A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Dr Peter Obafemi, has criticised Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s flyover project at the Okeyinmi-Ijigbo roundabout in Ado-Ekiti, describing it as a misplaced priority.
In a statement issued on Monday following a stakeholders’ meeting of Ekiti indigenes in Lagos the previous day, Obafemi argued that development projects in the state should be purposeful and impactful. The aviation executive said the flyover lacked strategic value capable of driving industrialisation and economic growth in Ekiti.
“The state should not be steered into irrelevance due to a lack of focus. Those entrusted with the responsibility of speaking up for justice seem to have lost their voices,” he said.
Obafemi lamented the perceived silence of the elite and lawmakers, stating, “Yes, the elites seem to have been hounded into compulsory silence and the lawmakers appear to have retreated to slumber land. Ekiti, the fountain of knowledge and land of honour, is laboriously gasping for breath.”
He called on stakeholders to rise to the challenge, urging them to embrace a collective vision to restore the dignity and progress of the state. “The goal is to restore the dignity and worth of our dear state and strive to see the dividends of good governance trickle down to our people at the grassroots,” he said.
The PDP aspirant also emphasised the importance of focusing on agriculture and economic development to create opportunities for the people of Ekiti. He noted that the state should emulate other South-Western states by building a robust economy that attracts local and foreign investors.
Obafemi further urged Governor Oyebanji to prioritise service delivery and address the pressing needs of the people rather than focusing on what he termed “unproductive projects.”
“Enough of the brawl over the flyover. Governor Oyebanji should please consult widely, create jobs, woo investors, engage the youths, pay pensioners on time, build industries and revive old ones. The governor must give attention to agriculture, expand investment in education, give a little thought to the health sector, fulfill your job promises, and fear God,” Obafemi said.
The Ikole-Ekiti-born businessman turned politician reiterated that Ekiti’s progress depends on strategic initiatives that address critical sectors and foster growth, urging the governor to realign his administration’s priorities.
