On Thursday, May 22, Dr. Olugbenga Obafemi, an aspirant for the 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for its failure to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Ekiti.
Speaking in his hometown of Ikole-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, Obafemi voiced concern over the declining educational standards in the state, with Ekiti now ranked 8th in the country in WAEC performance, a significant drop for what was once known as the “Fountain of Knowledge.”
“Ikole has been set back in many ways, just as Ekiti has been. If you look at Ekiti, we call it the ‘Fountain of Knowledge,’ yet we are ranked 8th out of the 36 states in Nigeria in WAEC performance. That’s ridiculous,” he remarked, highlighting the education sector as one of the state’s most urgent needs.
Obafemi, who officially declared his intention to run for governor in 2026 during his visit, pledged to provide free education for all Ekiti indigenes, from primary school through to university level, should he be elected. “I’ll provide free education for you, whether I have to use my own money or not,” he promised. He argued that the state’s wealth in natural resources, including cocoa, coconut, gold, and cassava, should be harnessed to fund such an ambitious initiative.
Beyond education, Obafemi also outlined plans to revitalize Ekiti’s agricultural sector, aiming to turn the state into Nigeria’s food basket. He assured his audience that he would tackle insecurity head-on by establishing a robust security infrastructure. “My own Amotekun, when I become governor, will not stay in the towns. Amotekun will be stationed in the forests to secure our borders and ensure that kidnappers or insurgents do not infiltrate our towns and disrupt the peace,” he said.
Addressing the state’s infrastructure, Obafemi pointed to the unfulfilled potential of Ekiti’s newly built airport, which currently only facilitates shuttle flights. He stressed the need for the airport to become a full-fledged international gateway that would bring attention and investment to Ekiti. “The airport needs to be opened to the world. The world needs to see how Ekiti has invested its resources,” he stated.
Obafemi also had strong words for the state of Ekiti’s roads, particularly federal roads, emphasizing that state resources should be directed to improving all roads for the benefit of Ekiti residents. “Every road that is designated as a federal road is, as far as I’m concerned, a state road because it’s our people who will use it,” he declared.
While acknowledging the candidacy of fellow PDP aspirant, Emmanuel Fayose, Obafemi expressed confidence in his own chances, stating that he was determined to win the party’s primary election.
During his visit, Obafemi was warmly received by the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Aderemi Fasiku, who praised the aspirant for his commitment to the town and its people. The monarch’s representative, Elekole-in-Council, prayed for Obafemi’s success, advising him not to forget his roots if elected. Obafemi also sought blessings from the Olotin of Ikole-Ekiti, Chief Sayo Okunola, and made stops in Iwodi, Ilotin, and Ikoyi within the local government.
Obafemi’s visit emphasized his commitment to transforming Ekiti into a state that fully utilizes its natural resources and potential, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach all corners of the state.
