Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji: A Failed Experiment In Ekiti State

By Paul Olajide 

In 2021/2022, as the baton of leadership was about to change hands in Ekiti State, few anticipated that Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) would emerge as the next Governor. 

His emergence was widely perceived as opportunistic—largely attributed to his loyalty to the then First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. Against the wishes of the outgoing Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, BAO was handpicked and installed through the influence of the First Lady.

With high expectations and the hope of tripled federal allocations, Ekiti people believed the new Governor would reposition the state for growth.

Unfortunately, his first notable action was not policy reform or development, but a series of visits to opposition leaders—lavishing them with state resources meant for revitalizing our comatose industries and ministries, such as Water Corporation, the power sector, and the Oodua Textile Industry.

Another controversial move was the construction of a bridge near one previously built by former Governor Ayodele Fayose. While some citizens saw no issue with this, many criticized the project as a misplaced priority, especially considering Ekiti’s pressing infrastructural needs. 

To the shock of many, the contract was awarded to Governor Fayose himself, raising speculations that it was a strategic move to silence him or evidence that Fayose now controls the government through a proxy.

These missteps stem from the misplaced belief among Ekiti leaders that BAO, being a son of the soil with prior experience under past administrations, would deliver good governance. 

Regrettably, he has failed to leave any indelible mark on the state.

Our water systems have collapsed. Roads are in deplorable conditions and projects that should take one year now stretch into three. 

Examples include:

– The Ifaki – Iworoko Road

– The ongoing Old Garage bridge

– The commissioned-but-abandoned             Imosi – Aramoko – Erio Road

– Afao Road

– Ayegbaju – Ifaki Road

– Ijan Road

This is happening despite the increase in allocations from #4–#5 billion under Fayemi and Fayose to #13 billion under BAO, alongside #19 billion generated as IGR. 

Rather than investing in development, the funds appear to be channeled into staging endorsement rallies—often filled with the poor and vulnerable, allegedly induced with state money. It is endorsement through exploitation—slavery in disguise.

What the people expected was investment in job-creating industries, youth empowerment through vocational training, and support for the party loyalists who facilitated his emergence. 

Instead, BAO embraced opposition figures and enriched them with public funds, sidelining those who brought him to power.

Today, investors shy away from Ekiti due to insecurity and poor infrastructure. The state’s security vote lacks transparency.

A recent tragedy in Oye-Ekiti, where kidnappers invaded a girls’ hostel, resulting in rape and the death of a student, underscores the breakdown in security. 

Farmers remain vulnerable and unprotected in rural areas.

BAO’s administration is a failed experience. The only thing thriving is media propaganda—driven by spin and social media handlers led by Mary Oso—who flood the internet with doctored narratives to mask reality.