I’ve No Apology for Supporting Gov Oyebanji, Says Senate Leader Bamidele 

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 BAO, 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.

Maintaining that his administration’s success so far was rooted in teamwork and mutual understanding between the government and the governed, the Governor further appealed to residents to continue to see themselves as one big family, united by a common purpose, stressing that holding firmly to collective values and goals would make it easier to agree on a shared agenda for the overall development of their communities.

“To the Chairman of this occasion and the Chief launcher, my very good brother and friend, a man of distinction, a man of honor, a man of character, a man of integrity, a man that God yoked us together to develop Ekiti State, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, thank you.

“You see now that any town that there is cooperation, there is always development there, I appeal to you, let us see ourselves as one. Once we hold our self together as one, it will be very easy for us to agree on a common purpose and a common agenda to develop our town.” The Governor stated.

Over 650 million naira was realized as donation to the town’s development fund. Governor Oyebanji, while appreciating donors, assured them that the fund raised for the community project would be judiciously utilized to further enhance the town’s infrastructure and tourism potentials.

Speaking at the occasion, the Regent of Ikogosi Community, who was represented by High Chief Jide Oyebanji thanked Governor Oyebanji for his outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to the development of the state.

The regent said the people of Ikogosi are proud of the Governor’s accomplishments, particularly his efforts in promoting peace, infrastructure development and tourism growth in the community.

The royal father of the day, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado who congratulated the people of Ikogosi for producing Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a compassionate and visionary leader, said Ekiti State is fortunate to have a governor whose humility and passion for development have continued to place the state prominently on the national map.

Oba Adu-Alagbado urged the people of Ikogosi and the entire Ekiti community to remain united and supportive of the Governor’s administration, stressing that unity and peace among communities are essential to sustaining the wave of progress currently being witnessed across the state.

The colourful ceremony also featured presentation of award to some outstanding indigenes of Ikogosi in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the town.

Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senator representing Ekiti North, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Royal fathers, among others.