A political controversy has erupted in Ekiti State after an opposition candidate was remanded by a court over a serious allegation that has sparked debate and reactions across the state.
Ayodele Babatola, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ado Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, has been remanded by an Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court following allegations of rape made against him by a 30-year-old woman.
The development has attracted widespread attention because it comes at a politically sensitive period. Moreover, supporters of the politician have already questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.
The case began after a woman identified as Bukola Oluwaseun accused Babatola of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Ado Ekiti on May 24, 2026.
According to the Ekiti State Police Command, the complaint was reported and subsequently investigated by officers before the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Confirming the development, police spokesperson Sunday Abutu said, “The victim stated that the suspect forcefully had carnal knowledge of her at KIBAT HOTEL, along Petim Estate, Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti.”
Furthermore, Abutu stated that officers observed injuries allegedly sustained by the complainant when the report was made.
The police said medical findings obtained during the investigation allegedly supported claims that penetration occurred.
However, Babatola denied the allegation during questioning.
According to the police statement, the politician claimed events unfolded differently.
“He claimed that he did not actually penetrate the victim before he got provoked by her request for financial compensation,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, following the investigation, Babatola was charged before the court and later remanded at a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.
In addition, some party supporters staged protests on Wednesday, May 27, challenging the arrest and detention of the candidate.
Party members described the case as politically motivated and called for a fair judicial process.
Speaking during a press conference, ADC chieftain Gboyega Aribisogan defended Babatola and questioned the circumstances surrounding the prosecution.
“Ayodele Babatola is a social activist who has been consistently and constantly harassed by Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti over his criticism of government non-performance,” Aribisogan said.
However, authorities have maintained that the case followed a formal complaint and standard investigative procedures.
Furthermore, they stressed that allegations remain subject to judicial determination until the court reaches a final decision.
