Aspirant, Fayose, slams Oyebanji, vows to defeat APC
As the race to the 2026 Ekiti State governorship poll draws near, Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, has warned political appointees against disloyalty and treacherous acts that could undermine the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

Afuye said it would be a disservice for those holding political positions to be playing spoiler roles, saying there are gains in being steadfastly loyal to one’s benefactor and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who offered them a platform to render services to the state.

The deputy governor gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday, during the burial thanksgiving service in honour of her late mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, held at the Government House Chapel, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Olori Adegboye, who died on February 18, 2025, at the age of 97, was laid to rest on June 27, 2025, with a glamorous funeral at her Ikere-Ekiti country home.

At the event, attended by the First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, top government functionaries and high-profile politicians, offered prayers for the success of Oyebanji’s administration, as well as for sustainable peace in Ekiti State and the nation in general.

Afuye appreciated the governor, his wife, the political class, traditional rulers and all Ekiti indigenes for their solid backing that made the funeral successful and grandiose.

She, however, appealed to those holding political positions to be wary of their actions and be loyal to their principal in the interest of their dignity and honour.

In his sermon, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, urged the citizens to live a righteous and honest life to exalt and lift the nation beyond the present stage.

MEANWHILE, a governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Emmanuel Fayose, has criticised the administration of Oyebanji, expressing confidence in unseating him in the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial election.

Fayose made the remarks during a familiarisation tour of Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun local councils, at the weekend.

He accused the governor of mismanaging the state’s resources and focusing on political endorsements rather than governance.

Besides, he alleged that despite increased federal allocations to the state, Ekiti is still grappling with economic hardship, underdevelopment, and lack of infrastructural progress.

He further criticised those people endorsing the governor for a second term, describing them as political theatrics intended to manipulate public opinion.

HOWEVER, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Segun Dipe, dismissed Fayose’s remarks, describing him as a political opportunist making unfounded claims for relevance.

“Fayose is merely seeking attention. His allegations are baseless. The people of Ekiti State have witnessed the remarkable efforts of Oyebanji and remain steadfast in their support,” Dipe said.