Governor Oyebanji Declares War On Party Members! 

AYO B. FOLUSO

In what could be described as the shocker of the century, the Ekiti State governor, Mr. Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji may have turned the proverbial Macbeth of this political era. This is as many party members now live in fear of attack of a man who has turned himself into a terror of sort. It is no longer news that Ekiti State prepares for another gubernatorial election in the next few months. And to this effect, various political gladiators have shown interest in slugging it out with the incumbent governor, including members of his own party – the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the Governor appears not comfortable with the idea of an opposition from his own party to challenge the ticket. He seems therefore, to have prepared for an onslaught against anyone who dares picks interest in the guber race.

Only few days ago, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who also doubles as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Engr. Kayode Ojo, picked his Expression of Interest and Nomination Form at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. This move appeared to have unsettled Governor Oyebanji who had expected an automatic return ticket to the Oke-Ayoba Government House, Ado-Ekiti. The latest news has therefore, heated up tension in the state known for its relative peace. Prior to this time, there has been rumours and hush-hush talks across the state of harassment of fellow party members perceived were opposed to the return of the current government by loyalists of Governor Oyebanji. The mill was further heightened by the threat from the governor himself during a recent meeting he had with party members.

Governor Oyebanji in a recent meeting he had with APC members and aired on TV stations was seen threatening any local party executive who would open its doors to other aspirants from his party, either for campaign or political discussions. Such unguarded utterances had been labelled anti-democratic and derogatory of the office of a sitting governor. However, in a new twist, the recent threats by the state government may have ignited the action of some political hooligans suspected to be loyal to the governor as they were seen attacking party members on different occasions – an act many political observers had described as desperation taken too far. Many analysts had posited Governor Oyebanji rather than embark on vendetta gamesmanship should have let his work speak for him. The best way to shut down opposition is to show workings after all. But it is obvious Mr. Oyebanji prefers the crooked way.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government were attacked by loyalists of the state government as could be seen in a video that went viral. Their victims were almost lynched and burnt down inside their car. As if that were not enough, a former councillor and two-time youth leader in Ward 2 of Ado Local Government, one Yakubu Saka Busayo was earlier today drawn out of his house only to be shot in the leg by touts suspected to be loyal to Governor Oyebanji. The disturbing trend seems to be spreading fast with party members now fear for dear lives. This unwholesome action coming out from the governor’s camp is not only antithetical to democratic tenets, it is also abhorrent and ultra vires to the provisos of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constitution.

By the recent events coming out of Ekiti, it suffices to say Governor Oyebanji has declared war on party members in the state who do not support his second term agenda. Ekiti people, nay, Nigerians are yet to see what next is in the pipeline from a government which, rather than engage in projects that would lift the masses from the cesspool of underdevelopment that has plagued the state in the last 3 years, it would rather go after party members perceived as political enemies. It was bad enough that the governor had run a system that alienated party members in his over 1,095 days in office. Worse off now is the unpalatable situation where members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not comfortable with the leadership style of Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji now live in palpable fear.

Who is Oyebanji’s next victim?

Ayo B. Foluso

Ado-Ekiti