••• Says “I have lost confidence in Him”
The political tension in Ekiti State took another twist on Saturday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji relieved Akogun Abayomi Olumide, popularly known as Lustay, of his position as Chairman of the Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, Akogun was removed for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.
His sack, the statement added, takes immediate effect, with a directive that he should hand over all government property in his custody.
However, Akogun has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as political victimization for openly criticizing the Oyebanji administration.
“Yes, I have been victimized because I stand for progress and development in Ekiti,” Akogun told journalists. “Our state capital has become one of the dirtiest in the region, with no meaningful development. The governor has made himself unavailable to the very people who elected him.”
Akogun further accused the governor of sidelining the electorate and allegedly handing over the reins of power to his younger brother.
“Governor Oyebanji has made his brother the de facto governor. But that is not the person we voted for. I cannot subject myself to his authority. I have lost confidence in this administration,” he said.
The embattled chairman claimed he had already prepared his resignation letter, scheduled to be submitted on Monday, before hearing via a radio broadcast that he had been dismissed.
“They said I should surrender government property, but I have no office, no official car, no funds, and no checks to sign. What exactly am I handing over – my personal car, my wife’s car, or my house?” he asked.
Akogun also dismissed reports linking him to a ₦45 million government contract, insisting his company, North State Global Investment, had existed before the Oyebanji administration.
“There is no iota of truth in their propaganda. I am a law-abiding citizen, not a militant, not a soldier, and I have never engaged in violence. I only want the best for Ekiti,” he maintained.
The development has further deepened political divisions in the state, with observers noting Akogun’s exit as a blow to Oyebanji, given his role as convener of the Power Movement that championed the governor’s emergence.
