-YEEP) has provided grants, training, and equipment to thousands of young farmers, boosting food security and rural wealth. The program has also led to the clearance of over 5,000 hectares of land for commercial farming, with subsidized seedlings and tractor services made available to farmers.
Infrastructure development comes next. Oyebanji’s administration has invested heavily in infrastructure development, with over 284km of roads rebuilt or resurfaced, including the ongoing Ekiti Ring Road project. The state has also upgraded the Ekiti Agro-Allied Cargo Airport to full commercial status, attracting investors and creating jobs. Additionally, the administration has refurbished and equipped 108 primary health centres with ICT tools, improving healthcare services for residents.
Education and human capital development follows. Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized education, with over 350 classrooms renovated, new science/ICT labs installed, and over 1,000 teachers recruited, including 353 ICT specialists. The administration has also introduced teacher incentives and a N1 billion car/housing loan scheme to retain talent in the education sector, ensuring that Ekiti remains a hub for quality education.
Healthcare and social welfare comes next. Oyebanji’s administration has prioritized healthcare, with the refurbishment and equipping of 108 primary health centres, as well as the introduction of the Ulerawa health insurance scheme, which now covers 200,000 residents. The administration has also launched mobile clinics to reach remote areas, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all Ekiti residents.
Security and governance are noticeably enhanced.
Oyebanji’s administration has taken a proactive approach to security, recruiting and equipping the Amotekun Corps and establishing an Emergency Command Centre. The administration has also deployed additional troops to the state, earning Ekiti a top security ranking in the Nigeria Security Tracker. Furthermore, Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to transparent governance, with a balanced budget and a focus on internally generated revenue (IGR) growth.
Fiscal discipline and revenue growth have got rave reviews. Oyebanji’s administration has shown a commitment to fiscal discipline, with a balanced budget of N375.7 billion for 2025, comprising 51% recurrent expenditure and 49% capital expenditure. The administration has also prioritized internally generated revenue (IGR) growth, establishing the Ekiti Revenue House to boost revenue collection.
Political unity and Inclusiveness cannot be ignored. Oyebanji’s leadership has brought together former governors, legislators, and traditional leaders, promoting unity and cooperation in the pursuit of development. This cohesion has enabled the administration to focus on development rather than partisan squabbles, ensuring that Ekiti remains a model for good governance in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has transformed Ekiti State through its commitment to transformative governance and sustainable development. By prioritizing key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, Oyebanji’s administration has improved the quality of life for Ekiti residents and positioned the state as a model for good governance in Nigeria.
In other words, all efforts at throwing brickbats at Oyebanji are tantamount to pouring water on the back of a bowl. The confusion among his critics is an admission of failure to provide credible alternatives, indicating frustration over the absence of concrete counter‑proposals.
…Dipe writes from Ado Ekiti.
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