A stir of mixed reactions swept through Ikere-Ekiti on Monday after the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, was invited to commission a newly renovated gate at the Ikere Local Government Secretariat, sparking public criticism and social media debates.
The event, orchestrated by the Ikere Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olu Adamolekun, was intended to showcase the gate—dubbed an Ultra-Modern Gate”—as part of the local government’s achievements. However, many residents, visibly unimpressed, expressed disappointment that such a structure would warrant the attention of the state’s second-highest-ranking official.
In a town renowned for producing national icons such as legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), renowned poet Prof. Niyi Osundare, EFCC Ola Olukoyede and COAS Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, the commissioning of a gate became a source of both amusement and concern. Citizens questioned the priorities of the local and state governments, describing the event as underwhelming.
The gate in question, originally constructed in 1999, sits at the entrance of the *Ikere Local Government Secretariat. According to Chairman Adamolekun, the gate received a complete facelift under his administration, which he defended passionately in response to public criticism.
“This project is more than just a structure; it symbolizes a renewed identity and civic pride for the people of Ikere, the Chairman said during his remarks. “What many thought was impossible in 18 months, we have delivered.
He added that the commissioning wasn’t solely about the gate itself but represented a larger narrative of transformation across the local government.
“What you see today is just a glimpse of the silent progress happening in Ikere,” he noted, citing additional projects such as:
The installation of high-powered solar streetlights from Ikere Roundabout to Sawmill Drivers’ Garage along Ado Road.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the *Ikere Decorative Water Fountain
.
> A nearly completed hostel project at *BUOESTI*, currently at over 80% completion.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by Hon. Victor Adeniyi, Deputy Chief of Staff, commended the Chairman for his commitment and described him as a “silent achiever” whose developmental strides speak louder than words.
In his closing remarks, Adamolekun acknowledged Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his unwavering support and thanked community stakeholders, party leaders, traditional institutions, and the people of Ikere for their cooperation.
“I remain focused on delivering impactful governance. I won’t be distracted by critics. More developmental projects are underway,” he assured.
