A group of contractors operating under the banner of Ekiti SUBEB Indigenous Contractors has called for an emergency meeting with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, demanding the attendance of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Professor Akinwumi.
This follows a lingering dispute over alleged non-payment for building and renovation projects carried out by the contractors.
The conflict began with reports of a planned protest by some contractors, which was subsequently refuted by Professor Akinwumi. However, tensions have escalated, with the contractors insisting on direct intervention by the Governor. They are demanding clarity from both the Governor and Professor Akinwumi, whom they challenge to substantiate his claims that no outstanding payments are owed.
Speaking to newsmen, a representative of the contractors, Engineer Ajibade Olufemi, expressed the frustration and despair within the group. “We are not happy about this situation. For how long shall we continue to wait when nothing seems positive on our side?
The SUBEB Chairman claims they are not owing us. If that is true, then we want to meet the Governor urgently, with Professor Akinwumi present, so more clarifications can be made in our presence.”
Engineer Olufemi further lamented the toll the issue has taken on many contractors, some of whom have fallen ill or lost faith in their professional engagements with the government. He warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to mass protests across the state capital and all local government headquarters.
Another contractor, who preferred to remain anonymous, alleged that the payment schedule had been sent to Wema Bank’s branch at Orere Owu in Ado Ekiti but had not been funded by the government. The contractor vowed to investigate the situation further, insisting that their plight would not be ignored.
“We are more disturbed now because Professor Akinwumi maintains that none of us is being owed. We want the people of Ekiti to follow this closely and understand that the world is watching. This situation cannot continue,” the contractor stated.
As the contractors await a response, the unfolding situation underscores a deepening rift between the SUBEB leadership and its contractors, leaving many questioning the transparency of the board’s operations and the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of its stakeholders.