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  • Oyebanji grants state pardon to 31 inmates in Ekiti

    Oyebanji grants state pardon to 31 inmates in Ekiti

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has granted state pardon to 31 inmates serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

    The clemency was granted following the recommendation by the State’s Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata SAN. 

    The Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata SAN who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital on Thursday, said that 534 applications were received by the panel. 

    Apata said that the gesture was in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution which conferred on the governor the power to grant clemency to inmates after review of their records by the committee on the prerogative of mercy. 

    According to him, the governor granted two inmates full pardon, five on death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, and two on death sentences commuted to terms of imprisonment. 

    Others include four inmates serving life imprisonment commuted to 5 years and 10 years terms of imprisonment and eighteen inmates who have less than six months out of their sentences to serve to be released immediately.

    The Attorney General noted that Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) conferred on the governor the power to constitute the Council tasked with reviewing cases for potential pardon or clemency.

    He said, “The State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy received numerous applications from inmates on death and others serving various terms of Imprisonment from Ekiti in the Nigerian Correctional Service, Maximum Security Custodial Centre Kirikiri-Apapa Lagos State, Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abeokuta Ogun State, and convicted inmates about to complete their jail terms at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ado-Ekiti respectively. 

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    “Upon the receipt of these applications, the Council liaised with the Custodial Centres through the Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ado-Ekiti and also visited the Centre requesting for a comprehensive list of the inmates to be considered for clemency for the purpose of this important assignment. 

    “The Council reviewed all cases of inmates forwarded to it for consideration and after painstakingly considering all the representations made, the Council in its meeting held on the 6th of March, 2025 identified Thirty-One (31) inmates out of Four Hundred and Fifty-Three (453) who have been adjudged to be of good conduct and would contribute to the society if they are considered for prerogative of mercy and same were forwarded to the Governor for consideration and approval.

    “The Council wishes to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State for his magnanimity in granting this relief to the inmates, and we sincerely hope that the pardoned inmates would take the opportunity to do better in life and become more useful to the society”, Apata added. 

  • Fayose’s brother joins Ekiti Gov race, vows to unseat Oyebanji

    Fayose’s brother joins Ekiti Gov race, vows to unseat Oyebanji

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Emmanuel Fayose has joined the Ekiti gubernatorial race, vowing to unseat Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    Fayose, the immediate younger brother of former  Governor Ayodele  Fayose, expressed confidence in securing the governorship PDP ticket and winning the 2026 election. 

    He stated that his decision to join the race was driven by a strong desire to reposition the state and restore people’s trust in governance.

    Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayose vowed to rescue Ekiti people from the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he claimed had failed woefully.

    He criticised the APC-led government for gross incompetence and misgovernance saying the people of Ekiti are fed up with the current leadership and are yearning for good governance.

    Read Also: Oyebanji promises more appointments for Muslims

    Fayose promised to focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment, saying he would prioritize the needs of the people. 

    He emphasised that his administration would be different from the current one, which he accused of neglecting the welfare of the people.

    He said: “This is not just about politics for me; it is about the future of our state. Ekiti deserves a leader who understands the challenges facing the people and is ready to provide real solutions.”

    Fayose expressed confidence that the PDP has a strong chance in the election, but only if they present the right candidate to win the trust of the electorate. 

    He stressed the need for unity within the PDP ahead of the election, calling on party members to put their differences aside and focus on returning the party to power in Ekiti.

    “Ekiti people have seen enough of unfulfilled promises. They want a government that works for them, one that listens and delivers. PDP can provide that leadership, but we must first get it right within the party,” he added. 

  • Oyebanji increases subvention to tertiary institutions, judiciary, others

    Oyebanji increases subvention to tertiary institutions, judiciary, others

    Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved a major increment in the monthly subvention to the Judiciary and the legislative arm of Government as well as the subvented institutions in the State.

    The increment which amounts to N438.9 million monthly is to enable the institutions take care of the new minimum wage and the attendant consequential adjustment for workers.

    Beneficiaries of the increment include the  Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State High Court of Justice; Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission and Ekiti House of Assembly Service Commission.

    Others are Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, (EKSU); Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti; Ekiti State Polythecnic, Isan Ekiti; College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti and Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and associated Institutions.

    The Governor also approved payment of the outstanding 2020 leave bonus to local government workers in fulfilment of his promise to defray all outstanding entitlements of workers inherited from previous administrations.

    While restating the commitment of his administration to the wellbeing and welfare of workers and retirees, Governor Oyebanji said efforts are being made to ensure payment of all outstanding entitlements including gratuities in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the government.  

    He urged workers to remain focused on excellent service delivery and to see themselves as strategic stakeholders in the Ekiti Project.

  • Tinubu’s loyalists back Oyebanji for second term

    Tinubu’s loyalists back Oyebanji for second term

    Loyalists of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have supported Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, endorsing him for second term.

    The loyalists, under the auspices of

    Jagabanist Support Group, yesterday converged on Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti to declare their support for Oyebanji.

    The group’s National Coordinator, Temitope Omotayo, a lawyer, praised Oyebanji’s remarkable achievements in sectors, including education, agriculture, infrastructure development, health care and youth development.

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    He said the group would mobilise support for Oyebanji and work for his re-election, adding that the governor deserved a second term to continue his good work for Ekiti people.

    Omotayo noted that Oyebanji’s administration’s interventions and reforms had brought massive socio-economic transformation to Ekiti and attracted foreign investment, which had improved the state’s economy and boosted internally generated revenue.

    He said: “We are giving Governor Oyebanji a report card that he has done well. We are giving him a scholarship that he should continue to contest and rule Ekiti for the second time.

  • Tinubu’s loyalists back Oyebanji for second term

    Tinubu’s loyalists back Oyebanji for second term

    Loyalists of President Bola Tinubu have thrown their full weight behind Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term. 

    The loyalists under the auspices of the Jagabanist Support Group, converged on Wednesday at Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital to declare their support for Oyebanji. 

    The group’s National Coordinator, Barr. Temitope Omotayo, praised Oyebanji’s remarkable achievements in  various sectors, including education, agriculture, infrastructure development, healthcare, and youth development. 

    Omotayo added the group  would mobilise support for Oyebanji and work tirelessly for his re-election, saying the governor deserves a second  term to continue his good work for Ekiti people. 

    He noted that Oyebanji’s administration’s interventions and reforms have brought massive socio-economic transformation to Ekiti and attracted foreign investment which has markedly improved the state’s economy and boost internally generated revenue.

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    Omotayo said: “We are giving Governor Oyebanji a report card that he has done well. We are giving him a scholarship that he should continue to contest and rule Ekiti for the second time.

    “Our people spread across all local governments in the state have informed us that the governor is doing well.  If someone is doing well, he should be supported so that he can continue to do the good work and that’s why we are promising him also that we will give him all our support as a group.

    “All eyes have seen, even the blind can feel. If you look at the road network, we’ve seen there is always development. We’ve seen different companies coming to Ekiti. They are coming to establish and if they come, revenue will come. If they come, employment will come,” he added.

    The Ekiti Coordinator of the group, Oyenike Akinlua, said the endorsement was not financially motivated but a carefully considered decision to support Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

    Akinlua stated that Oyebanji deserves a second term to ensure that the people of Ekiti continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

  • Ekiti monarch seeks more support for Oyebanji

    Ekiti monarch seeks more support for Oyebanji

    The Olukere of Ikere,  Odo Oja in Ikere Local  Government Area of Ekiti  State, Oba Ayodele Abdulganiyu Obasoyin, has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the state governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, in his efforts to develop the state.

    Oba Obasoyin made the call during a meeting of the Majority Obas of Ekiti land (MOBEL) , held in Ikere Ekiti, which was attended by over 70 traditional rulers from across the state.

    The Olukere praised Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, for prioritising the welfare of traditional institutions and ensuring peace, as well as development in the state.

    He encouraged his fellow monarchs in the state to continue cooperating with Governor Oyebanji’s administration to achieve the best for their people and communities.

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    “We must continue to support Governor Oyebanji’s administration, as he has shown that he is committed to the development of our state.

    “Governor Oyebanji since inception of his administration has prioritised the welfare of Obas also ensured prevalence of peace and development of our various towns. I think there is the need for us to continue to cooperate with this People’s Friendly Governor as well as support his policies and programmes geared towards actualising his Shared Prosperity Agenda,” Olukere said.

    He also called for more encouragement and constitutional recognition for the traditional institution in ensuring that they discharge their roles in achieving peace and security of the society.

    He expressed optimism that the montly meeting would go a long way to further illuminate minds of both the monarchs as they synergise with the political class for the overall development of the state and country.

    The newly elected Chairman of MOBEL, Ojurin of Ijurin, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi, emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation among traditional rulers.

  • Oyebanji hails Tinubu’s reforms

    Oyebanji hails Tinubu’s reforms

    • •Governor is Silverbird Man of the Year

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his transformative reforms and policies, saying they have empowered the sub-national governments to implement impactful development projects.

    He said the President’s policies were the driving force behind his administration’s achievements and successes.

    The governor spoke at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State, where he received the Man of the Year Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements and outstanding contributions to national development.

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    Governor Oyebanji, who was accompanied to the stage to receive the award by former governors of the state – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, an engineer and Dr Kayode Fayemi; the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and other personalities from Ekiti State, said the President’s reforms had helped free up critical resources to states, allowing states to pursue their developmental goals and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

    Expressing his gratitude to the founder and management of Silverbird groups for nominating him and Nigerians for voting for him, the governor said the award served as both recognition and a challenge to do more in delivering quality leadership and impactful policies.

    He said he remained committed to continuing his efforts in transforming the state and improving the lives of the citizens.

    “Today’s award is about the people, some of them are here with me, some in Ekiti State, some in the diaspora, friends of our government that have stood by us, chief among them are the former governors, Senate Leader, National and State Assembly members, Exco members and our corporate friends that have been supporting us to deliver on out promises to Ekiti people, this award goes to you.

  • I won’t abandon you to suffer, Oyebanji assures rainstorm victims

    I won’t abandon you to suffer, Oyebanji assures rainstorm victims

    • Rainstorm: Edo lawmakers seek govt’s action

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents, whose properties were destroyed by rainstorm, that the government would not abandon them to suffer ‘’at this trying time.’’

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyebanji gave the assurance yesterday when he inspected over 100 buildings affected by rainstorm in Iyin-Ekiti, Ifaki-Ekiti and Usi-Ekiti.

    He said government would provide relief materials for the victims to rebuild their damaged structures, regretting how citizens were subjected to harrowing experience of homelessness due to the incident in many parts of the state.

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    Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, restated the imperative of landlords conducting regular maintenance on their structures to abate the recurrent cases of building collapse during downpour.

    He said embracement of maintenance culture, and tree planting around residential buildings to break heavy windstorm, were two strategic panaceas to avert traumatising occurrence.

    A lawmaker, Idaiye Yekini, has called on Edo State Government to provide reliefs to residents in his constituency affected by rainstorm on March 3, which destroyed over 100 houses.

    Yekini, representing (PDP Akoko-Edo 1) in the House of Assembly, made the call when moving a motion under matter of public importance during plenary session yesterday in Benin.

    He said the rainstorm affected six communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government, displacing families.

  • Oyebanji’s wand turning Ekiti into model for development

    Oyebanji’s wand turning Ekiti into model for development

    In the annals of Ekiti State’s political history, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has etched his name as a leader of uncommon grace, competence, and unity. His leadership has not only reshaped the developmental trajectory of the state but also redefined its political landscape, bringing together stakeholders who were once on opposing sides of the divide. In just two years, BAO has delivered an administration that stands as a masterclass in governance, progress, and inclusion—making it impossible for even his critics to deny his achievements.

    Ekiti’s political terrain has historically been one of discord, where past leaders often found it difficult to work together. But under Governor Oyebanji, that narrative has changed. In an unprecedented move, he has bridged political divides and brought together past governors, past senators, and other political gladiators who once stood in opposition. Today, former governors and political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, have aligned with his vision for Ekiti’s growth.

    This rare political unity is not accidental; it is a testament to BAO’s humility, maturity, and unwavering commitment to service above self. His ability to listen, engage, and collaborate has fostered an era of political stability in Ekiti, ensuring that governance is focused on development rather than unnecessary distractions.

    Governor Oyebanji’s infrastructural strides are nothing short of transformative. His administration has embarked on ambitious road projects that have redefined connectivity across the state. Roads that were once in deplorable conditions are now being reconstructed to ease movement and boost economic activities. The ongoing construction of the Ekiti Ring Road is set to ease traffic congestion and open up new areas for investment and development. Additionally, the construction of a flyover bridge underscores his commitment to modernizing Ekiti’s urban infrastructure.

    Read Also: Presidency: Tinubu not worried about 2027, focused on economy

    Education has also received a significant boost, with the perimeter fencing of 48 schools across the state within two years, enhancing security and creating a safer learning environment for students. This commitment to education infrastructure speaks to BAO’s broader vision of positioning Ekiti as a knowledge-driven economy.

    Under Governor Oyebanji, healthcare in Ekiti has witnessed remarkable improvements. The renovation and upgrade of general hospitals and basic health centers across the state have ensured that quality healthcare services are within reach for residents, regardless of their location. These upgrades are not just about physical structures; they include equipping the facilities with modern medical tools and ensuring the presence of qualified personnel to deliver efficient healthcare services.

    The administration’s investment in health is not just about today; it is about the future of Ekiti’s human capital. By ensuring a healthier population, BAO is laying the groundwork for a more productive and prosperous state.

    Ekiti’s agricultural sector is experiencing a revolution under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership. Recognizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, his administration has launched various initiatives to support farmers, enhance productivity, and attract investment into agribusiness. From land clearing programs to providing farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, and access to markets, the government’s efforts are positioning Ekiti as a major agricultural hub in Nigeria.

    The ongoing agricultural reforms are not just about food security; they are about wealth creation. By empowering local farmers and encouraging commercial agriculture, BAO is ensuring that Ekiti taps into its rich agricultural potential to boost its economy.

    Governor Oyebanji understands that development is not just about roads and hospitals; it is also about building a society that values arts, culture, and sports. The construction of the International Art and Cultural Centre is a groundbreaking initiative that will position Ekiti as a key player in Nigeria’s creative and tourism industry.

    Additionally, the Indoor Sports Centre under construction is set to boost sports development in the state, providing a world-class facility where young talents can be groomed and nurtured for national and international competitions. This is a major step in fostering youth engagement and creating opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

    While Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been marked by unprecedented achievements, it is not surprising that a few disgruntled elements have sought to undermine his progress. These individuals, who have lost political relevance, have resorted to spreading falsehoods to mislead the good people of Ekiti.

    Knowing full well that they cannot attack BAO’s performance, they resort to fabricating lies, trying to paint a picture that does not exist. However, Ekiti people are discerning. They see the roads being built, they feel the impact of improved healthcare services, they witness the transformation in education, and they benefit from the agricultural revolution. No amount of propaganda can erase the tangible progress being recorded across the state.

    Governor Oyebanji is not just a governor; he is a symbol of hope, unity, and progress for Ekiti State. His governance style is inclusive, his achievements are visible, and his impact is undeniable. Ekiti has witnessed leaders in the past, but few have been able to unite the political class, drive infrastructural transformation, and foster economic growth the way BAO has done in just two years.

    As Ekiti people continue to experience the dividends of his leadership, one thing is clear: BAO is a leader worth celebrating, worth supporting, and worth bowing for.

    • Oluwafemi, is SA, New Media to Ekiti State Governor.

  • Ekiti young farmers made over N200m profit last year – Oyebanji

    Ekiti young farmers made over N200m profit last year – Oyebanji

    Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that young farmers who participated in the state’s farming scheme made over N200million last year from the sale of their produce.

    The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving food security through aggressive infrastructure development capable of turning the state into an agricultural hub in the country.

    Governor Oyebanji stated these while playing host to the management team of Origin Tech Group led by its Chief Executive, Prince Samuel Joseph. He noted that government has been able to turn agriculture into a veritable business venture through all its interventions in the sector.

    He said Ekiti State is ready to partner with the tech company for a more enhanced development in the agriculture sector said the N200 million realised by the young farmers during the last harvest season was from off- takers and big processing plants as well as the State government which bought the produce for storage.

    He said the success recorded from the pioneering set in the agric programme has encouraged other young farmers to sign on the programme, adding that no fewer than 2,000 young farmers have shown interest in being part of the cluster farming this year.

    The governor said the state is working towards food surplus, empowerment for the youths, creation of economic opportunities for the citizens through agribusiness and utilizing agriculture to drive industrialization. 

    He added that the fact the government’s policy of supporting the farmers with modified seedlings, land clearing and tractorisation has helped them increased their scope, while the assurance that whatever they grow would be bought has been a great encouragement for them.

    He also promised to introduce middle-level market hubs that will serve as distribution points to ensure smooth and efficient food production, processing and supply in the state.

    Read Also: Oyebanji restates commitment to quality education

    “We have developed a template that has transited agric from mere farming to business. And as I speak today, there were 1,000 farmers that we got to farm in the six cluster farms in the state, it was a pilot programme and the beauty of the project is when we cleared land for them, we did tractorization, gave them seedlings. Last year December, we gave over N200 million to them for the sales of their produce while we also insisted that they commit a certain percentage of their profits back to their farm.

     “My government will be deliberate in ensuring that we provide infrastructure that will support the hub and we promise that we will engage in collaborations that will bring remarkable development to agriculture and how we can be a major player in the sector.

    Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Joseph Samuel commended Governor Oyebanji for his various efforts at developing the state especially the agricultural sector which, according to him is a testament of the visionary leadership he had been providing for the state in particular and Nigeria at large.

    Samuel said his company is ready to partner the state in it agriculture development drive through various initiatives of the company including introduction of middle-level cooperatives, prototype clusters and sorting and logistics centres capable of generating resources for the state and the people as well as well as assist the state achieve at least 40percent equity with the company.

    He added that a rewarding partnership with Ekiti state will serve as a point of reference for advancement in food security and infrastructure leading to an epitome of commitment to sustainable development and economic growth in food production systems.