Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose on Monday threw his full support behind the re-election bid of incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, urging him to disregard critics and social media attacks.
Fayose delivered his message in Igbara Odo Ekiti while commissioning the 14-kilometer Igbara Odo-Ikogosi road, a project marking the third anniversary of Oyebanji’s administration.
The former governor branded Oyebanji’s detractors on social media as “blackmailers and players of morbid politics,” advising the governor to stay focused on governance.
“Don’t be bothered about blackmailers and wailers barking at your backyard, especially those making negative narratives on the internet. Allow them to be there. The people of Ekiti are not moved by their rantings.”
Fayose also noted that the recent governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state revealed “some betrayers” close to the governor.
He urged Oyebanji to be magnanimous and forgive them, calling it a normal political occurrence.
He commended Oyebanji for uniting Ekiti leaders and citizens across party lines, a mastery of politics that “has further accentuated his mastery of politics, governance and management of people of diverse interests and idiosyncrasies.”
He added that Oyebanji’s works “speak for themselves.”
Predicting a comfortable victory for the governor in the 2026 governorship election, Fayose stated, “in my mind, we have already concluded the voting… Whoever is opposing you will be disgraced.”
He reiterated his unreserved support for Oyebanji, challenging other parties to present their candidates.
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In his response, Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of the road project, attributing the successes of his economic reforms to the initiatives of President Bola Tinubu.
He explained that the road infrastructure is designed to bolster transportation, open up communities, and unlock their potential in areas like economy, tourism, and trade.
However, the governor made an earnest appeal to the host communities to address a long-standing issue for future development.
“I want to plead with you, let us because of this road settle the land dispute between Igbara Odo and Ikogosi communities. This is the time to resolve the issue.”
Oyebanji disclosed that a proposed site for a higher institution between the two communities is being hampered by the land dispute, stressing that the government is ready to develop the corridor if the matter is settled.
“Our people can no longer go to farms because of fear of attacks. This is the time to resolve this matter one and for all,” he pleaded.
The Arajaka of Igbara Odo, Oba Edward Jayeola, expressed gratitude for the road and promised to ensure the facility is protected from vandals, urging his community to support the governor’s re-election bid.
