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SPOTLIGHT
- Falegan claims his free fuel distribution was not politically motivated
- He accuses the Ekiti government of intimidation and disrupting his efforts
- Falegan also criticises the government for delaying approval of his school supplies project
- The Ekiti government denies the accusations, stating that Governor Oyebanji supports beneficial initiatives
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Honourable Opeyemi David Falegan, founder of the Opeyemi David Falegan Foundation (ODF), has stated that his foundation’s philanthropic activities in Ekiti State, including the free distribution of petrol to motorists, tricycle operators, and motorcycle taxi riders, are not politically motivated.
Falegan, expressing empathy for the people of Ekiti, clarified that the gestures are purely humanitarian efforts to provide assistance. He explained that the recent free fuel distribution to tricycle operators aimed to alleviate the impact of fuel scarcity in the state.
In a statement, Falegan expressed disappointment over the alleged actions of some government agents who reportedly threatened tricycle riders to discourage them from attending the free fuel distribution at Adekaitan filling station in Ilawe about a week ago. He claimed that these agents attempted to disrupt the event, but the tricycle riders resisted.
Falegan stated, “The Ekiti government is afraid of its shadows. Governor Biodun Oyebanji is particularly afraid of me.”
He called on the state government to restrain its agents and cease intimidating the people of Ekiti, especially when individuals with good intentions address issues neglected by the government.
“Ekiti people are known for peaceful coexistence. Stop making undue threats and imposing hardship on the people of the state,” he urged.
Despite the alleged threats, Falegan highlighted the large turnout of tricycle operators who benefited from the free fuel distribution.
Falegan also revealed his intention to provide free uniforms, writing materials, and sandals to school pupils in Ekiti State. He said he had sought approval from the State Ministry of Education due to the concerning conditions he observed during school visits, including torn uniforms and a lack of basic supplies.
He expressed his disappointment that the approval, aimed at improving the lives of schoolchildren, was still pending.
Responding to the allegations, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Honourable Taiwo Olatunbosun, suggested that Falegan was “either looking for ways to trend or has decided to use the Governor’s name to trend by coming out with such claims.”
Olatunbosun dismissed the allegations as “figments of Falegan’s imagination”. He asserted that Governor Oyebanji is known for promoting peace and inclusivity and would not engage in such actions.
The Commissioner emphasised that the Governor supports initiatives that benefit the people of Ekiti State and would not discourage such efforts.
