![Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State.[PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of the governor | https://x.com/biodunaoyebanji/status/1748090806726971866?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/GEJ3UgYXsAAq9eL.jpeg?fit=1600%2C900&ssl=1)
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday warned ‘detractors’ against discrediting the federal government on the state of federal roads in the state, noting that all its challenges cannot be surmounted overnight.
Speaking at the 2025 Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Mr Oyebanji expressed displeasure at the narrative that the federal government had abandoned Ekiti State because of the deplorable state of the Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road.
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The governor said detractors are aware that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu- led federal government has awarded the construction of Ado- Ikere- Akure road, Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba road, which are currently under construction, but are on the mission to discredit the president because of Ado-Aramoko-Itawure road which has not been awarded for construction.
He explained that the ongoing construction of the two federal roads in the state is an indication that the president loves Ekiti State, but cannot attend to all requests at a go.
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He added that the state has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki federal road to complement efforts of the federal government.
While stressing that Ekiti State remains eternally grateful to the president, Mr Oyebanji said, “Let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the president of this country is supportive of Ekiti State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible for the state and I stand here to give testimony to that. The president has supported us a lot, but it is not possible for him to solve all our problems in two years.
“As I speak today, the construction of Ado-Ikere-Itaogbolu-Akure road is ongoing. Also the Ado-Ijan-Iluomoba road has been awarded, while the state has also completed the reconstruction of the Ado- Iworoko-Ifaki federal road to complement the efforts of the federal government.
“It is unfair for any Ekiti indigene to use the condition of Aramoko-Itawure road to measure this government. Ekiti people are not ingrates. We reject that narrative and we say the president is supporting us and Ekiti people are in support of the president”, he added.
While congratulating the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Rufus Adejugbe, for the 2025 Udiroko festival, the governor described the royal father as a symbol of wisdom and an embodiment of Ekiti rich cultural heritage.
He lauded the traditional ruler’s efforts in fostering peace, unity and cultural heritage of Ado Ekiti.
Mr Oyebanji said Mr Adejugbe’s reign has brought remarkable progress to Ado-Ekiti and the state at large, emphasising that Udiroko festival remains a testament to the traditional ruler’s visionary leadership, which has sustained the Ekiti tradition in a modern society.
“I congratulate Kabiyesi, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti for the development you have brought to the state capital and Ekiti State at large. I thank you for your commitment to the development of Ado and the state in general. You are one Oba who loves Ekiti with every fibre in you and am grateful to you for the support you have given to our government. Thank you for being a father indeed,” the governor said.
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In his addresss, Mr Adejugbe noted that Udiroko festival has been transformed from its traditional view to a dynamic platform for community development and engagement serving as an avenue to reflect on the collective journey of the Ado Ekiti people, evaluate progress, as well as envision a future that is in tandem with the values of unity, growth, adaptability and development.
The traditional ruler, who hailed Mr Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment and concrete policy drive towards good governance, accountability and effective service delivery, added that Udiroko remains the springboard for many developmental projects over the years including the construction of the Great Fajuyi Hall, modern palace, a modern architectural amphitheater among many others, all of which have transformed the city into a tourist attraction.
Mr Adejugbe further commended the governor for his efforts in facilitating development programmes in the state, with visible impacts in the socio-economic, political and cultural life of the state.
