Our attention has been drawn to the trending videos by the seasoned actor Kunle Afod and the comic skit maker Woli Agba (Ayo Ajewole) highlighting the deplorable condition of federal roads in Ekiti State particularly the Ita-Ore- Ado-Ekiti corridor.
These videos gained wide traction because of the public profiles of the creators and, more importantly, because the road has been in terrible condition for far too long. Public reactions have been intense, partly due to the current political climate in Ekiti State. Some allege the videos were sponsored to malign the sitting Governor; others applaud the creators for speaking up. Emotions ran high on all sides.
WHAT THE VIDEOS ACTUALLY SAID
From our review, nowhere did either creator insult the Governor or claim that the State Government is not performing. They highlighted a real and urgent problem. As citizens, we must not silence genuine concerns for fear of being branded opposition.” When you see something, say something sóró sóké.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
It is our responsibility as Ekiti people to provide context and facts, and to inform the public about the physical and financial efforts already undertaken by our amiable Governor, our royal fathers, and our federal legislators to ensure that federal roads leading into Ekiti are motorable. Personal attacks, insults, and curses are unnecessary and counterproductive; they only attract unearned sympathy and distract from the real issue.
THE SITUATION BEFORE GOVERNOR OYEBANJI ASSUMED OFFICE
The Ita-Ore-Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti road had long been a death trap well before Mr. Biodun Oyebanji became Governor. About five years ago, patchwork repairs reportedly undertaken by FERMA or the State (amid heavy truck traffic) failed within months due to the poor quality of the intervention. At that time, Mr. Oyebanji had not even contemplated running for Governor.
EFFORTS BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT
Let it be clear to all-including Messrs. Afod and Ajewolethat neither Ekiti people nor the State Government have ever closed their eyes to the condition of federal roads, especially the Ita Ore-Ado-Ekiti stretch. His Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji has addressed the matter in multiple public communications and has engaged the President and the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency David Umahi, on several occasions. The Federal Government has indicated commitments toward reconstructing a significant portion of the federal roads leading into Ekiti. There is already a visible ray of progress on the Akure-Ikere axis. Notably, the Honourable Minister ofWorks visited Ekiti on 30 March 2024 and assured attention to our federal roads, and Governor Oyebanji undertook a working visit on 10 January 2025 to follow up on those commitments.
THE ROLES OF OUR ROYAL FATHERS
On 2nd October, 2024, our highly respected royal father, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, CON, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, held a press conference on the dire state of federal roads leading into our State, passionately appealing to the President and the Honourable Minister of Works for urgent intervention. The message was clear: if left unattended, Ekiti risked being cut off from the rest of the country. Ekiti people have not kept quiet.
EFFORTS BY OUR FEDERAL LEGISLATORS
Our federal legislators have consistently raised the matter in the hallowed chambers. Senators Opeyemi Bamidele and Yemi Adaranmodu, Hon. Omoleye, and others have kept Ekiti roads on the national agenda. They have been doing what legislators should do: raising motions, engaging MDAs, and pressing for action.
WHY THE STATE DOESN’T SIMPLY FIX FEDERAL ROADS AND SEEKREFUNDS
Many ask: Why doesn’t Ekiti State just fix the roads and collect refunds later?” Ekiti has historically invested in outstanding. With salaries to pay, The reality is this: despite modest allocations and limited IGR, some federal projects-and substantial reimbursements remain state projects to fund, and social needs to meet, it would be fiscally reckless to take on large federal liabilities without clear, timely reimbursement mechanisms.
For perspective, states with significantly larger allocations -including some in the South-South and our neighbours-also battle deplorable federal roads. This is a national infrastructure challenge that denands a national response.
OUR APPEAL TO MR. PRESIDENT AND THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS
We acknowledge the efforts made so far by our Governor, our royal fathers, and our federal legislators. Now that voices from outside Ekitilike Kunle Afod and Woli Agba have amplified the call, we appeal for urgent and comprehensive federal intervention across all corridors leading into Ekiti, not just Ita-Ore-Aramoko-Ado-Ekiti, but also Eporo-Owo, Supare Akoko-Emure-Ekiti, Kabba-Ikole-Ekiti, and others.
Mr. President, Ekiti supported you at the polls, and we remain supportive. Honourable Minister Umahi, you are known as a man of your word; kindly table Ekiti’s case for prompt consideration and action.
IN CONCLUSION
While we await federal action, we strongly reject superficial “rehabilitations” that fail within months. What Ekiti needsand deservesis total reconstruction to durable, modern standards. Anything short of that only wastes scarce resources and endangers lives. To Kunle Afod and Woli Agba: thank you for lending your voices. To Ekiti people: let’s keep engaging constructively. To the Federal Government: please, act now.
Prince (Barr.) Agbaje Malomo
Director-General,
BIODUN OYEBANJI BENEFICIARIES WORLDWIDE
(BOB-WORLDWIDE)
