Residents of Ikere-Ekiti were left stunned on Monday following the official commissioning of a renovated gate at the Ikere Local Government Secretariat—an event that has since triggered a wave of criticism, satire, and debate both online and offline.

The commissioning ceremony, led by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Monisade Afuye (represented by Hon. Victor Adeniyi, Deputy Chief of Staff), was organized to celebrate what the local government described as an “ultra-modern gate facelift.” The project was championed by Hon. Olu Adamolekun, Chairman of the Ikere Local Government.

However, many indigenes and observers questioned the scale of the event, with some calling it a “misplaced priority,” especially in a community known for producing national icons like Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Prof. Niyi Osundare, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, and COAS Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

Critics argued that such a renovation did not warrant the attention of the state’s second-highest officeholder, while others took to social media to express disappointment at what they described as “cosmetic governance.”

Defending the project, Chairman Adamolekun said the gate represents “renewed civic pride” and is part of broader developmental strides across the LGA. He listed other ongoing projects including:

Installation of solar-powered streetlights from Ikere Roundabout to Sawmill Drivers’ Garage

Rehabilitation of the Ikere Decorative Water Fountain

A hostel project at BUOESTI, currently over 80% completed

He described the event as a symbol of the silent transformation taking place across Ikere and thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support, vowing not to be distracted by detractors.

“What many thought was impossible in 18 months, we’ve delivered. I remain focused on impactful governance,” he stated.

Despite the backlash, the local government maintains that the gate commissioning is just a “small glimpse” of larger progress on the ground.