Oyebanji is a Performer and Builder, Deserves Second Term, Say Fayose, Ojudu

Oyebanji is a Performer and Builder, Deserves Second Term, Say Fayose, Ojudu 

A former Governor of Ekiti State , Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a Performer and Builder of a modern Ekiti, who deserves a second term by all standards of measurement. 

Fayose, who spoke on behalf of his colleague former governors, during the final leg of Governor Oyebanji’s campaign tour of local government areas, in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, maintained that all of the former governors are behind Oyebanji’s re-election for a second term, stressing that his brilliant and captivating performance must last till 2030 in the interest of the people. 

Addressing a huge crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Fayose said he was confident that Governor Oyebanji will be victorious in the June 20 poll, adding that the Governor has no viable opponent that could pose any threat, on account of his exhilarating performance scorecard. 

"I want to salute our governor, the performer, the builder and the man of the moment who has brought all of us together. I celebrate you at this moment. I am here in my capacity as part of the leaders of this state that are interested in the development of the people. This Governor never abandoned anybody and we are solidly behind him. We are with you and we will ever remain with you.

"I am not a member of APC, you all know my party. But what is good has no other name. I want Oyebanji popularly known as BAO to remain in office till 2030. He is a good leader. 

"On behalf of all the former governors, I want to say that we remain with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and we want him to remain in office till 2030. We congratulate him. God bless everybody".

Another leader of the party and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said it will be a shame for the party to deliver anything less than 500,000 votes to retain the governor on his seat.

According to Ojudu “The governor remains the most accessible, the most friendly, he has been the most generous to our people. In this election, the minimum we can give him is 500,000 votes. Let us thank him for the kind of change he has brought to Ekiti politics . I have told everybody that I have retired from politics, but he brought me out of retirement. He said I can't retire. 

"He has become our leader in Ekiti. He sees everybody as brothers, whether you are from Ado or Ikogosi, wherever you may come from. All of us, both at home and in the Diaspora will be around to vote for him.

"Governor Oyebanji is not a fake, he is an original Ekiti man, a solid Ekiti man and we will continue to stand by him. I want to thank him for what he has done for us in Ekiti".  

In the same fashion, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, thanked the people for their groundswell of support, particularly the backing being offered by the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe for the current government. 

Bamidele said the governor has done well in terms of performance, display of strong character, pursuit of unity and development of human capital, saying his reelection is a fine deal.

"We have a total of 1.032 million of voters in Ekiti. In 2022, Ado gave APC 23,000 votes and we are looking at 120,000 votes from Ado this time. You can know the kind of work we need to do. 

"SDP in 2022 had 15,000 and PDP had 7,000. But today, we don’t have the kind of fierce opposition we had in 2022. Engr Segun Oni who contested against us then is now campaigning for BAO. The 120,000 votes expected from Ado Ekiti is doable let us work hard and deliver it". 

Overwhelmed by the quantum of support he had been garnering among the populace, Oyebanji said the party had visited all the local governments without violence, which attested to his resolve to allow free and fair election on June 20.

Oyebanji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his fairness to the state in terms of appointments and projects, describing this as a novelty since the advent of democracy in 1999. 

"Everybody in Ado Ekiti has seen what we have done. You have seen the airport we completed, the road we built, the ring road we have constructed, you can seen the flyover and the hospital we have built. All these are the projects that are speaking loudly for us.

"We have visited 15 local governments now and the support had been overwhelming and humbling. Let us work hard in this election. We have a target we must meet to appreciate President Tinubu in 2027. We must send the signal with this election. 

"The total number of all APC members in Ekiti is 100,000. Go out and identify the teachers, Okada riders, traders and those who are not our members and woo them to vote for us. This is the only way we will be able to meet the standard of votes set. The fact that we didn't witness any violence was a new order in Ekiti and the fact that we respect the fundamental rights of everybody.

"Our canvassers will begin mobilisation through door to door campaign from tomorrow. We are not going to rest until June 19 when we must have converted all the voters here in Ekiti to vote for APC", Oyebani added. 

In his submission at the political gathering, the state Chairman of the APC, Hon. Sola Elesin, who is from Ado Local Government, said the Local Government has a total of 187,000 votes across the 13 wards, saying nothing prevents the party from delivering an aggregate of 180,000 out of it. 

Other leaders and stakeholders who spoke at the event lauded the governor for giving Ado Ekiti a facelift through the flyover project, revenue House, Ado Ekiti Ring Road, Ekiti State International Cargo Airport, several road projects, human capital development, promising to mobilise for his reelection on June 20.

Present at the rally were the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Chairman of the APC, Hon Sola Elesin, member of the House of Representatives, Sola Fatoba, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Bode Ola, Prof Modupe Adelabu, among others.

Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji

Ekiti Guber: APM Governorship candidate steps down for Oyebanji

…As Oyebanji, Bamidele say “no breathing space” for opposition in battle for votes

 

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in the state, Chief Joseph Anifowose, on Tuesday stepped down for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at a rally in Igede-Ekiti.

Chief Anifowose cited the need to sustain the tempo of growth and development being witnessed under the BAO Administration in the last three and a half years for his decision to step down and work for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji.

He told party leaders, supporters and residents at the rally that his decision was informed by the visible transformation and developmental strides recorded in the state under the Oyebanji administration, which he described as a turning point in Ekiti’s governance.

According to him, the progress in infrastructure, social services and governance reforms across the state had convinced him that continuity was necessary to sustain and deepen the ongoing development agenda.

He said “ if you look at Governor Oyebanji in the last three and a half years, he has been able to mobilize all the former Governors for the development of the state. Governor Oyebanji is a divine arrangement and a God sent. He has shown capacity and competence and he is committed to making Ekiti great

“That is why my party APM has decided to support the Governor. We held the state executive and the state working committee meetings where all the local government executives were directed to go and vote for Governor Oyebanji and it was publicly announced”, he added. 

Earlier in Ilawe Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, have declared that there will no breathing space for the opposition in the battle to secure the votes of the electorate in the forthcoming governorship and general elections in Ekiti.

 

The trio said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to achieve a landslide victory in the June 20 governorship election, and the January 2027 presidential election to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose benevolence and magnanimity, according to them, have benefitted Ekiti in the last three years.

Addressing a teeming crowd at the two locations, Oyebanji stressed that major capital projects being executed by both state and federal governments are gestures to prove that the APC loves the state and that the people of the state have not made mistake in voting the party to power.

 

Some of the projects referenced by the Governor include Ikere-Ilawe Road, Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Igbara Odo-Ikogosi Road, Ilawe-Erijiyan Road, Ilawe General Hospital all executed by his administration and Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure highway whose one lane has been completed by the federal government and Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway presently being reconstructed also by the federal government.

 

According to the governor, the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu is already fixing the notorious Itawure-Aramoko-Igede-Ado highway.

 

While urging the people of Ekiti to keep the APC in power at state and federal levels, Oyebanji said the President also demonstrated his love for the state by appointing many of its indigenes to prominent and enviable positions in his administration.

 

The APC governorship flag bearer also disclosed that two power transmission stations at Ilupeju Ekiti and Ijesa Isu Ekiti being executed by the Tinubu-led federal government are nearing completion and would boost power supply for domestic and industrial use in the state. He charged the electorate to repay the favour with their votes at the polls.

 

Oyebanji also aimed a dig at the opposition parties in the state who he carpeted for their inactivity on the campaign field accusing them of being only present on social media unlike the APC that is vigorously engaging the electorate and taking its campaigns to their domains to demonstrate readiness to sweep the available votes on election day.

 

He said: "We are targeting not less than 500,000 votes at the coming election and 177-0 result at ward level because we don't want to lose any of the wards. Here in Ekiti South West which has eleven wards, we are expecting 11-0. We urge our fathers, mothers, youths and everybody look for the APC name and logo on the ballot paper and thumbprint validly.

 

"As we leave here, let us return home and make peace with everybody. You see, no other party is campaigning, they are only campaigning on social media and that is where they will hear their own result. God has given us victory already."

 

Adaramodu, who is the Senator representing Ekiti South in the Senate and deputy Director General of the Campaign Council, maintained that the only agenda on ground was to deliver victory for Oyebanji and Tinubu. He insisted that other candidates who are not from APC would not win any election because the zone is a no-go area for the opposition.

 

He said: "In Ekiti South West Local Government, we have about 56,000 registered voters and if we deliver less than 50,000, we have not done well. That means that we must deliver at least 50,000 for APC and BAO (Oyebanji), the winning votes here must be for BAO.

 

Bamidele enjoined the electorate in the council area to avoid delivering what he called "wastes votes" saying it was only votes for the APC that will benefit them, because it is the only party that occupies every office from the presidency to the councillorship.

 

The Senate Leader who has facilitated the construction of a mini stadium in Ilawe said the people are benefitting from federal government, state government and the various interventions of the federal legislators from the state.

 

Appreciating the people for their support for Oyebanji, Tinubu and the APC, Senator Bamidele said the present administration led by the party has set a standard in governance that would improve the standard of living of the people in the long term.

 

Senator Bamidele who is also the Chairman of the BAO Re-election Campaign Council urged eligible voters to be pragmatic and vote wisely noting that voting for candidates whose parties have little or no structures on ground would end up becoming wasted votes.

 

He said there would be no breathing space for "marginal parties that want to play spoiler roles" nothing that the giant strides being superintended by the APC at state and federal levels should be allowed to continue to ensure a virile and prosperous polity.

 

Bamidele said: "I want to say this to our people, don't allow anybody to waste your votes. If you have a contestant in your hometown but in a party without President, Governor, Senator, House of Representatives, House of Assembly members and even councillors and he tells you to vote for his party, he wants to waste your votes.

 

"Vote for a party from which you can benefit. This is not Ekiti South West that BAO met on ground, a lot has changed here since the time he came to office. Before the January general elections, we must first make victory sure on June 20. None of are candidates should be allowed to fail at all the elections."

 

Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, described Oyebanji as a governor who had lived up to expectation and should be encouraged to return to office for the sustenance of good governance being enjoyed in the state.

 

Spokespersons of interest groups in the local government areas threw their weight behind Oyebanji and restated their readiness to re-elect him based on what his administration has done in their communities and council areas.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID HIS RE-ELECTION

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI’S PERFORMANCE ‘LL AID HIS RE-ELECTION 

The Senate Leader and Chairman, Ekiti APC 2026 Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said that the excellent performance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the last three and a half years has made his re- election an easy task. 

Senator Bamidele said the programmes and policies of the Governor has made significant impact on the lives of the people adding that they have resolved to repay him with an overwhelmingly huge volume of votes in appreciation. 

The Senate Leader stated this in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko on Monday during Governor Oyebanji’s campaign tour of Ijero, Efon and Ekiti West Local Government Areas respectively. 

Senator Bamidele spoke just as Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Biodun Oyebanji expressed confidence of a big margin victory in the June 20 governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji said his performance since coming to power, which has been acknowledged far and wide as being superlative and commendable, has given him assurance of the commitment of Ekiti people to return him for a second term in office with a record volume of votes. 

A massive crowd of residents and party supporters thronged the rally venues in Ijero, Efon Alaaye and Aramoko Ekiti as the Governor and his entourage were given a rousing welcome in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Addressing the crowd at the campaign ground, Oyebanji described Ijero Local Government as a progressives stronghold that had always delivered impressive figures of vote saying he expects the momentum to be scaled up in the coming election as part of efforts to hit the minimum target of 500,000 votes.

The Governor specifically tasked the chieftains and members of the APC to go to eligible voters who have voters' cards at their polling units and wards and especially those who are not members of the party and convince them to vote for the party at the election.

The APC flag bearer said he was very sure of victory on the strength of his performance and well-documented achievements in office in the key sectors including infrastructure, education, agriculture, rural development, education, human capital development and workers' welfare.

He said: "As a party, we have set a target for ourselves, we have set a minimum target of 500,000 votes. All of us must go home to our units and wards and identify every registered voter especially those who are not members of our party but have voters' cards.

"If performance is the yardstick, we have nothing to fear because of what we have done in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, workers' salaries and welfare of our pensioners.

"The votes must be massive and on June 21 when the result will be declared, I want the President to hear the quantum of votes and his mind will be at rest. In Ekiti, we are going to speak with our votes. On election days, take at least five persons a long with you to the polling booth and vote for APC."

At Efon Alaaye, the Governor who spent part of his formative years in the town, listed several projects executed for the people by his administration and the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu urged the electorate to reciprocate with their votes.

He listed the projects to include the Alanaka Road, Efon Alaaye General Hospital, transformers, Efon-Ipole-Ikogosi Road, Primary Health Centres, Teacher Training College and Itawure-Erio-Aramoko Federal highway which leads to Ado Ekiti, the state capital where work is presently ongoing.

The Governor attributed all the work done by his administration to the benevolence and magnanimity of President Tinubu urging the electorate in Efon to show appreciation with their massive votes.

"If we have a President that does all these for us, we need to apprciiate him in return by voting for his party, the APC in all forthcoming elections. In 2022 you did not vote for our party but we worked for you. But in the coming election, you will combine the votes of 2022 with that of 2026 and the figure will shoot up very well."

Speaking further, Senator Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, appreciated the people of the state for their support for Oyebanji and APC. He canvassed for another opportunity to consolidate the good governance being enjoyed in the state.

The Senate Leader said: "Governor Oyebanji's first term was favourable to Ekiti because the state has witnessed transformation in all areas. Also, Ekiti has enjoyed peace under his administration, there is unity of purpose and development under him.

"It is not a question of winning the election but with a wide margin. Let us cast our votes massive for APC and Governors Oyebanji for this good work to continue and for our state to keep moving forward."

The State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, stressed that the Governor has done well to justify a fresh term in office noting that all hands must be on deck to to ensure his return to office.

Representatives of various interest groups who spoke at the rallies hailed the impact of the Oyebanji Administration and pledged their readiness to cast cast their votes to make his re-election a reality.

They commended Oyebanji's inclusive governance, appointment of their indigenes into key positions in government, projects executed in their areas, empowerment of citizens, among others.

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100

Fayemi Hails Afenifere Leader Chief Fasoranti as a "Towering Symbol of Integrity" at 100

 Former Governor of Ekiti State and erstwhile Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has released a glowing tribute to the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

In a formal statement dated May 10, 2026, Dr. Fayemi described the centenarian as a "divine blessing" to the Nigerian nation and a moral compass for the Yoruba people. He emphasized that reaching the age of 100 is not just a personal milestone for the elder statesman but a significant event for the country’s democratic history.

Dr. Fayemi highlighted Chief Fasoranti’s century of life as a testament to sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to good governance. He noted that in moments of political uncertainty and national turbulence, the elder statesman remained one of those rare voices whose convictions never shifted with convenience. The tribute traced Fasoranti's impact through several key eras, including his involvement in the Action Group during the First Republic, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic, and his "incomparable" tenure as the Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin.

Beyond politics, the former Governor praised Fasoranti’s enduring legacy in education. Having earned degrees from the University of Ibadan and post-graduate certifications from the University of Hull in the UK and Macquarie University in Australia, Fasoranti is credited with shaping generations of leaders as a teacher and administrator. Fayemi remarked that the Afenifere leader understood early on that the future of any society rests on the quality of its education and the moral character of its citizens.

The statement also touched on Fasoranti’s consistent advocacy for the restructuring of Nigeria. Fayemi described the leader's vision of "true federalism" not as a mere political slogan, but as a necessary foundation for national stability and inclusive development.

Concluding his tribute, Dr. Fayemi, on behalf of his wife, Bisi, and his family, congratulated the centenarian, stating that in an era where values are increasingly contested, Chief Fasoranti’s life proves that true leadership is measured not by power or position, but by sacrifice, consistency, and fidelity to principle.

He noted that the nation celebrates a man whose life has enriched Nigeria’s democratic journey and strengthened the voice and aspirations of the Yoruba people.

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI

MY RE-ELECTION NOT WORTH THE BLOOD OF EKITI CITIZENS, SAYS OYEBANJI 

...Says Ekiti ‘ll appreciate FG projects with massive votes for Tinubu

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has canvassed a peaceful conduct of the June 20 governorship election saying his re-election bid does not worth the blood of any citizen of the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer spoke on Friday while addressing rallies at Emure, Ise/Orun and Ikere Local Government Areas in continuation of his campaign and statewide engagement with citizens and stakeholders ahead of the governorship poll.

Rounding off the campaign for the day in Ikere Ekiti, the Governor emphasised his stand against violent and bloody electioneering, urging members of his party to remain calm, work assiduously and reply the opposition with a resounding victory on June 20. 

The Governor noted that since he started the statewide citizens' engagements and campaign tour since Monday, there have been no record of violence anywhere and he wants the momentum of peaceful conduct and issue- based campaigns sustained throughout the electioneering period down till results are declared.

He had earlier in the day made a case for a peaceful and violence-free election at Emure Ekiti, his first port of call, where he appealed to APC members, members of other political parties and all citizens and residents of the state not to be involved in any act that could lead to loss of lives at the poll.

The Governor specifically stressed that his quest for a second term in office should not come at the expense of human lives as he hopes to secure a historic re-election under the atmosphere of peace and harmony for which the state has been famous under his watch.

Showing the statesman in him who prioritises the welfare of his people, Oyebanji again reiterated the readiness of his party and its teeming members to toe the line of peace before, during and after the election to allow for a successful conduct of the poll.

He said: "As we go back to our wards and polling units, let us be at peace with one another. The APC is a party of peace, a party of order and a party of process. We should not fight with anybody. We started the campaign on Monday and we have not had problem anywhere and that speaks to our party's love for peace and unity.

"Our ambition, my ambition and the ambition of every other person in Ekiti State do not worth the blood of any Ekiti man. By God's grace, this election will hold and we will all be alive and in good health when our government is re-elected. All of us shall have our share in the prosperity it will bring."

He used the opportunity of the Ikere rally to commend the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye whom she praised for her steadfastness, loyalty and being a good ambassador of the town and a co-pilot in the success story the administration has become so far.

The Governor said his administration's projects in Ikere including Ikere-Igbara Odo Road, Ikere-Ilawe Road, agric project, Moshood Road and Ikere-Akure Highway executed by the President Bola Tinubu Administration should motivate the people to retain APC in power both at the state and the federal levels.

He urged party member to embark on aggressive membership drive and mobilisation by making friends with eligible voters with voter's cards for the minimum target of 500,000 winning vote tally to be realised.

Speaking in Emure Ekiti and Ise Ekiti, the Governor urged party leaders and members to work on non-party members and other citizens who possess voters' cards as the APC hopes to secure 80 percent of the votes of registered voters in the local government areas.

Scores of People's Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members joined the APC at the Emure rally hinging their action on the popularity of the Governor and the impact of his administration on the lives of the people.

Oyebanji said he was happy with the sense of appreciation of the people of Emure on projects delivered in the town which include roads, schools, youth in commercial agriculture, security of lives and property adding that the people of the state are benefiting from key projects executed by the Tinubu Administration.

He said: "As you all know, APC is a party of peace, law and order and we desire a peaceful election. My (second term) ambition does not worth the blood of any Ekiti man or woman. Let us be at peace with ourselves. I have absolute confidence in the ability of Emure electorates to vote wisely and vote for our party. 

"APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace , employment and amenities that make life easier for our people. Journey from Akure to Ikere now takes less than thirty minutes because of the work done on the road through President Tinubu.

"Ikere-Emure Road has been done and the only thing we can do to make our President happy is to vote for his party because APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. Let us sustain that and ensure the continuity of good things."

"The only thing we can do to say thank you to President Bola Tinubu is to vote for the party. APC is the only party that can give prosperity, peace and employment. To ensure the continuity of all these things, we need to vote for APC.

"The target we set for our party is 177–0. We are expecting nothing less than 80% of the total registered voters. Let us go back to our wards and units to canvass for votes. If you vote for us, you have voted for progress and development."

Addressing the rally in Ise Ekiti, the Governor assured that work would soon start on Ise-Ijan Road to boost transport, commerce, agriculture and connect the local government area with other parts of the state.

He further disclosed the intention of his administration to commence on the Olowe Museum to boost arts, culture and tourism in the ancient town and its environs.

Describing Ise/Orun as critical to the success of the APC in the governorship poll, Oyebanji said the good work done in the council area since coming to office should galvanise the residents to cast their votes for the ruling party.

The Governor urged the people of the state to vote for the All Progressives Congress APC at the governorship election and presidential election because of positive impact in the lives of the citizens in terms of policies and projects executed so far.

All the spokespersons of the towns visited pledged massive delivery of votes in favour of the Governor and his party in appreciation of the benefits so far reaped from his administration.

The Governor during the tour paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers who all prayed for the realisation of his second term ambition. The monarchs all commended the Governor for living up to expectation since assumption of office in 2022.

The rallies were attended by House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon Adeniyi Ojuawo; House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon Femi Bamisile; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Bolaji Olagbaju; husband of the Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and other top officials of the campaign council.

EKITI 2026: RE-ELECT ME FOR CONTINUITY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, OYEBANJI URGES VOTERS

EKITI 2026: RE-ELECT ME FOR CONTINUITY OF GOOD GOVERNANCE, OYEBANJI URGES VOTERS

...Residents hail Governor for restoring power after 10 years blackout 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said the forthcoming governorship election offers the people of the state an opportunity to use their votes to cement continuity of good governance and defeat politics of retrogression.

Governor Oyebanji also urged the electorate to cast their votes massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election in appreciation of his immense support for the government and people of Ekiti State.

The Governor who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State said no Nigerian leader has done as much as President Tinubu had done for Ekiti State, hence the state must contribute a high tally of votes that would contribute to his re-election.

Oyebanji who spoke on Thursday while addressing rallies in Ekiti East and Ayekire Local Government Areas in continuation of his campaign tour round the state, said frequent changes of ruling parties at election cycles negatively affected the growth and development of the state.

Oyebanji also restated his call for peaceful and violence-free election. He enjoined APC members not to be provoked into violence before, during and after the election for the victory to be sweet and remarkable.

The rallies which were turned into carnivals by party members and residents saw the Governor receiving a rousing welcome in Omuo Ekiti and Ode Ekiti, the headquarters of the two council areas in appreciation of the projects implemented and restoring electricity to the axis after a blackout of over ten years.

The Governor told the crowd that his administration has succeeded in fulfilling promises made to the people of the two council areas including putting an end to more than ten years of blackout expressing readiness to work harder to consolidate on the gains achieved if he wins re-election at the polls.

He spoke just as residents of the community through their spokesperson thanked the Governor for restoring power supply in several communities in the area, after over ten years of blackout. They said the restoration of power supply has boosted local economy of the communities. 

A massive crowd of party supporters, community leaders, teachers, local government workers, artisans, market women and non-indigenes welcomed the Governor during the rallies and pledged their support for his re-election on June 20.

Speaking in Omuo Ekiti, Oyebanji identified lack of continuity in good governance occasioned by the single term syndrome, said the forthcoming election offers the people of Ekiti an opportunity to elect a governor back-to-back and put a stop to retrogression caused by instability in governance.

He said: "In less than a year, Ekiti State will clock 30 years since it was created and no government has won election back-to-back. If one government comes, it will introduce some policies within four years and when another government comes, rather than building on what is on ground, it will introduce something new and the state will have to start all over again.

"The problem of Ekiti State development has been lack of continuity in good governance, so June 20 offers us a platform to change that narrative once and for all. On June 20, Ekiti will rise up as a mass army to say enough is enough.

"Through our votes for APC, we must say no to politics of retrogression, to politics of underdevelopment, to politics that does not advance the cause of women, to politics that will take ten steps forward and 50 steps backward, all those will stop on June 20."

The Governor further emphasised the need for a high voter turnout at the Ekiti poll in favour of the APC which he believes would rub off positively on the fortunes of the party in neighbouring Osun State where another governorship election holds in August.

According to him, an impressive showing for the party in both Ekiti and Osun States would set the stage for an overwhelming victory for Tinubu at the January presidential poll saying "the governorship poll results in the two states should prepare the groumd for the re-election of the President.

Two prominent party leaders in Ekiti East, Senator Biodun Olujimi and Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile canvassed support for re-election of Oyebanji on the strength of the impact of his administration in the axis.

Olujimi, the immediate past Senator for Ekiti South Senatorial District urged voters in the axis to repay the good done by the Governor on election day and be faithful to the covenant to re-elect him back to office.

Bamisile, the incumbent member of House of Representatives for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, said the Governor has become an adopted son of Ekiti East who must be re-elected because he has done well for the people.

A youth leader, Mayowa Ogundana, commended the Governor for creating jobs through the Bring Back the Youths into Agriculture with many beneficiaries in the area and also reconnecting communities back to the national grid after over ten years of being in darkness.

Oyebanji also met with traditional rulers in the two local government areas and used the forum to solicit their support for his aspiration and administration.

The Governor was joined during the campaign by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Deputy Director of the Campaign Council / Senator representing Ekiti South , Senator Yemi Adaramodu among others.

2027: No credible alternative to President Tinubu, says Oyebanji

2027: No credible alternative to President Tinubu, says Oyebanji 

… As SWAGA 2.0 is launched in Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said there is no credible alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, stressing that the President’s reforms have boosted the fortunes of the sub-nationals, and improved infrastructure across the country, thereby making many states to clamour for his re-election for a second term in office.

Oyebanji also said the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State would be a celebration of democracy owing to the high level of support he continues to receive from the electorate, adding that the election would only parade opponents without opposition.

Governor Oyebanji, stated these in Ado- Ekiti on Wednesday during the launch of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA 2.0), a support group for President Bola Tinubu’s second term in office. 

The event which took place at the Eagle Hall, Ado Ekiti was witnessed by the Deputy Governor , Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; former Governor Segun Oni; Chairman, Nigeria Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye who is the National Chairman of SWAGA, Managing Director of Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo and leaders of the group from across the six Southwest states. 

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the colourful event, Governor Oyebajji said President Tinubu was fully prepared for governance. This, he said reflects in the courageous decisions he has taken which have helped reposition the country’s economy and the attendant stability. 

The Governor, who said he had to shelve his campaign activities scheduled for Wednesday to be part of the event in view of its importance, said Ekiti people are solidly with the President and would vote massively for his re- election in the January 2027 election. 

Stressing that no President in the history of the country has been as fair to Ekiti State as President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanii said but for the President’s reforms that freed some funds to the sub nationals, he would not have been able to achieve much in terms of infrastructure development in the state. 

He therefore sought the assistance of the leadership of the group to express appreciation to the President on behalf of Ekiti state. 

"Before I go into my short remarks, let me publicly say that I am very grateful to the President, please thank him on behalf of Ekiti people. And I'm saying this publicly because we are 29 years old as a state, no president has been this good to us in Ekiti. And I'm pleading with you to please help us thank him.

“I'm sure by the time we get to the poll; you will know that we are SWAGA- compliant here. And like our leaders said, June 20 election in Ekiti State is going to be a celebration of democracy. 

“Many people have been asking us, why did you take this thing so seriously? Because the truth of the matter is that we have opponents, we don't have opposition. There are characters that want to be governor, fantastic, It's their right, but the aggregate of all those people can't scratch anything from the party in the state. So, we see them as opponents, but they are not opposition. But in spite of that, we have taken this campaign as if our life and our future depend on it.”

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji said that the June 20 election in the state has a number of implications including the August's election in Osun State as well as the Presidential election in January, 2027 which invariably will tell the people in other regions that the president is a prophet that is valued and honoured at home. 

He added that his remarkable performance will ginger Osun electorates to also win resoundingly.

Earlier, the Chairman of SWAGA, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said the group came back to the state with the primary purpose of garnering support for Governor Oyebanji in his bid to make remarkable impact in the forthcoming election as well mobilize massively for President Tinubu’s second term.

While asserting that the Governor had already won the election, he assured him that the whole machinery of the group will concentrate all its efforts in the state till after the election to ensure that the Governor fulfil the benchmark of at least 500,000 votes as well as set a record of winning in all the electoral wards.

Prior to the event, Governor Oyebanji had received the leadership of SWAGA led by Senator Dayo Adeyeye on a courtesy visit at the Governor’s office.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s cabinet members donate N100 million to re-election campaign

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji’s cabinet members donate N100 million to re-election campaign 

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election, members of the Ekiti State Executive Council on Wednesday donated the sum of N100 million to the re-election campaign of the State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji. 

The council members described the donation as a token of their love and support for the Governor’s second term bid. 

Making the donation on behalf of their colleagues during a brief meeting at the State Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, said members were delighted to be part of the Governor’s team and are committed to his re-election for a second term in office. 

“Your Excellency, you are a man of history and we consider it a great privilege to be part of your impactful administration. This is our little way of showing our love, support and commitment to your re-election on June 20. We shall continue to work assiduously to ensure you win overwhelmingly and become the first Governor to be elected back- to- back in our dear state”, they said.

Responding Governor Oyebanji thanked the EXCO members for the gesture, which he described as a show of love and solidarity. 

“My profound appreciation to you all for this huge donation. I have been around for a while, I don’t think any EXCO has ever made such a huge donation to the re- election of any Governor. Yes, they’ve always made donations, but none has been as huge as this. 

“I am so grateful for your love and support.”, he added. 

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, who is also the Secretary to the Campaign Council, Mr Niyi Adebayo confirmed that the amount has been received into the account of the campaign council.

The Coordinator of the Welfare Committee of the EXCO, Prof Akeem Azeez, thanked members for their generous contributions, which, according to him, made the donation possible.

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor 

06-05-2026

Ekiti Governor’s Aide, Adetoun Agboola, to Keynote 2026 AISEN Teachers Conference

The Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN) has announced Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola, the Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, as the keynote speaker for its upcoming 2026 Teachers Conference. The event, themed "Advancing Inclusive Education in Our Schools," is scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, at Chrisland School, Opebi-Ikeja, Lagos, starting at 10:00 AM.

Agboola, a seasoned educator and policy leader, brings over 20 years of experience to the podium. Her career has spanned classroom practice, curriculum development, and senior leadership roles, most notably at Greensprings School in Lagos. She is also the founder of Plumcare Educational Services, an organization dedicated to helping families and institutions build robust support systems for learners with disabilities. 

In her current role within the Ekiti State Government, Agboola has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at enhancing the visibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities, ensuring that equity remains a cornerstone of state policy.

An alumna of the University of Ibadan, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education, Agboola is currently pursuing a PhD in her field. Her expertise is further backed by international certifications in public policy, educational leadership, speech and language support, and inclusive teaching practices. The AISEN leadership expressed high expectations for the session, noting that Agboola’s unique blend of practical classroom insight and high-level policy experience will offer invaluable perspectives to the teaching community as they work to make Nigerian learning environments more accessible and equitable.

EKITI SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI’S RE-ELECTION, SAYS EX-GOV SEGUN ONI

EKITI SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH GOVERNOR OYEBANJI’S RE-ELECTION, SAYS EX-GOV SEGUN ONI

..Oyebanji rallies support for Tinubu in Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje LGAs

 

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr Segun Oni has said that Ekiti people are set to make history with the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election.

Oni who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Ido/Osi Local Government area on Tuesday, said Governor Oyebanji will emerge as the first Ekiti State Governor to be re-elected back-to-back, judging by the massive support he enjoys from the Ekiti voters, the youth, the elderly, the elite and people in the grassroots.

The former Governor, who together with his wife, Mrs Olukemi Oni, joined Governor Oyebanji on the campaign tour of Ilejemeje, Mob and Ido.Osi Local Government areas of the state, said it was symbolic for all former governors in the state to support an incumbent Governor seeking a re-election, adding that the support for Oyebanji should be total for the targeted 500,000 votes to be met.

 

Oni spoke just as the Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that the achievements recorded by his administration in three and a half years would pave the way for him and his party to secure a second term in office.

 

The Governor said he and his party are working to get an unprecedented poll tally of 500,000 votes in the June 20 governorship election as a dress rehearsal for a massive presidential election result in favour of President Bola Tinubu in the state.

 

 

 

Aside securing minimum 500,000 votes, Governor Oyebanji said he and his party are also targeting a clean sweep of available votes in all the 177 wards, a feat that has not been achieved in the past governorship polls.

 

At Iye Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti and Ido Ekiti in Ilejemeje, Moba and Ido/Osi Local Government areas respectively, Governor Oyebanji said the electorate in Ekiti State have an opportunity to reward a performing governor with a back-to-back victory for the first time for the good works in all the key sectors to continue for the benefit of the people.

 

The Governor urged his supporters and members of his party to be peaceful, orderly and not to be provoked into any fight or violence on election day to make the victory sweeter and positively memorable.

 

Oyebanji took a swipe at individuals he referred to as "detractors on social media who don't know their wards" promising to teach them some lessons with massive victory at the governorship election and silence them permanently.

 

He said: "On June 20, we have an opportunity once and for all to do what has not been done in our state before. Since the creation of this state 29 years ago, no governor has done it back-to-back but we are going to do it with your support and based on what we have done so far.

 

"In the last three years and seven months, we have served you diligently and there are many good things to show for our stewardship. Since we came in, civil servants have not gone on strike, teachers have not gone on strike, doctors have not gone on strike, local government staff have not gone on sttike”

He told the enthusiastic crowd that his administration has touched all communities hrough life-changing policies, projects, and empowerment programmes.

 

The Governor urged the people to turn out en masse and vote APC to victory in both Ekiti and Osun States "to make a statement that President Tinubu is popular and loved in his home base ahead of the presidential poll scheduled for January.

 

"After the Ekiti election, the next is Osun is the general election in which the President will stand for election. We must use the two elections (in Ekiti and Osun) to make a statement that President Tinubu is popular in his home base. I have told our traditional rulers to support us and support the President.

 

"By God's grace,we are winning 177 wards because 16-0 is no longer a record because former Governor Ayodele Fayose had done it before, but our target now is victory in all the 177 wards," Oyebanji said.

 

At the rally in Ido Ekiti, key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Chairman in Usi Ward, Mr Dada Kolawole defected to the APC and were admitted into the fold.

 

Governor Oyebanji who said former Governor Segun Oni’s campaign for him at ido/Osi had a great significant for his re-election bid, adding that with the support of the former Governor he is sure of 100 percent votes from the local government. "Our leader, His Excellency Engr Segun Oni has spoken. I don’t have to campaign in ido/Osi again, so, I concur with and adopted all the submissions he has made”,

 

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji reiterated that the June 20 poll in Ekiti "has implications for the 2027 presidential election" saying "everyone of us must go out and vote for APC because we are aiming at 177-0 and that means that we must win in all 177 wards with no less than 500,000 votes. And then in January 2027, we shall increase the figure for our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Stakeholders in Ido/Osi Local Government led by the APC National Ex Officio officer, Hon Bunmi Oriniowo hailed the Governor for the reconstruction of Ado-Ifaki Highway, rehabilitation and equipment of the General Hospital in Ifaki Ekiti, construction of Ido-Ipere Road, community health centres and rehabilitation of public schools.

 

The State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, charged the electorate to keep the party in power to enjoy more benefits in another four years under Oyebanji. He urged them to be on a lookout for the broom logo on the ballot paper assuring that the Governor would not disappoint if re-elected on June 20.

 

The APC boss said Oyebanji's election in 2022 has positively rubbed off on the development of the state making case for the governor's re-election. He charged eligible voters to come out massively and keep the APC in power.

 

The Governor met with traditional rulers in all the three local government areas visited and received royal blessings from them before proceeding to the campaign rallies. The monarchs praised the Governor for what he has done for their communities.

 

The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; former Governor, Chief Segun Oni; the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Director General of the Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Deputy Director General (Ekiti North), Chief Kemisola Olaleye; Secretary of the Campaign Council/Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, among others.

My sterling Performance Shows I'm a Promise Keeper, Oyebanji tells ikole, Oye LG Voters

My sterling Performance Shows I'm a Promise Keeper, Oyebanji tells ikole, Oye LG Voters 

.....Gov deserves second term, says ex-deputy gov, others

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, declared that his sterling performance in the areas of infrastructure development, human capital development, agriculture, peace building and prudent management of resources, are clear evidence of his fidelity to electioneering promises, making him worthy of being entrusted with the people’s mandate for a second term in office. 

Governor Oyebanji , who preached against bloodshed and violence in the impending governorship election, said he has fulfilled the social contracts he signed with the citizens in 2022, which amplified his propensity to make promises and fulfil them.

Oyebanji spoke in Oye and Ikole Ekiti, on Monday at the commencement of his re-election campaign across the 16 local government areas of the state ahead of the June 20 governorship poll. 

Brimming with love and solidarity, the venues of the campaign in the two local governments were full to capacity, as residents trooped out enthusiastically, singing songs that express their willingness to vote for the governor for a second term.

Scores of opposition members defected to the ruling APC at the political events.  

The campaign officially kicked off last week Monday in Ado Ekiti, with a mega rally attended by six governors, led by the Chairman, APC Governors' Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the National Chairman of the party , Prof Nentawe Yilwadta. 

In his message to his supporters, who adorned in Ankara, bearing the governor's portrait, Oyebanji, described the coming election as a "war of votes"and not that of "guns and cutlasses", branding other contestants as eligible sons of the state, who can vie for the governorship seat. 

Specifically, Oyebanji said Ikole Local Government has no reason not to reward his generosity of spirit with bountiful votes, being the council with highest number of representatives in the State Executive Council and considering the impact of the administration in the area. 

"When we came to you in 2022, we promised you infrastructure, we have delivered, we promised you road, we have delivered. We promised you electricity, we delivered,even in health facilities and schools, we have delivered. We promised financial support for market women, we have delivered . 

"Above all, we promised security, we have delivered. You knew what we had in terms of security in this councils four years ago. With the help of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state government, we have overcome this challenge. Ekiti is now rated as the most peaceful state in Nigeria. 

"Most especially, you all knew how Itapaji- irele- ipao-Oke Ako corridor was in terms of security. We have been able to restore peace. If we have a government that is doing well, is it not good for it to continue? 

"Most advanced countries of the world were built by continuity of government and alignment of vision. What echoes round in Ekiti today is that, BAO solution is working. If you say we have done well, then let the good works continue .

"Already, we have won this election. But it goes beyond winning. Let all those who have PVCs come out and vote for APC on election day. Go home and activate your unit canvassers. Let us preach the gospel of BAO to our people .

"We want to give the opposition 16-0 by winning in all the 16 local governments and we want to win all the 177 wards. Winning 177 wards is a record that has never been broken before. We want to set this record in this election". 

Oyebanji stated that Ekiti can't afford to be complacent in this governorship election, because of the 2027 presidential election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying other geopolitical zones are expecting the turnout of votes from the Southwest in the election. “ So, we must meet our target of 500,000 votes in June 20 and increase it to 700,000 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in January 2027.”, he added. 

Exuding confidence that Oyebanji will triumph with high tally of votes across the 16 local governments, the State Chairman of APC, Barr. Sola Elesin, was elated that the governor has not disappointed in the area of performance , peace building, humility and prudent management of resources. 

"What we recorded then in 2022 was little above 200,000, our target now is 500,000. Please, let us work hard to achieve this on June 20. We can only achieve it if we troop out massively unit by unit on election day and vote for APC. The second term will be better than this first term, we assure you".

Speaking for the Ikole Council, the first civilian Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Paul Alabi, assured that the council will turn in the highest number of votes in the impending poll to demonstrate support for the governor, urging the electorate not to waste their votes on the opposition. 

Alabi, a respected community leader and politician, added that the stakeholders, including teachers, traditional council, traders, Okada Riders, widows, youths, community and religious groups, are solidly behind the governor, owing to his stupendous generosity, in terms of appointments and infrastructural facelift. 

A youth leader, Mr. Semiu Jimoh, said Oye Local Government will vote for the governor to appreciate the renovation of General hospitals, construction of Itapa-Omu-Ijelu road, human capital development through youth in agriculture, renovation of schools as many others he initiated in the council.

According to the timetable released by the Campaign Council, the local government tour will end on May 13th.

Ekiti 2026: Ikogosi community lifts Oyebanji’s campaign with N25 million ….holds solidarity rally for Governor’s re-election

Ekiti 2026: Ikogosi community lifts Oyebanji’s campaign with N25 million 

….holds solidarity rally for Governor’s re-election

Ahead of the commencement of his campaign tour of the local government areas, slated for Monday, the people of Ikogosi Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s hometown, on Saturday held a solidarity rally where a donation of N25 million was made to his campaign council. 

Residents of the community including members of Onikogosi - in- Council, senior citizens, youths, drivers unions, market women and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stormed the town square, venue of the rally adorned in branded T-shirts and caps, dancing and singing praises of the Governor. 

Speaking while presenting the cheque to the Director General of the BAO Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, the President, Ikogosi Progressive Union (IPU), Chief Olusola Agbaje said the community deemed it fit to support the re-election bid of the Governor because of the remarkable impact of his administration in the past three and a half years.

Chief Agbaje said the Ikogosi community is particularly happy with the Governor for restoring power supply to the town after about 15 years in darkness . In addition, he said the community has also experienced massive infrastructure upgrade which has boosted social and economic activities in the town.

The N25 million donation, according to the IPU President, will show the entire world that Governor Oyebanji enjoys massive home support as well as a show of appreciation for all the good works the Governor has done in the community with the assurance that all Ikogosi voters will cast their votes for him on June 20, and repeat same for the President come January 2027. 

He further praised the Governor for giving governance a human face in Ekiti as well as changing the face of the town thereby making his administration leave a lasting legacy and impact on the town.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the planning committee, Engr. Tayo Olajubu , described Governor Oyebanji as a committed leader who is devoted to the welfare and wellbeing of the people as well as the progress of the state in general.

Olajubu said individuals and groups within ikogosi joyfully participated in the rally and are armed with their PVC to re- elect Governor Oyebaji on June 20. 

Addressing the gathering, the Director General of the Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi thanked the Ikogosi people for demonstrating their love for their son. He urged them also mobilize support across the length and breadth of the Ekiti West Local Government area, so as to record a remarkably huge number of votes for the Governor in his local government.

Senator Fasuyi said he was impressed by the community’s donation, assuring them of more dividends of good governance in Governor Oyebanji’s second term in office.  

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo commended Ikogosi community for their show of love saying that the donation has shown the world that the Governor enjoys a broad-based profile of support especially from his people, adding that the Governor is not just good and popular outside but also parades an amazing home support.

The Chief of Staff said the party was encouraged and energized by the community’s level of support and assured that the election was already a walkover.

Other dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Bejide, Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, Special Advise on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode; Director General, Bureau of Community Communication, Mrs Mary Omotoso, and chairman, Ekameta LCDA, Dr Leye Adeniji among others.

This is your government, let’s do it again, Oyebanji tells Ekiti workers on May Day

This is your government, let’s do it again, Oyebanji tells Ekiti workers on May Day

… seeks support for June 20 re-election bid, President Tinubu’s re-election 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has disclosed that his administration has made a huge investment in workers welfare and human capital development in the last three and a half years, urging them to support him for a second term in office. 

The Governor also said it actualised pact with workers in terms of capacity development, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuity as well as remittances of deductions, said his administration has also recruited 9,788 workers into the public service as part of efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery, within the period. 

Governor Oyebanji made this known on Friday while addressing workers at the 2026 international Workers Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti. He hailed Ekiti workers for their sundry contributions to the growth and development of the state, and commended their demonstrated commitment to the implementation of government policies and programmes which has been instrumental to the laudable achievements by his administration.

The Governor hinted that his government has prioritized workers’ welfare through prompt and regular payments of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuity, stressing that all outstanding promotions arrears have been cleared up to 2025 with sustained financial backing.

Providing a breakdown of employment under his administration, Governor Oyebanji explained that thousands of workers have been recruited across key sector, including education, health, civil service and local government administration to address manpower gaps and enhance service delivery. 

The Governor further disclosed that tens of thousands of workers have benefited from promotion, conversion and career advancements, describing the development as part of deliberate efforts to boost morale and ensure professionalism within the public service.

On wage policies, the Governor said the state was among the first to implement N70,000 minimum wage and ensure salary parity across different cadres, particularly in health sector, adding that his administration also invested in workers’ welfare through housing and car loan schemes, performance-based rewards and continuous payment of pension arrears inherited from previous administrations while maintaining monthly gratuity payment to retirees.

While congratulating the workers on the occasion of the 2026 May Day celebration, the Governor assured them that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare through sustained investment in prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, improved working conditions, capacity development and policies aimed at enhancing productivity and overall wellbeing across public service.

He also disclosed to the cheering workers at the event his plans to seek a re-election on June 20, urging them to vote for him so that the state can sustain and surpass the current level of development as well as a better enhanced welfare of workers and the citizens. 

“This is your government, let us do it again. I stand before you today to promise to continue to act in your best interest. I understand your pains and I am well positioned to relieve them as l have always done”, the Governor stated even as he also urged the workers to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term come January 2027.

Oyebanji said : “Let me therefore express my profound appreciation to you all, for the sacrifices and contributions you have made to the success of this administration. We would not have gone this far without your dedication and commitment to the effective implementation of policies and programmes of the administration. I am also very grateful for the public expression of support by yesterday’s solidarity visit to my office.

“It is for this reason; we have remained committed to the welfare of our workers through prompt and regular payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities.

“A total of N30,767,408,156.34 and N5,899,736,536.08 have been paid as pensions and gratuities of Local Government pensioners. At the State level, a sum of N31,623,022,512.145 has been paid as pensions for retired State workers, while over N10 billion were paid to defray gratuity arrears between October 2022 to March 2026. This is in addition to a monthly payment of N100million each to both State and Local Government retirees for gratuities. Our N20,000 (twenty thousand Naira) increase of pensions across board was just a gesture to meet the immediate needs at the time. I have requested for a broad overview of our pensions as it stands today.

“In our human capital development drive, we have recruited 4,253 teachers across SUBEB, Teaching Service Commission and the Ministry of Education, this is aside the 1,217 non-teaching staff employed to support our educational system. We kick-started our first fully digital education schools at Government College Ado-Ekiti which I believe the teachers are proud to celebrate the successes therein. Similarly, 1,461 workers have been employed into the Civil Service, while another 972 were recruited into the Local Government Service Commission”. The Governor asserted.

In her welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi paid a glowing tribute to hardworking Ekiti workers whose commitment, professionalism and resilience continues to keep the machinery of government running efficiently adding that the state's public service remains the backbone of policy formulation and effective implementation across all the ministries, departments and agencies.

Expressing pride over the numerous development goals achieved over the years, Dr Olomojobi maintained that Ekiti state was ranked, first in PSL-01 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index in the year 2023 as the trend continued with Ekiti being ranked first in fiscal transparency. 

Speaking on the theme of 2026 workers day, Security, Poverty - Bane of Decent Work the Head of Service, who stressed the need for government to be intentional about workers welfare to focus on perennial issues that influences work and workers explained that security of lives and properties remains central to Ekiti state.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of NLC, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, his TUC counterpart, Comrade Omotola Farotimi explained that the International Workers Day was not a day of jamboree but a day to acknowledge the collective spirit of workers, their unity of purpose, sacrifices and their contributions to the creation of wealth and infrastructural developments of the society in all ramifications as well as the agitations, the struggles, victories and unrelenting battles for workers emancipation, freedom and good governance.

The labour leaders called on the three tiers of government to collaborate with sustainable policy guide and renewed architectural rejig to combat insecurity and debilitating poverty ravaging the polity stressing that insecurity and poverty are critical factors to the psychological stability, mental alertness and stable emotional intelligence or workers to perform optimally in their various work places.

They highlighted some of the achievements under Governor Oyebanji to include prompt payment of salaries, and pensions, clearing of arrears such as leave bonuses, third party deductions and other emoluments that weighed down families for years thereby restoring dignity to the workforce. According to them, the Governor has also granted free health services to the elderly, children, 0-5 years and pregnant women at the primary healthcare as well as payment of 6Billion Naira gratuity to both state and local government workers between 2024 to date and increase in subvention to all subvented institutions in the state among numerous others.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Prof Abibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, members of the State Executive Council, among others