The appointment of 115 new aides by Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has sparked criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party in the 2022 election, Prince Adeyinka Alli. Oyebanji’s decision to add 64 Special Assistants, 45 Senior Special Assistants, and six Technical Advisors drew condemnation from both opposition figures.

In a statement released on Friday, the PDP’s state Publicity Secretary, Raphael Adeyanju, lambasted Oyebanji’s move, labeling it as a wasteful utilization of state resources aimed at furthering the governor’s political interests. The party questioned the necessity of expanding an already bloated cabinet, highlighting the economic challenges faced by Ekiti residents.

Similarly, Alli criticized the appointments, emphasizing their political nature and lack of tangible economic benefits for Ekiti State. He argued that the focus should be on addressing the state’s developmental needs rather than engaging in politically motivated actions.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Oyebanji’s decision, with the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, asserting that the governor’s move was aimed at enhancing grassroots governance. Dipe highlighted Oyebanji’s inclusivity in appointing individuals from various backgrounds and emphasized the governor’s commitment to ensuring effective governance across Ekiti State.