EkitiLGA, KWARA STATE – Ekiti Youth Voices, a coalition of young people across Ekiti Local Government Area, has berated Hon. Ganiu Abolarin Gabriel, member representing Ekiti Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, and Hon. Awelewa, Chairman of Ekiti LGA, over allegations of paying Ekiti traditional rulers N10 million for a trending monarch press conference.
In a statement released to Kwara for Kwarans Initiative on Wednesday, August 27, 2026, the group accused the two office holders of “dragging Ekiti LGA Kings into APC internal matters” for personal political gain ahead of 2027.
Allegation: N10 Million for Royal Endorsement
According to Ekiti Youth Voices, the funds were allegedly mobilized to secure a public show of support from Ekiti traditional rulers for Hon. Ganiu Abolarin’s bid for the Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/Isin Federal Constituency seat.
“We have it on good authority that the sum of N10,000,000 was paid to Ekiti monarchs to stage a trending press conference seeking redress and endorsement in favor of Hon. Ganiu Abolarin,” the group stated.
The coalition described the move as “an abuse of office, an insult to our traditional institution, and a betrayal of public trust.”
‘Our Kings Are Not for Rent’
Ekiti Youth Voices said the action undermines the neutrality of the throne and puts royal fathers in a difficult position.
The group seek respect for our traditional institutions. Our Obas are fathers to all, not party agents. To drag them into APC internal battles with money is to desecrate the stool,” the statement read.
The group stressed that “the kings’ community does not want their sole decision to be pressured or monetized” by politicians seeking electoral advantage.
Accountability Questions for Two ‘Underperformed’ Office Holders
The youth body labeled both Hon. Abolarin and Hon. Awelewa as “underperformed political office holders” who have not met the expectations of Ekiti people.
“One sits in the State Assembly, the other chairs the local government. Yet Ekiti is still begging for real projects, youth inclusion, and purposeful representation,” Ekiti Youth Voices said.
Response Awaited
As of press time, efforts by Kwara for Kwarans Initiative to reach Hon. Ganiu Abolarin and Hon. Awelewa for comments were unsuccessful.
The Initiative will continue to monitor developments and give Kwarans verified updates as the story unfolds.
Veritas News Hub remains committed to amplifying the voices of citizens, defending public institutions, and holding leaders accountable to the people of Kwara.
The group argued that federal constituency politics should be based on capacity, service record, and grassroots trust not on “palace inducement.”
Kwara for Kwarans: A Call for Institutional Respect
Aligning with the mandate of Kwara for Kwarans Initiative to promote accountability, unity, and citizen participation, the group called for:
1. Transparency: Hon. Abolarin and Hon. Awelewa should publicly clarify the N10 million allegation.
2. Protect the Throne: APC leaders and stakeholders must ensure traditional rulers remain above partisan contests.
3. Merit Over Money: The Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/Isin Federal Constituency seat should be contested on ideas, not influence-buying.
“Kwara belongs to all of us. 2027 must not be about who can pay the most, but who can deliver the most for Kwarans,” the coalition added.
The Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/Isin Federal Constituency covers four LGAs and is expected to be one of Kwara South’s most contested seats.
With early politicking already underway, Ekiti Youth Voices warned against “desperate tactics” that could divide communities and weaken the integrity of Kwara’s traditional institutions.
“Federal representation is bigger than one LGA. You cannot buy one bloc and claim to lead four,” the group noted.
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