‘Senate Leader Bamidele: I Stand Firm in My Support for Oyebanji, No Apology

Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate, 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.

Bamidele reportedly made the statements 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 principal initiator, he brushed off criticism of his partnership with the governor, emphasizing that the partnership is based on a common goal and long-standing friendship rather than political expediency.

Governor Oyebanji is “a man of integrity and humility,” according to Bamidele, who is sincerely dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Ekiti residents.

“I urge those who are upset that I am backing Governor Oyebanji to hold back their anger. He stated, “We cannot recognize what is good and fail to support it.”

“By the grace of God, 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 an example of glory supporting glory.”

He stated 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’ cooperation had produced projects that are visible throughout the entire state.

He clarified that Governor Oyebanji sent Ekiti’s National Assembly members a list of important projects to think about for constituency involvement after they were elected.

“Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us and gave us a list of projects he would love us to implement after we were elected,” he added.

He continued by saying that legislators are carrying out complementing projects at the federal level while the governor carries out state-level initiatives.

For this reason, wherever you look in Ekiti, you’ll find a project being carried out either by the National Assembly members under Governor Oyebanji’s supervision or by the state administration.

“Every time I have traveled to this state to conduct my project inspection, the governor has halted all of his activities in order to accompany me.

“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 stated.

In response, Governor Biodun Oyebanji called the Senate Leader “a dependable partner in the Ekiti project” and commended him for his steadfast support and cooperation.

He emphasized that governance has grown more inclusive and significant as a result of his administration’s emphasis on unity, cooperation, and peace.

“No community can experience sustainable growth without unity,” the governor said, urging the people of Ikogosi and the entire state to keep embracing harmony and collaboration.

Ahead of more significant political developments in the state, the gathering represented a significant demonstration of unity between the legislative and executive authorities of Ekiti.