By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
Former councillors who served across Ekiti State between 2022 and 2024 staged a protest at the Old Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, accusing Governor Biodun Oyebanji of neglect, selective treatment, and breach of trust.
Led by Jinadu Gbenga from Ward 6 in Ado, the former local government officials alleged that the Oyebanji administration had sidelined them, choosing instead to settle only the entitlements of councillors who served under former Governor Ayodele Fayose.
Addressing reporters during the protest, Gbenga condemned what he described as “discriminatory and unfair treatment” of APC loyalists who served under both the Fayemi and Oyebanji governments. He said the group had devoted their time, energy, and resources to the service of the state and the All Progressives Congress (APC), only to be abandoned.
“This betrayal undermines the principles of fairness, inclusion, and recognition that the APC claims to stand for,” Gbenga stated.
In a formal statement issued by the protesting councillors, they accused the Oyebanji-led government of failing to honour its obligations while lavishly spending state funds on new officeholders.
“It is both shocking and insulting that while the state government could lavishly purchase ₦45 million cars for newly elected local government officials, it has failed to fulfil its obligations to former councillors who served during a critical period of governance,” the statement read.
The councillors expressed deep frustration over what they viewed as an erosion of trust within the APC and a weakening of morale at the grassroots.
“The continued disregard for committed APC members and past public office holders who served diligently under previous administrations reveals a worrying pattern of abandonment. Loyalty, service, and commitment appear to count for nothing,” the group declared.
They called on Governor Oyebanji to immediately: Settle all outstanding entitlements owed to councillors who served from 2022 to 2024; End the discriminatory treatment of public officeholders based on which administration they served under.
Acknowledge and value the efforts of grassroots politicians and dedicated APC members who sustain the party’s presence across Ekiti State.
The statement concluded with a warning that the APC risks losing public trust and grassroots support if the government fails to act swiftly and equitably.
“The future of our party and the confidence of the people depend on how we treat those who have served. Governor BAO must act with fairness or risk the total collapse of APC support across the state,” it added.
