Ekiti Remains Peaceful Under Governor Oyebanji, His Administration Is Not A Murderous One – Afuye
Ekiti Remains Peaceful Under Governor Oyebanji, His Administration Is Not A Murderous One – Afuye
By Comrade Idowu Afuye
July 24, 2025
The attention of well meaning citizens and progressive elements within and outside Ekiti State has been drawn to a highly misleading and inciting statement issued by a coalition of ex-student leaders and human rights bodies, suggesting that the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) poses a threat to the life of Hon. Goke Olajide and likening the current administration to one capable of orchestrating politically motivated killings.
This malicious narrative is not only baseless but a calculated attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a people-focused and peace-loving government. It is therefore important to state emphatically and without ambiguity that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration is not a murderous one.
EKITI IS PEACEFUL AND STABLE
Since the assumption of office on October 16, 2022, Governor BAO has maintained a commendable track record of peace, dialogue, inclusive governance, and developmental strides. Ekiti State today enjoys an atmosphere of calm, unity, and political tolerance unseen in past dispensations. There is no evidence of politically motivated violence under this administration, and no single case of state-sponsored aggression or intimidation against any political actor, activist, or citizen.
To mischievously evoke the memory of past political tragedies such as the painful deaths of Dr. Ayo Daramola, Mr. Aderiye Omolafe, and others only to tie them, even remotely, to the current administration is a gross misrepresentation of facts and an attempt to stir public anxiety for selfish and political reasons.
BAO IS A PRODUCT OF THE PEOPLE, NOT A DICTATOR
Governor Biodun Oyebanji is not an accidental leader. He is a tested and trusted technocrat, a grassroots politician, and a long serving public servant with decades of experience and loyalty to the ideals of democracy. His government welcomes constructive criticism, dialogue, and democratic engagement. Many of his aides and appointees, including former activists and opposition voices, can testify to his humility, tolerance, and open-door policy.
Those who know Governor BAO know him as a man of peace and conscience. He does not support violence, and under his leadership, the security architecture of Ekiti State has been strengthened to protect all residents regardless of their political affiliation.
POLITICAL CRITICISM IS NOT A CRIME IN EKITI
The claim that Hon. Goke Olajide is being “persecuted” for criticizing the government lacks substance. Numerous public figures and political commentators regularly express divergent views in Ekiti State without harassment or fear. Hon. Olajide, like every Nigerian citizen, is free to express himself — and he has done so repeatedly without any known legal or physical threat from the state.
Let it be clearly stated: criticism does not equal victimization. Disagreement with government policies does not automatically translate to persecution, especially when there is no evidence of state-sponsored attacks or threats.
STOP THE POLITICS OF FEAR
The coalition’s press statement reeks of political blackmail, fear-mongering, and an attempt to manipulate national and international sentiments against a responsible administration. Such tactics are outdated and should be condemned by all lovers of democracy and truth.
Instead of whipping up sentiments and planting seeds of discord, our so-called human rights advocates should channel their energy into promoting unity, encouraging issue-based politics, and supporting the current government’s efforts in infrastructure, education, economic development, and youth empowerment.
CONCLUSION
We, the progressive minds of Ekiti and defenders of truth, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and Nigerians at large to disregard the unfounded accusations against Governor Oyebanji. Ekiti is safe, stable, and moving forward.
Let us not allow cheap propaganda to derail the peace we have labored to build. The BAO administration remains focused on good governance and has zero tolerance for violence or political intimidation.
Signed:
Comrade Idowu Afuye
Political Analyst & Advocate for Democratic Peace
Ekiti State, Nigeria
