Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said he owes no one any apology for his strong support for Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, insisting that their long-standing partnership has brought unprecedented development to the state.
Naijaonpoint reports that Bamidele made the remarks on Saturday in Ikogosi Ekiti during the 2025 Ikogosi Day Celebration and launch of a ₦1 billion Development Fund, which drew dignitaries from across the country.
As chief launcher of the event, he dismissed criticisms over his alliance with the governor, stressing that the relationship is built on shared vision and decades-long friendship, not political convenience.
Bamidele described Governor Oyebanji as “a man of integrity and humility” who is genuinely committed to improving the lives of Ekiti citizens.
“Those that are angry that I am supporting Governor Oyebanji, I appeal to them not to be angry. We cannot see what is good and not support it,” he said.
“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… our friendship is a case of glory supporting glory.”
He insisted he had “no regret whatsoever standing by Governor Oyebanji,” adding that their collaboration is a partnership for Ekiti’s development, not a conspiracy.
Bamidele highlighted how the synergy between the legislative and executive arms has resulted in visible projects across all parts of the state.
He explained that upon their election, Governor Oyebanji presented Ekiti’s National Assembly members with a list of key projects to consider for constituency intervention.
“When we were elected… Governor Oyebanji invited the nine of us and gave us a list of projects he would love us to implement,” he said.
He added that while the governor executes projects at the state level, lawmakers are implementing complementary projects at the federal level.
“That is why every part of Ekiti that you turn to… you will find a project either executed by the state government under Governor Oyebanji or 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.
“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 said.
Responding, Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the Senate Leader for his unwavering support and collaboration, describing him as “a dependable partner in the Ekiti project.”
He said his administration values unity, teamwork and peace, stressing that governance has become more inclusive and impactful as a result.
The governor urged residents of Ikogosi and the entire state to continue embracing peace and cooperation, saying: “No community can experience sustainable growth without unity.”
The event marked a major show of solidarity between Ekiti’s executive and legislative leaders, setting the tone ahead of broader political developments in the state.
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