Oyebanji Under Fire: Sacked Agency Chief Spills Sh*cking Reasons Behind His Sudden Removal

The former Chairman of the Ekiti State Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, has alleged that his removal by Governor Biodun Oyebanji was driven by politics rather than misconduct.

Speaking at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, Olumide insisted that his sack was not related to corruption, as claimed by the governor, but stemmed from his open support for governorship hopeful Kayode Ojo ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement on Sunday, had accused Olumide of “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty,” saying the decision was part of efforts to instill discipline and accountability in the state’s public service.

But Olumide dismissed the allegations, maintaining that his removal was politically motivated. He stressed that his loyalty to Ojo was unwavering, describing the aspirant as “a beacon of hope for the people of Ekiti.”

On the alleged corruption, Olumide explained:

“The CBN directed the agency to recover ₦1.6 billion, but political interference created bottlenecks. Since the funds were not disbursed through us, we recommended that those responsible for the disbursement should also be responsible for recovery. We then focused on our mandate.”

He further revealed that ₦500 million was later released by the state government to a newly established microfinance company in Ekiti, sidelining his agency completely.

“We found out it was supposed to be a counterpart arrangement, but the Lagos-based firm’s contribution never came through. Our board even engaged them in a virtual meeting, but they said our agency was not included in the MOU with the state. That was when I realized we had been cut off. I considered resigning but was persuaded to stay.”

Olumide said efforts to brief the governor on the situation proved futile, fueling his suspicion of “shady dealings” within the arrangement.

“I eventually stopped going to the office and even drafted my resignation letter. But before I could submit it, I heard over the radio that I had been sacked for gross misconduct. They demanded I hand over properties in my care, but I had no office property, no access to cheques, and no control over disbursements. So, what exactly was I supposed to hand over—my personal car, my wife’s car, or my house?”

He accused the governor of victimizing him for his political stance.

“Politics is about choice, not coercion. As a citizen, I have the right to support whoever I want. But because I backed Kayode Ojo, I was targeted. I no longer have confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership. Ojo is a man of impeccable character who has successfully managed businesses and created jobs for many.”