Ekiti State House of Assembly crisis looms as Abuja cabal targets Fayemi loyalists, pushing for Speaker’s removal ahead of APC primaries
The brewing Ekiti State House of Assembly crisis is fast gaining momentum, following the recent and unexpected dissolution of the state’s Executive Council by Governor Abiodun Oyebanji.
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What initially seemed like an executive shake-up is now revealing itself as part of a broader, calculated purge targeting loyalists of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Credible information obtained by our correspondent suggests that plans to unseat the leadership of the Ekiti State House of Assembly—particularly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye—have been finalized.
The move reportedly stems from a meeting held in Abuja, where influential political figures allegedly directed Governor Oyebanji to dismantle every lingering influence of Fayemi if he hopes to secure the APC gubernatorial ticket for a second term.
At the center of this directive is the belief that any official still closely aligned with Fayemi poses a political threat to the Governor’s ambitions.
Sources claim this includes former Commissioner for Finance, Akin Oyebode, who was seen as a Fayemi loyalist and a significant casualty of the executive council shake-up.
Insiders say the dissolution also served as a convenient way to remove commissioners suspected of having ties to Oyebanji’s rumored contender, Engr. Kayode Ojo.
While the State Assembly has maintained a highly cooperative stance towards the executive—approving all bills and nominees without resistance—the Speaker’s strong support base among lawmakers has drawn suspicion.
Aribasoye’s perceived loyalty to Fayemi and his leadership in initiating early endorsements for the Governor ironically placed a target on his back.
“This is a dangerous time for political upheaval,” one lawmaker confided anonymously. “If anyone attempts to remove the Speaker unjustly, the backlash could shake the foundation of the Assembly.”
This marks the second attempt in three months to remove the Speaker.
Though Governor Oyebanji publicly distanced himself from the initial effort, insiders argue that the latest move is a direct result of external pressure from a powerful Abuja cabal allegedly offering political favors in exchange for full loyalty and restructuring.
Lawmakers warn that such a politically charged attempt—especially so soon after a controversial executive dissolution—could destabilize the state legislature and alienate key stakeholders, including discontented former cabinet members.
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As the APC gubernatorial primaries draw closer, Ekiti’s political temperature is rising, and the unfolding drama signals that the state’s corridors of power are far from calm.
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Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
