Ekiti Govt Exposes Kayode Ojo Over ‘False’ N80m Fire Station Donation Claim

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Ekiti State Government has debunked claims by All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, that he donated a fire station worth ₦80 million to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the statement as false, misleading and designed for self-glorification.

Speaking at the 2025 Press Week and Annual Public Lecture of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebode urged the media to always fact-check claims made by politicians before rushing to publish.

“The state government keeps a detailed record of all expenditures on the airport project, and there is no evidence of any donation of a fire station by Engr. Ojo,” Oyebode said.

Oyebode clarified that the only notable private contribution to the project came from elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).

“Although Aare Babalola never wanted his donation made public, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has acknowledged his gesture at different forums. Beyond that, all airport facilities were funded by government,” he explained.

According to the CPS, official records from the Office of the Technical Adviser on the Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd), confirm that the fire station was completed and fully paid for by government in July 2024.

“The claim by Engr. Ojo is baseless. If indeed he made such a contribution, let him provide evidence, including receipts and the name of the government official who received it,” Oyebode challenged.

Call for Evidence-Based Campaigns

The governor’s aide also called on governorship aspirants to focus on substance rather than propaganda.

“Many of those jostling for the governorship seat have not contributed meaningfully to their local communities, let alone the state. Ekiti people deserve to see real evidence of service, not unsubstantiated claims,” he declared.

Oyebode appealed to the media to intensify fact-checking ahead of the governorship polls, stressing that politicians must be held accountable for their words.

The lecture was attended by several dignitaries, including former Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; and a representative of the Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Adeola Ajakaye.