The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has said he has no apologies for supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing their partnership as one that has brought unprecedented development to Ekiti State.
Senator Bamidele stated this on Saturday at Ikogosi Ekiti, during the 2025 Ikogosi Day Celebration and launch of N1 billion Development Fund, which was attended by dignitaries across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Bamidele, who was also the Chief launcher at the event, explained that his relationship with Governor Oyebanji is a synergy that is driven by a shared vision for the progress of the State and not borne out of personal or political gains. He added that the collaboration between them has translated into visible achievements across critical sectors, particularly in infrastructure, human capital development, and youth empowerment.
Describing the governor as a man of integrity, humility and who is genuinely committed to the welfare of Ekiti people, the Senate Leader maintained that Ekiti people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government.
”Those that are angry that I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I appeal to them not to be angry. We cannot see what is good and not support it, by the grace of God myself and Governor Oyebanji have been friends for over 30 years, when we didn’t even know what we are going to become and let me tell you, our friendship, is a case of glory supporting glory, so for me I have no regret whatsoever standing by Governor Oyebanji and let me assure you and Ekiti people, what is going on between us is not a conspiracy, it is a partnership for the development of Ekiti State.
“When we were elected to go and serve at the National Assembly, Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us and gave us a list of projects that he would love us to implement as constituency projects and today, while he’s doing his own at the state level, we are also picking from that list that he gave us, and things are complementing themselves and that is why every part of Ekiti that you turn to, every corner that you turn to in Ekiti, you will find a project, either being executed by the state government under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji or being implemented by National Assembly members under the watch of the Governor.
“Each time I have come to this state to do my project inspection, the Governor has suspended everything he was doing to go round with me and every project that I am doing in any part of Ekiti Central, i checked with the Governor, he okayed it for implementation so if people are there saying all manners of things, forgetting that Ekiti is benefiting from our partnership, then i really don’t have any apology for such people”. He stressed.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who commended Senator Bamidele for his unflinching support and collaboration, described him as a dependable partner in Ekiti project, said his administration values unity, teamwork and peace, which have made governance more impactful and inclusive across the state.
The Governor urged the people of Ikogosi and the entire State to embrace unity and peace, saying no community can experience sustainable growth without cooperation.
