By Mary Oso-Omotosho
Adegoke Olajide, our resident expert on everything except, apparently, reality, needs urgent rescue. His latest masterpiece, “ODE FOR EKITI LIBERATION series 1,” is less a call for liberation and more a cry for relevance. It seems our former House of Assembly member has traded legislative prowess for the art of throwing shade, and boy, is he throwing it with gusto!
One might almost admire the sheer audacity of someone so confidently detached from the facts. Almost! His recent article is a masterclass in misdirection and misguided blame. How refreshing to see someone so passionately grappling with reality!
Well, let’s address his claims about the federal roads that he insists are somehow beyond the reach of our beloved Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO). Yes, Adegoke, we get it—federal roads are not the direct responsibility of the state government. But how convenient of you to ignore the fact that the Ado-Ifaki road, a federal road, has just been completed under the diligent leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).And guess what? The state has not even gotten a refund for that! But let’s not let facts get in the way of a good narrative, right?
You raise a good point about the federal allocation, Adegoke. But isn’t it funny that while you lament about the allocations from Abuja, you fail to mention that the state government has been working closely with our National Assembly representatives and the federal government on these matters? It appears that while you’re busy throwing mud, the Governor is busy getting things done!
The governor has strategically provided alternative roads to the poor federal government roads for travelers . Ado-Akure has two alternative roads :
a. Ikere-Igbaraodo-Igbaraoke-Akure
b. Ado-Ilawe-Igbaraodo-Igbaraoke
And for your information, the alternative road for Ado-Aramoko-Itawure-Ilesha axis is now
Ado-Ilawe-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi-Efon Alaaye, while that of Ado-Ijan-Agbado axis is the Ekiti State Ring Road phase 1. Let’s not forget again that Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki Federal road was completed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji after several administration of four governors. Goke Olajide didn’t see this development too?
Anyway, as of last year, the incumbent Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, acknowledged BAO’s proactive outreach regarding the poor conditions of federal roads in Ekiti. It’s heartening to know that genuine efforts are being made to address these issues, even as you’re busy writing your political epitaph. If you are not too lazy, google is your best friend on this!
Oh, and let’s not forget the ongoing construction on the Akure-Ado road, which is now under federal government contracts. Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji has invested over 400 million Naira in compensation payment for the Ikere-Akure, Ado-Ijan, and Omuo-Ifaki roads. Currently, the Governor is actively resolving logistics issues to ensure speedy delivery. But again, facts are clearly not your forte, Adegoke and your co-travellers!
Your desperate attempts to tarnish BAO’s reputation may reflect more on your own political orphan status in your local government area than on the Governor’s performance. It’s almost comical how you seem to think that attacking a successful leader will revive your dead political career. Perhaps it’s time to take a step back and reassess your strategy, Adegoke.
In a nutshell, while you throw around baseless accusations and engage in a circus of political theatrics, the people of Ekiti will continue to see the real progress being made. So, keep the noise coming — it’s only further proving how out of touch you are with the realities of governance and the needs of our communities.
So, before I come back to respond to your other unfounded accusations, keep trying, Adegoke; perhaps by then you would have found a way to contribute positively instead of being a footnote in the history of Ekiti politics!
Mary writes from Ado Ekiti.
20th July 2025.