By David Osundeyi
A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ekiti South West Constituency I, Hon. Tony Adaramodu, has pushed back against recent criticisms credited to the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, by outlining what he described as his concrete achievements and contributions to Ilawe community and the wider constituency.
The monarch had, during the 2026 Annual New Year Prayer at the Alawe Palace, expressed disappointment over the absence of Ilawe’s representative at the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, lamenting what he described as unmet expectations.
The Alawe urged political parties to present only competent, capable and merit-based candidates, warning that the community would reject any imposed or incompetent representative.
Reacting to the comments, Hon. Adaramodu said the allegation did not reflect the realities on ground, stressing that his commitment to Ilawe predates his election into the House of Assembly. He noted that even before becoming a legislator, he had executed several community-based interventions aimed at improving living standards and infrastructure.
According to him, his contributions include the installation of solar-powered streetlights in Ilawe, including two units at the Alawe’s palace, the donation of motorcycles to residents, and the provision of vehicles to individuals within the community. He also cited the establishment of a vocational centre in Ilawe, describing it as a lasting investment in youth empowerment and skills acquisition.
The lawmaker further listed infrastructural projects such as the dredging of a 1.5 -kilometre canal from Aaye to Ofi River, the remodelling of the ancient meeting square at Okebedo, and the provision of furniture to the Federal TeachingHospital (FETHI), Ilawe branch. He added that he facilitated and monitored the completion of the newly renovated and well-equipped general hospital in Ilawe.
Adaramodu also pointed to his role, as Chairman of the House Committee on Works, in overseeing the completion of the Ikere–Ilawe road project. He said his social interventions include monthly stipends to vulnerable residents across the seven wards, various empowerment programmes for women, youths and artisans, as well as the donation of medical equipment and mattresses to health centres in the town.
On employment and human capital development, the legislator disclosed that he had assisted more than 10 Ilawe indigenes to secure jobs in federal institutions and other organisations, while also facilitating federal employment opportunities in agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the space agency.
He maintained that his record of service demonstrates effective representation and responsiveness to community needs, adding that he remains open to constructive engagement with traditional institutions and stakeholders.
Adaramodu said he respects the Alawe’s fatherly role and assured Ilawe residents of his continued commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the constituency.
The Lawmaker therefore described the allegation as a cheap blackmail, ungodly propaganda, frivolous accusations and pull down syndrome which according to him should henceforth stop noting that these are not good ingredients for the development and progress of the ancient community.
