The attention of the Ekiti State Government has been drawn to a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the State Government has released and spent the sum of N470 million on the construction of a new Governor and Deputy Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, purportedly valued at N1.8 billion.
The Government of Ekiti State wishes to state unequivocally that the said report is false, misleading, and mischievously crafted to misinform the public.
Contrary to claims in the publication, the budgetary provision referenced by Sahara Reporters relates not to the construction of a new building, but to the completion of the existing Abuja Governor’s Lodge, an ongoing project inherited from the immediate past administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The project, which was awarded before Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office, could not be completed earlier due to inadequate budgetary allocations in previous years. In line with the present administration’s commitment to continuity and fiscal responsibility, provision has now been made in the budget to ensure the completion of this inherited project, which happens to be the only one yet to be concluded among those handed over by the last administration.
Describing the project as the “construction of a N1.8 billion lodge for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye” is not only deceptive but inciting. The project is rightly the “Ekiti State Governor and Deputy Governor’s Lodge”, which is a permanent State property meant for the use of successive administrations, not a private residence for the current Governor and Deputy Governor.
It is also imperative to place on record that Governor Oyebanji has been lodging in a rented accommodation whenever he was in Abuja over the past three years. If personal comfort had been his priority, he would have completed the project within his first year in office. The fact that this has not been the case is further evidence of the Governor’s modesty, prudence, and his unwavering focus on the welfare and development of Ekiti people above personal convenience.
The Oyebanji administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public resources while delivering good governance, sustainable development, and prudent management of the state’s resources in the best interest of all Ekiti citizens. Its decision to complete all ongoing and inherited projects is driven by the desire to ensure value for money and prevent the waste that arises from project abandonment.
The Government therefore urges the public to disregard the unfounded and sensational claims contained in the Sahara Reporters publication, which do not reflect the facts of the matter.
Signed:
Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information
Last modified: November 3, 2025
