How ex-Ekiti Gov, Fayemi allegedly channeled airport funds to build multibillion-Naira Amandla Resort in Ogun— sources

Fresh allegations have emerged linking former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, to the development of a multi-billion-naira hospitality and conference facility in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, raising renewed concerns over the financing of public infrastructure projects executed during his tenure.

According to sources familiar with ongoing inquiries, investigators are examining a possible connection between funds allocated to the Ekiti State Airport project and the development of the high-end Amandla Resort and Conference Centre.

The facility, located in Ilishan-Remo along a rapidly developing corridor near Ogun State’s airport, is designed as a premium venue for leadership retreats, policy dialogues, and conferences.

The allegations centre on the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, a project initiated during Fayemi’s administration and commissioned in 2023 shortly before he left office. Despite its commissioning, the airport has faced criticism over its cost, pace of execution, and limited operational activity.

Some critics have described the project as underutilised relative to the resources committed to it.

Sources raising concerns alleged that portions of funds earmarked for the airport project may have been diverted to support the development of the Amandla facility.

“Funds allocated to the Ekiti airport project, widely criticised as a white-elephant venture, were redirected to finance the construction of the Amandla Resort and Conference Centre,” one source claimed.

Meanwhile, Fayemi has also faced scrutiny from Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over separate allegations of money laundering.

In June 2023, he was questioned by the commission at its Ilorin zonal office in connection with an alleged N4 billion laundering case.

Public records indicate that Fayemi and his wife, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, founded the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, an organisation focused on governance and leadership development across Africa.

The Amandla Conference and Resort in Ilishan-Remo serves as the institute’s flagship facility and has been described by its promoters as a purpose-built centre for policy engagement and executive retreats.

The institute was formally launched in Abuja in February 2025 during events marking Fayemi’s 60th birthday, while the resort commenced operations on March 15, 2026.

Industry sources said the facility’s operations are managed by Boulevard Hotel Group, led by hospitality executive Ekene Nnabuihe, under a partnership arrangement supporting both its commercial and programme activities.

Observers note that the resort’s location within a rapidly expanding infrastructure corridor in Ogun State has further intensified scrutiny, especially given its proximity to key aviation and transport projects.

The Ekiti airport project itself has long attracted public debate. Initially inaugurated in October 2022 amid controversy over its level of completion, key components such as the air traffic control system were reportedly still under development at the time.

Project officials later acknowledged that critical infrastructure was incomplete, although they maintained that safety standards were not compromised during test operations.

The airport was subsequently inaugurated for commercial operations on December 10, 2025, by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who disclosed that the project had cost approximately N49.7 billion.

According to him, previous administrations contributed about N14 billion, while his government expended over N34 billion to bring the facility to operational status.

The project was originally initiated in 2019 under former governor Ayo Fayose.

As of the time of filing this report, Fayemi has not publicly responded to the latest allegations linking the airport project to the Ogun-based resort.

Credit: Sahara Reporters

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