The Ekiti State Government has dismissed recent claims questioning its financial practices, describing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode clarified that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has not borrowed any funds since assuming office in 2023, and maintains full financial transparency.
Oyebode response followed allegations by a group known as Ekiti Concerned Professionals, which cited Debt Management Office (DMO) figures indicating an increase in Ekiti’s external debt from $103.5 million in June 2023 to $134.6 million by December 2024.
In his rebuttal, the Commissioner described the group as “ignorant people who don’t have any work to do,” explaining that the figures referenced relate to multilateral funding agreements with development partners, most of which predate the current administration.
“These are World Bank-backed programmes tied to performance-based disbursements. States are allocated notional amounts, and drawdowns depend on implementation,” he said.
He cited several active programmes, including the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, and Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress programme, among others.
“These projects focus on essential services like healthcare, girl-child education, rural roads, water, and sanitation, and are fully documented,” he added.
Oyebode also noted that while critics highlighted an increase in external debt, the same DMO report showed a drop in domestic debt, reinforcing the government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management.
He pointed out that Ekiti was recently ranked first nationwide in fiscal transparency by BudgIT, a civic tech organisation, adding that the state’s financial records, including budget and procurement details, are publicly accessible.
“We encourage anyone interested in facts to visit our website or check the Public Procurement Portal. We have nothing to hide,” he said.
The commissioner urged critics to base their engagements on verified information rather than “spurious political theatre,” affirming the administration’s dedication to accountability and the welfare of Ekiti people.
