The financial management of the Ekiti State Government has come under intense scrutiny following allegations by Comrade Sunday Idowu Afuye, a former deputy governorship candidate, who accused the current administration of fund mismanagement.
Afuye’s claims spotlight alleged irregular financial allocations to various offices within the state government, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
Afuye detailed that substantial sums were allocated to specific government offices, asserting that these expenditures lack clear justification. He pointed to the Office of the SSA to the Governor, Tajudeen Adejumo, which reportedly received 50 million naira, and the Office of Communication and Community Development, under Mary Osho, which allegedly received 30 million naira. Additionally, he cited that the Office of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, was allocated a substantial 125 million naira. Other offices mentioned include the Office of the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, which reportedly received 15 million naira, while Jide Awe was alleged to have received 1 million naira.
Afuye also claimed that Lekan Oyebanji, who he described as the unofficial Chief of Staff to the Governor, exerts influence over state contractors. This alleged control, he argued, centralizes power within a small circle, potentially compromising fair distribution of contracts and state resources.
These allegations emerge amid growing concerns over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration and his approach to financial management. Afuye has been outspoken in his criticism of the governor’s leadership, raising doubts about the transparency and effectiveness of the current administration’s financial practices.
As public debate over Ekiti State’s finances intensifies, the allegations have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into state expenditures. Government transparency advocates argue that a full financial audit is necessary to ensure that funds are being managed in the best interest of Ekiti residents.