The Ekiti State House of Assembly has strongly dismissed allegations that it has become a “rubber stamp” of the executive arm under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, insisting that its seamless relationship with the state government is an act of patriotism and commitment to good governance rather than a sign of weakness.
Reacting to criticisms from politician Mr. Kayode Ojo, the Assembly, through its Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the remarks as “demeaning, jaundiced and politically motivated,” noting that the 26-member legislature remains one of the most active and effective in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
In a statement signed by Hon. Babatunde Oke, Chairman of the Committee, the Assembly argued that branding lawmakers as a rubber stamp because of their cooperative posture with the governor reflected “political naivety, callowness and an outright misunderstanding of governance.”
“Our seamless cooperation with the Executive Arm is intended to ramp up good governance and deliver democracy dividends to the people of Ekiti, not to engage in needless public squabbles. We were elected to bring development to our constituencies, not to trade insults with the governor for cheap political capital,” the statement read.
The lawmakers highlighted their legislative record as proof of independence and productivity, disclosing that over 30 bills have been passed in less than two years, with 24 already signed into law by Governor Oyebanji. The Assembly also emphasized its transparency, noting that all plenary sessions, public hearings and oversight functions are livestreamed for the public.
This openness, the statement said, earned the Ekiti Assembly national recognition as the Best in ICT Integration in Nigeria in 2024, an award conferred by the Bureau of Public Reforms in the Presidency.
The Assembly further pointed to its consistent oversight activities, including summoning commissioners and local government chairmen to give stewardship accounts, as well as leading inspection visits such as the recent on-the-spot appraisal of Agbeyewa Farms, a major agricultural project in the state. It also stressed its role in securing justice for workers unjustly sacked in the past, explaining that the House passed a resolution that led to their reinstatement by the government.
Contrary to claims of docility, the Assembly noted that Governor Oyebanji personally appears before lawmakers annually to present budgets and render accounts of his administration’s performance, which it described as a hallmark of executive accountability.
“Our cooperation is not inhibition, but responsible governance. The fact that the governor appears before us yearly to account for his stewardship demonstrates that the legislature is respected and performing its role diligently,” the lawmakers said.
Dismissing Mr. Ojo’s criticisms, the Assembly described him as a “frustrated politician whose governorship ambition died at conception stage.” It urged the public to disregard his comments, insisting that the legislature remains independent, responsive and committed to the people’s welfare.
The lawmakers also defended their open endorsement of Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid, saying such political alignment was a constitutional right.
“We care less if our support for the governor’s re-election is misinterpreted as weakness. We are politicians with the inalienable right to back candidates of our choice. We endorsed him out of clear conviction that he has performed creditably well,” the statement asserted.
Reaffirming their loyalty to the Constitution, the Assembly pledged to continue engaging the executive constructively in pursuit of policies that strengthen Ekiti’s economy, healthcare, education, human capital development and youth empowerment.
“We appeal to our people to discountenance this misdirected tirade and continue to perceive the Assembly as independent, responsible and strong enough to defend the interests of the people. We will never betray the confidence reposed in us,” Hon. Oke concluded.
