By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Government has denied media reports of constructing a new governor’s and deputy governor’s lodge in Abuja, reportedly valued at N1.8 billion.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Monday said the report by an online news platform was false and misleading and should be ignored by the public.
He explained that the budgetary reference by the online report was not for a new construction but to complete the ongoing project, which was started by the former administration under Dr.Kayode Fayemi.
The statement added that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in the last three years of his administration, has been prudent with the state’s resources, which he said has been acknowledged by local and international organisations.
“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 2025 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, which do not reflect the facts of the matter,” Olatunbosun said.