Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, has stated that he owes no one an apology for his unwavering support of Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, claiming that their long-standing collaboration has resulted in unheard-of progress for the state.
According to reports, Bamidele made the comments on Saturday in Ikogosi Ekiti at the 2025 Ikogosi Day Celebration and the introduction of a ₦1 billion Development Fund, which attracted national dignitaries.
As the event’s main initiator, he brushed off criticism of his partnership with the governor, emphasizing that the partnership is based on a shared purpose and a long friendship rather than political expediency.
Governor Oyebanji is “a man of integrity and humility” who is sincerely dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Ekiti residents, according to Bamidele.
“I urge those who are upset that I am endorsing Governor Oyebanji to calm down. He stated, “We cannot recognize goodness and fail to promote it.
“By God’s grace, Governor Oyebanji and I have been friends for more than 30 years, even though we had no idea what we would become. Our friendship is a case of glory supporting glory.”
He maintained that he had “no regret whatsoever standing by Governor Oyebanji” and that their cooperation is a partnership for the advancement of Ekiti rather than a plot.
Bamidele emphasized how the legislative and executive branches’ collaboration had produced projects that are evident throughout the entire state.
He clarified that Governor Oyebanji sent the National Assembly members of Ekiti a list of important projects to take into consideration for constituency involvement once they were elected.
He said, “Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us after we were elected and gave us a list of projects he would love us to implement.”
He continued by saying that legislators are carrying out complementing projects at the federal level while the governor carries out initiatives at the state level.
Because of this, every area of Ekiti you visit will have a project either carried out by the National Assembly members under the governor’s supervision or by the state government under Governor Oyebanji.
“The Governor has stopped whatever he was doing to accompany me every time I have visited to this state to conduct my project inspection.
“I really don’t have any apology for such people if they are there saying all kinds of things, forgetting that Ekiti is benefiting from our partnership,” he said.
In response, Governor Biodun Oyebanji called the Senate Leader “a dependable partner in the Ekiti project” and commended him for his steadfast cooperation and support.
He emphasized that his administration prioritizes harmony, cooperation, and peace and that this has made governance more inclusive and significant.
“No community can experience sustainable growth without unity,” the governor said, urging people in Ikogosi and throughout the state to keep embracing harmony and collaboration.
Ahead of further significant political changes in the state, the gathering was a significant demonstration of unity between the legislative and executive branches of Ekiti.
