Truth Over Falsehood: Exposing the Deception and Smear Campaign Against Governor Oyebanji
By Idowu Ephraim Faleye
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration in Ekiti State has been unfairly criticized by those who choose to ignore the visible progress the state has recorded under his leadership. While detractors paint a bleak picture of failure, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Oyebanji’s tenure has been marked by bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, and a strategic vision aimed at positioning Ekiti as a self-sustaining state.
It is easy to dismiss the efforts of a government when one refuses to acknowledge the foundations being laid for long-term prosperity. Critics argue that the governor has squandered financial resources, yet the economic transformation currently unfolding in Ekiti State suggests otherwise. The completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport alone is a game-changing project that will not only boost agricultural exports but also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ekiti’s economy, and Oyebanji’s administration has gone beyond rhetoric to implement concrete initiatives that empower farmers. The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is constructing 1,000 kilometers of rural roads, ensuring that farm produce gets to markets faster and at lower costs. This directly addresses the transportation challenges that have plagued farmers for decades.
Furthermore, over 4,000 hectares of farmland have been cleared and allocated to young farmers under the “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” program. This initiative provides not just land but training and financial support, ensuring that agriculture becomes an attractive and profitable venture for the next generation. These are practical steps aimed at reducing food insecurity, stabilizing prices, and making Ekiti a key player in Nigeria’s food production.
The accusation that Governor Oyebanji has neglected infrastructure is baseless when one considers the ongoing road rehabilitation projects across the state. Beyond the rural access roads, urban renewal projects are also being executed. The Ekiti Ring Road, Ado-Ekiti Flyover, and multiple renovations and construction of highways are easing transportation and stimulating economic activity.
No government can address every road infrastructure challenge at once, but what defines visionary leadership is the ability to prioritize projects that will yield long-term benefits. The flyover in Ado-Ekiti, which critics dismiss as unnecessary, is part of a larger plan to modernize the state capital, attract investors, and enhance traffic flow. Detractors fail to see the bigger picture—a future where Ekiti is a hub for economic activity, tourism, and business expansion.
Healthcare has also witnessed significant improvements under this administration. The rehabilitation of general hospitals in Ijan, Ijesa-Isu, Ilawe, Oke-Imesi, Efon-Alaaye, Iye, Ayede, Ilupeju/Itapa, and Ifaki has expanded access to quality medical care. The conversion of the Ikole-Ekiti Specialist Hospital into a Federal Medical Center further underscores the governor’s commitment to providing better healthcare services to the people.
A society’s well-being is measured by the health of its citizens, and Oyebanji has invested heavily in ensuring that hospitals are properly equipped. The narrative that healthcare is deteriorating is not only misleading but ignores the concrete efforts made to improve medical facilities, recruit personnel, and upgrade hospital infrastructure.
Critics also claim that the administration has neglected education, yet the facts contradict this assertion. Investments in school renovations, provision of learning materials, and enhanced teacher training programs have significantly improved educational standards in the state. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), an innovation and technology hub, is another bold initiative aimed at positioning Ekiti as a center for research and digital entrepreneurship.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional schooling, Oyebanji’s government is preparing Ekiti youths for the future by integrating technology into education. This forward-thinking approach ensures that students are not just academically sound but also equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
The economic transformation taking place in Ekiti under Oyebanji is not accidental but the result of careful planning and continuity of government policies. Development is not an overnight process; it requires consistency, patience, and a strategic approach. The theory of administration teaches us that governance must be a continuum—one government builds on the foundation of another to ensure sustainable growth.
Abandoning projects initiated by previous administrations would result in wasted resources and stagnation. That is why Oyebanji has not only completed existing projects but has also initiated new ones in alignment with the state’s long-term vision. The Ekiti Central Business District (CBD) and the Ekiti International Center for Art and Culture are examples of forward-looking projects designed to boost commerce and tourism.
Those who accuse the governor of being desperate for a second term fail to acknowledge that leadership is about securing the future, not just focusing on immediate gratification. The best leaders are those who lay the groundwork for sustainable development, even when the benefits are not immediately obvious.
Economic progress does not happen in isolation. It requires a combination of policies, infrastructure, and human capital development. That is why the Oyebanji-led administration has created an investor-friendly environment, encouraging businesses to set up in Ekiti. The focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and technology is a deliberate strategy to reduce dependence on federal allocations and build a self-sustaining economy.
The notion that poverty is rising in Ekiti contradicts the ongoing economic activities aimed at empowering residents. Programs designed to support small businesses, youth empowerment schemes, and agricultural initiatives all contribute to wealth creation. While challenges remain, the state is on a trajectory toward economic resilience, and dismissing this progress is both unfair and misleading.
Security and job creation are also key priorities. The claim that youth are disillusioned and turning to crime fails to recognize the targeted interventions designed to provide employment opportunities. The revitalization of the agricultural sector, road projects, and business incentives all contribute to job creation. The administration’s policies are not just about today but about securing a better tomorrow for Ekiti’s young population.
Good governance is about making tough but necessary decisions. Governor Oyebanji’s decision to invest in strategic projects rather than short-term populist initiatives is a mark of leadership. A state cannot develop without critical infrastructure, and the projects being implemented today will define Ekiti’s economic future.
Opponents may attempt to discredit his achievements, but facts speak louder than political rhetoric. The completion of the cargo airport, massive road projects, hospital renovations, and investments in agriculture and technology all point to a government that is working.
The call for change must be based on facts, not sentiments. Ekiti State is not stagnant; it is evolving into an economically viable entity under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership. Those who truly care about the state’s future should support continuity and long-term planning, rather than short-sighted political criticisms.
Governor Oyebanji has not failed the people of Ekiti. On the contrary, he is laying a foundation for sustainable growth. The state’s economic trajectory is shifting, infrastructure is expanding, healthcare is improving, and youths are being empowered. The facts are clear, and no amount of misinformation can erase the progress being recorded.
Faleye writes from Ado-Ekiti