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Tag: Oyebanji

  • Ekiti 2026: My aspiration not worth blood of any person – Oyebanji

    Ekiti 2026: My aspiration not worth blood of any person – Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to residents of the state to shun violence and maintain peace as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

    Oyebanji said that no ambition is worth the shedding of blood, warning that his administration would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.

    The governor in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday aired on radio and television stations in the state, assured citizens that his government remains committed to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the elections.

    He expressed concern over recent cases of violence allegedly orchestrated by some political actors, noting that such incidents threaten the peace that Ekiti has enjoyed under his watch. 

    Oyebanji noted that security agencies had been fully briefed to prevent political thuggery and ensure Ekiti’s reputation as one of the Nigeria’s most peaceful states is preserved.

    He warned individuals he described as “fifth columnists” against exploiting infrastructural challenges to incite unrest, urging political leaders across parties to rein in their supporters.

    “It should never be heard that members of my party or those sympathetic to us are involved in acts capable of instigating violence. 

    “My aspiration is not worth the precious blood of any Ekiti person. No one is allowed to bully, intimidate or coerce another person. Every Ekiti citizen has a right to freely move around and peacefully canvass for votes,” the Governor said.

    While acknowledging that political tension often rises during electioneering, Oyebanji reminded residents that Ekiti had previously set a benchmark for peaceful elections in Nigeria. 

    He said his administration deliberately ran an inclusive government by bringing opposition voices on board in order to promote peace and development.

    He, therefore urged citizens to go about their legitimate activities without fear, assuring them that security operatives will decisively deal with any attempt to destabilize the state. 

    “The seed of our ambition should not be nurtured with the blood of our followers. The peace of Ekiti is far more important than individual aspirations,” he said. 

  • Ekiti government tackles Ojo over attack on Oyebanji

    Ekiti government tackles Ojo over attack on Oyebanji

    Ekiti State Government has slammed an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Kayode Ojo, for attacking Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described Ojo’s criticism of the Oyebanji-led administration as not only pathetic, but also irresponsible.

    Ojo had accused Oyebanji of financial impropriety, alleging that the governor mismanaged over N286.23billion federal allocations as well as N70billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    But, Olatunbosun in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, dismissed the allegation, saying it was not only unfounded, but also contradicted available evidence, as Ekiti consistently ranks as the most transparent state in fiscal management, topping BudgIT’s quarterly national rankings.

    He accused the APC governorship aspirant of engaging in campaign of calumny and misinformation to mislead the public ahead of the APC governorship primary

    Read Also: ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for lecturers, others 

    He noted that the government regularly published audited financial statements, budget reports and procurement records, in line with its commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    On infrastructure, Olatunbosun said the Oyebanji administration had awarded road contracts worth over N200 billion, covering 350 km across the state, with 126 kms already completed.

    He said the ongoing Ado-Ekiti overhead bridge project was over 60 per cent completed and on track for delivery in the first quarter of 2026.

    He also dismissed as “preposterous and defamatory”, allegations that the former governors of the state were being paid between N50million and N120million monthly, challenging Ojo to provide evidence to back the claim.

    On the claim that the state had taken a N90billion bond in connivance with private individuals and a former governor, the special adviser clarified that Ekiti’s domestic debt had actually reduced from N118 billion in September 2022 to N51 billion as of March.

    On workers’ welfare, the special adviser said the administration spent an average of N5 billion monthly on salaries and pensions, while N11.8 billion had been paid to retirees since the beginning of the year.

    Olatunbosun also rejected the claims that opposition supporters were being arrested or harassed, describing such allegations as “reckless and an affront to security agencies.”

    Reaffirming Oyebanji’s commitment to party unity and internal democracy, he said the governor had never declared the APC primary a “do-or-die affair,” but had pledged to respect party supremacy and allow the people’s will to prevail.

    “The governor has expressed, repeatedly that party supremacy will guide the process, and the choice of the people will prevail. He respects every aspirant’s ambition and will support the party in every way to ensure the primary election is free, fair and credible.

    “This administration welcomes robust debate, but it must be based on facts, not fiction. We call on the good people of Ekiti to remain vigilant, and not be misled by falsehood”, he added.

  • Ekiti ATPN hails Oyebanji on security, tourism

    Ekiti ATPN hails Oyebanji on security, tourism

    The newly inaugurated executive council of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Ekiti State Chapter, has lauded the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his unwavering commitment to security and safety of lives and property in the state. The council described the Governor’s efforts as solid foundation for tourism growth and investment attraction.

    Led by its new Chairman, Dr. Shayo Olowookere, the ATPN team made this commendation during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development in Ado-Ekiti. Dr. Olowookere, while introducing the new members of his EXCO emphasised that under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, tourism has taken a new pride of place in Ekiti’s development agenda.

    According to her, ‘security is the first assurance a tourist or an investor seeks before stepping into a destination. Governor Oyebanji has given Ekiti that assurance, and today we can boldly say that Ekiti is one of the safest places to visit in Nigeria. Beyond security, His Excellency has demonstrated a rare passion for tourism that we have never witnessed before. As a professional body, we are inspired and ready to partner with the Bureau to move Ekiti’s tourism to greater heights.’

    Dr. Olowookere applauded the Director General of the Bureau, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, and his team for their dedication and groundbreaking efforts in repositioning the sector. “We must commend the Bureau under Barrister Ojo-Lanre for driving the Governor’s vision with unmatched zeal and creativity. You have set the tone for what a functional tourism bureau should be,” she said.

    Read Also: Police arraign man for ‘bullying’ MC Oluomo on social media

    Ojo-Lanre welcomed the ATPN delegation and assured them of an all-inclusive and open-door collaboration. He stressed that Governor Oyebanji’s vision for tourism was both deliberate and holistic.

     “What you are witnessing in Ekiti today is not by accident. His Excellency has taken deliberate steps to make this state a destination of choice. From the total revamping of the world-class Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort to the near completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, from the rehabilitation of roads leading to major tourism sites across the state to the enhancement of security architecture—every effort is geared towards building a tourism economy that works for all,” he said.

    He revealed that Ekiti is set to achieve a milestone with the official launch of the Ekiti State Tourism Policy and the Tourism Development Master Plan. “These two instruments will serve as the compass for our tourism development in the years ahead. They will guarantee sustainability, inclusivity, and global best practices. Let me assure you that ATPN, as a critical stakeholder, will have a strong voice and role in their implementation,” Ojo-Lanre added.

    In her closing remarks, Dr. Olowookere declared: “With the structures already put in place by Governor Oyebanji and the determination of practitioners like us, Ekiti is no longer just a state with potential—it is the new face of tourism in Nigeria. We are proud to be part of this unfolding history.”

  • Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    • ‘President supportive of our state’

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has warned certain unpatriotic elements against peddling falsehoods against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the condition of federal instrastructure in the Fountain of Knowledge.

    He berated the misguided elements, saying that efforts to incite the people against the Federal Government has failed.

    Oyebanji said President Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible to fight infrastructure battle in Ekiti, urging indigenes and residents to exercise patience.

    The governor dispelled the allegation of federal neglect during the yearly ‘Udiroko Festival’ in Ado-Ekiti, the state, capital by the Ewi, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi 111.

    He lamented the contradition in the Ekiti chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), wondering why such insinuations can be peddled by subjective chieftains.

    Oyebanji drew attention to the presidential directives on the major federal roads linking Ado-Ekiti with the neighbouring states, adding that the projects are on-going.

    He said Ekiti should be grateful to the president who love the state and ordered the execution of the projects.

    Oyebanji said:”Let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the President of this country is supportive of Ekiti State. The president of Nigeria is doing everything humanly possible to assist Ekiti State, and I stand here to give a testimony to that effect.

    “The president has supported us. But it is not possible for him in two years to solve all the problems. He is trying his best. As I am speaking, the construction of the Ado-Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure road is being done by the president. The Ijan-Afe Babalola, Ado road is ongoing.

    “There is a little glitch,but we are resolving it, and the contractor would soon move to the site.  It is unfair for any Ekiti person to use the condition of Aramoko-Ita-Awure road to measure the performance of this government.  Ekiti people are not ingrate.

    Read Also: Customs hands over N3.7b expired drugs to NAFDAC in Lagos

    “We reject the narrative and we say the president is supporting  us and Ekiti people are in support of the president. I need to state it clearly: ‘aa i fi ibi sun olore (we don’t need to repay our benefactor with wikedness). We also know that: ‘adiye nlaagun, iye ni o je ka mo (The president is trying, but there are many constraints).”

    Oyebanji rejected moves by some chieftains to create confusion by sacrificing the truth on the altar of politics.

    He stressed:”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing his best. We reject any narrative that now want to pigeon hole the president as not loving Ekiti people, especially when it is coming from people, tendencies that want to be governor of this state and are from the same party with the president.

    “We reject it. It is not correct. It is not everytime we must play politics with everything.”

    ‘Opposition planning social media attacks on BAO’

    Ahead of the October governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State government also alerted the public to “coordinated social media attack on the governor.”

    The media adviser, Yinka Oyebode, said in a statement that the plot is being hatched by some opposition elements.

    The statement reads: “It was gathered that over 150 persons across various social media platforms, including notable influencers at the national level, have been paid to carry out the attack beginning from next week.

    “The sponsors of this grand plot, sadly, are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who are bent on heating up the polity in a bid to make a cheap political point. Part of their grand design, as uncovered, is to discredit the Governor, as well as some key figures within the party and the Government, through spurious and malicious allegations, including forged documents and AI generated graphics.

    “Those behind this planned social media onslaught are the same people who clandestinely  launched a social media attack against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, using one of the federal roads in the state- the Itawure-Aramoko-Igede road as an alibi.

    “Whereas the poorly coordinated social media attack on the President failed woefully because the vast majority of Ekiti people, and indeed the general public, rejected the narratives. These characters went back to the drawing board and came up with another action plan, which include inducing 150 social media attackers with huge sum of money (in foreign currency) to carry out the nefarious act of character assassination and cheap blackmail through online trending of forged documents.

    “The government has chosen to alert the public on this grand plot in order to avert likely breach of the peace, recourse to self-help and unnecessary tension in the polity which are the main intention of the masterminds of this ignoble plot.

    “Unlike previous sponsored media attacks on the Governor and the State Government that were treated with kids glove, this new plot would be treated with the seriousness it deserves. Hence, the general public, security agencies and all relevant institutions are hereby put on notice.

    “All political gladiators, especially those aspiring to public offices are advised to maintain some decorum and play according to set rules and regulations as we approach the electoral season.

    “The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration welcomes constructive criticism and is ready to provide sincere answers to genuine enquiries about governance and the management of our commonwealth. All Aspirants are also urged to make their campaigns and public engagements issue-based, and stay clear of any sponsored social media attack on the person of the Governor as well as sponsored violent attacks on any citizen of the State.

    “As Secretary to the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji understands the desires and aspirations of the founding fathers for a united people working in one accord to ensure peace, progress and development in Ekiti. This has been the guiding principles of his administration.”

    Primary: it may be a three-horse race

     Three governorship aspirants may compete for the APC  governorship ticket for next year’s poll , it was learnt yesterday.

    The primary is expected to hold in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, in October.

    The state chapter, led Sola Elesin, a lawyer, has to decide whether the shadow poll should be direct, indirect or consensus, subject to ratification by the APC national leadership.

    The Ekiti poll is crucial, being the first exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The leading aspirant is Oyebanji, who has been endorsed by the generality of stakeholders across the local governments, constituencies, senatorial districts and state.

    Four former governors – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, an engineer, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi- had tipped him for re-election.

    Although the belief is that Oyebanji has no rival,  Kayode Ojo  and Abimbola Olajumoke have joined the race.

    Ojo, a rich buinessman from Ikoro, is not new to the race, having competed with former Governor Fayemi and Oyebanji, who he took to court after the 2022 poll. Despite pleas by APC leaders, he followed the suit up to the Supreme Court.

  • BAO, Olajumoke, Ojo pick nomination forms

    BAO, Olajumoke, Ojo pick nomination forms

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Abimbola Olajumoke and Kayode Ojo obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the October 27 shadow election.

    Members of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, led by Dipo Bamisaye  purchased the N50 million expression of forms for the governor.

     Olajumoke personally picked the forms last week.

    A group led by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kolawole Adeyemi, bought the forms for Ojo, pro-chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka.

    The former Speaker, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said: “Ekiti is bleeding. The state has lost its way under the incompetent leadership of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and our people are yearning for a leader who can restore confidence, ignite development, and deliver good governance.

    “The same grassroots leaders and party stakeholders who championed his candidacy, endured the rigours of campaigns and delivered victory at the polls have now been alienated and left to languish in irrelevance.

    “His distance from the party’s base has created an unmistakable disconnect between the government and the people, eroding loyalty and weakening mobilisation strength across the state.

    “One of the gravest missteps of Governor Oyebanji has been his reckless disregard for party loyalty in appointments. Over one hundred positions, including key commissionerships, have been handed to members of opposition parties, while committed APC leaders and faithful who worked tirelessly for his emergence remain sidelined.

    “This unprecedented preference for political outsiders over loyal party members has sown deep resentment, painting the governor as one who rewards adversaries while punishing his own base. The resulting disenchantment has left many within the APC questioning whether the sacrifices they made for his election were in vain.”

    But Bamisaye faulted the allegations, saying that the governor has done well in his first term and deserves to be supported to get another term.

    Read Also: Police arraign man for ‘bullying’ MC Oluomo on social media

    Accompanied by some of the contributors, he said the governor has excelled in all aspects of governance, including agriculture, health a d social benefits.

    He added that since the era of Oyebanji, the security situation in the state has improved with the attendant growth in infrastructural development.

    Bamisaye stressed: “Our expectations on him is high because of what he has done we believe he is going to do more. His economic policies, interventions on Agriculture, social benefits to the retired civil servants pensioners. We know he we definitely win the second term and he is going to compliment what he has started.

    “There is security in Ekiti State today. Security of lives and properties. As far as security is concerned, Ekiti State ranks number one in Nigeria. I will leave this and go to infrastructure. In infrastructure we are talking about electricity, it was so rough in the past with a lot of communities not linked to electricity but l can tell you today that all the communities have been joined to the grid. This is what we are talking about.

    “I will also add that we have a lot of backlog of pensioners arrears cleared in just three years he has been on that seat. So, if l have to talk about Agriculture it will take time. Are you talking about internal roads, are talking about supporting the indigent and payment of stipends to the old that was started by his predecessor.

    “These are the social benefits we are talking. He is one of the first to approve the minimum wage for workers in the state. What else are we asking. To further justified what he has said, we have listened to stakeholders in Ekiti State, eminently personalities on Eliti State, the Afe Babalolas, the Wole Olanipekuns,we have listened to all of them to their comments, he is still best governor Eliti has ever produced.

    Bamisaye said due to the excellent performance of the governor, he is going to be the first to be re-elected, back to back, because most of the stakeholders in the state have endorsed him, including all the past governors and legal luminaries, Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun.

    “Not only that, for the first time in Ekiti all the former governors in Ekiti State came together to endorse this young man. So, we are happy that one of us is better than all of us and by the special grace of God he is going to be the first governor of Ekiti State to be elected the second time back to back and that is why we have gathered to purchase his form.

    “We are proud of him that he has not gone there to destroy his name, the institution’s name. He has cleared the road so that others can survive. So, we are appreciating him, that is why we have come, we must say this only just 6 people contributed the money and we are ready to do more”.

    So far, no other candidate has purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming governorship election.

  • Ekiti 2026: Alumni association purchases nomination forms for Oyebanji 

    Ekiti 2026: Alumni association purchases nomination forms for Oyebanji 

    …says he will be first to win back-to-back 

    Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, members of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association have purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    Led by Engr. Dipo Bamisheayi, the group said they pooled resources to support the governor’s re-election bid, noting his impressive performance in his first term.

    Bamisheayi, accompanied by some contributors, praised Oyebanji’s achievements in agriculture, healthcare, social welfare, and security, adding that the state has witnessed significant infrastructural growth under his leadership.

    “Our expectations on him is high because of what he has done we believe he is going to do more. His economic policies, interventions on Agriculture, social benefits to the retired civil servants pensioners. We know he we definitely win the second term and he is going to compliment what he has started.

    “There is security in Eliti State today. Security of lives and properties. As far as security is concerned, Eliti State ranks number one in Nigeria. I will leave this and go to infrastructure. In infrastructure we are talking about electricity, it was so rough in the past with a lot of communities not linked to electricity but l can tell you today that all the communities have been joined to the grid. This is what we are talking about.

    “I will also add that we have a lot of backlog of pensioners arrears cleared in just three years he has been on that seat. So, if l have to talk about Agriculture it will take time. Are you talking about internal roads, are talking about supporting the indigent and payment of stipends to the old that was started by his predecessor. 

    Read Also: Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    “These are the social benefits we are talking. He is one of the first to approve the minimum wage for workers in the state. What else are we asking. To further justified what he has said, we have listened to stakeholders in Ekiti State, eminently personalities on Eliti State, the Afe Babalolas, the Wole Olanipekuns,we have listened to all of them to their comments, he is still best governor Eliti has ever produced. 

    Bamisheayi further stated that due to the excellent performance of the governor, he is going to be the first to be reelected back to back because most of the stakeholders in the state have endorsed him, including all the past governors and legal luminaries, Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun.

    “Not only that, for the first time in Ekiti all the former governors in Ekiti State came together to endorse this young man. So, we are happy that one of us is better than all of us and by the special grace of God he is going to be the first governor of Ekiti State to be elected the second time back to back and that is why we have gathered to purchase his form. 

    “We are proud of him that he has not gone there to destroy his name, the institution’s name. He has cleared the road so that others can survive. So, we are appreciating him, that is why we have come, we must say this only just 6 people contributed the money and we are ready to do more”.

    So far, no other candidate has purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming governorship election.

  • Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    • ‘President supportive of our state’

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has warned certain unpatriotic elements against peddling falsehoods against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the the condition of federal instrastructure in the fountain of knowledge. 

    He berated the misguided elements, saying that efforts to incite the people against the Federal Government has failed. 

    Oyebanji said President Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible to fight infrastructure battle in Ekiti, urging indigenes and residents to exercise patience. 

    The governor dispelled the allegation of federal neglect during the yearly ‘Udiroko Festival’ in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital by the Ewi, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi 111.

    He lamented the contradition in the Ekiti chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), wondering why such insinuations can be peddled by subjective chieftains. 

    Oyebanji drew attention to the presidential directives on the major federal roads linking Ado-Ekiti with the neighbouring states, adding that the projects are on-going. 

    He said Ekiti should be grateful to the president who love the state and ordered the execution of the projects. 

    Oyebanji said:”Let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the President of this country is supportive of Ekiti State. The president of Nigeria is doing everything humanly possible to assist Ekiti State, and I stand here to give a testimony to that effect. 

    “The president has supported us. But it is not possible for him in two years to solve all the probles. He is trying his best. As I am speaking, the construction of the Ado-Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure road is being done by the president. The Ijan-Afe Babalola, Ado road is ongoing. 

    “There is a little glitch,but we are resolving it, and the contractor would soon move to the site. It is unfair for any any Ekiti person to use the condition of Aramoko-Ita-Awure road to measure the performance of this government. Ekiti people are not ingrate. 

    “We reject the narrative and we say the president is supporting us and Ekiti people are in support of the president. I need to state it clearly: ‘aa i fi ibi sun olore (we don’t need to repay our benefactor with wikedness). We also know that: ‘adiye nlaagun, iye ni o je ka mo (The president is trying, but there are many constraints).”

    Oyebanji rejected moves by some chieftains to create confusion by sacrificing the truth on the altar of politics. 

    He stressed:”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing his best. We reject any narrative that now want to pigeon hole the president as not loving Ekiti people, especially when it is coming from people, tendencies that want to be governor of this state and are from the same party with the president. 

    “We reject it. It is not correct. It is not everytime we must play politics with everything.”

    ‘Opposition planning social media attacks on BAO’

    Ahead of the October governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State government also alerted the public to “coordinated social media attack on the governor.”

    The media adviser, Yinka Oyebode, said in a statement that the plot is being hatched by some opposition elements. 

    The statement reads: “It was gathered that over 150 persons across various social media platforms, including notable influencers at the national level, have been paid to carry out the attack beginning from next week.

    Read Also: Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Agric-meal team to boost food security

    “The sponsors of this grand plot, sadly, are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who are bent on heating up the polity in a bid to make a cheap political point. Part of their grand design, as uncovered, is to discredit the Governor, as well as some key figures within the party and the Government, through spurious and malicious allegations, including forged documents and AI generated graphics.

    “Those behind this planned social media onslaught are the same people who clandestinely launched a social media attack against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, using one of the federal roads in the state- the Itawure-Aramoko-Igede road as an alibi.

    “Whereas the poorly coordinated social media attack on the President failed woefully because the vast majority of Ekiti people, and indeed the general public, rejected the narratives. These characters went back to the drawing board and came up with another action plan, which include inducing 150 social media attackers with huge sum of money (in foreign currency) to carry out the nefarious act of character assassination and cheap blackmail through online trending of forged documents.

    “The Government has chosen to alert the public on this grand plot in order to avert likely breach of the peace, recourse to self-help and unnecessary tension in the polity which are the main intention of the masterminds of this ignoble plot.

    “Unlike previous sponsored media attacks on the Governor and the State Government that were treated with kids glove, this new plot would be treated with the seriousness it deserves. Hence, the general public, security agencies and all relevant institutions are hereby put on notice.

    “All political gladiators, especially those aspiring to public offices are advised to maintain some decorum and play according to set rules and regulations as we approach the electoral season.

    “The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration welcomes constructive criticism and is ready to provide sincere answers to genuine enquiries about governance and the management of our commonwealth. All Aspirants are also urged to make their campaigns and public engagements issue-based, and stay clear of any sponsored social media attack on the person of the Governor as well as sponsored violent attacks on any citizen of the State.

    “As Secretary to the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji understands the desires and aspirations of the founding fathers for a united people working in one accord to ensure peace, progress and development in Ekiti. This has been the guiding principles of his administration.”

    Primary: it may be a two-horse race

    Two governorship aspirants may compete for the APC governorship ticket for next year’s poll, it was learnt yesterday.

    The primary is expected to hold in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, in October. 

    The state chapter, led by Sola Elesin, a lawyer, has to decide whether the shadow poll should be direct, indirect or consensus, subject to ratification by the APC national leadership. 

    The Ekiti poll is crucial, being the first exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The leading aspirant is Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has been endorsed by the generality of stakeholders across the local governments, constituencies, senatorial districts and state. 

    Four former governors – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, an engineer, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi- had tipped him for re-election.

    Although the belief is that Oyebanji has no rival, some people are on the social media urging an engineer, Kayode Ojo, to run. 

    Ojo, a rich businessman from Ikoro, is not new to the race, having competed with former Governor Fayemi and Oyebanji, who he took to court after the 2022 poll. Despite pleas by APC leaders, he followed the suit up to the Supreme Court.

    Currently, he is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

  • Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Agric-Meal Team on food security

    Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Agric-Meal Team on food security

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has inaugurated a seven-man Agriculture Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (AGRIC-MEAL) Team to boost food security and agricultural development in the state.

    The team members include the Special Adviser/Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. John Ekundayo (Coordinator), Olusola Salami (Secretary); Prof. Segun Ajibola; Solomon Ekundayo;  Adebiyi Adebayo Ojo; Adetunji Aribasoye, and Toba Fatula.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the team in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said the initiative represents a major step in his administration’s utmost commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and food sufficiency in the state.

    The governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo said that the team, led by Ekundayo will track agricultural programmes and interventions, provide credible data, and evaluate result with a focus on evidence-based outcomes.

    Oyebanji highlighted the team’s role in enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and ensuring that agricultural programmes deliver measurable and sustainable results as well as amplify the voices of farmers and other stakeholders.

    The governor tasked members of the team to provide credible data, offer practical recommendations and evaluate results with a focus on evidence-based outcomes for the sustainability of food security and economic development.

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    Ekundayo expressed appreciation to Governor  Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in him to serve as the leader of the team.

    He described the appointment as a call to service and purposeful action as well as a challenge to strengthen agriculture, which according to him remains a core part of the state’s economy and source of livelihood for Ekiti people.

    The Special Adviser pledged the team’s commitment to monitoring, evaluating and depicting accountability, in order to reform and remodel policies accordingly for agriculture to thrive in Ekiti.

    He assured said the Team would  work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, civil society groups, development partners, and the farming communities in order  to bolster food security and make Ekiti the food basket of the nation.

  • Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji cautions aides against fraternising with opponents, threatens sanctions

    Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji cautions aides against fraternising with opponents, threatens sanctions

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has issued a stern warning to his cabinet members and other aides, directing them to avoid any secret meetings with his opponents in the 2026 gubernatorial election. 

    The governor stated that anyone caught collaborating with his opponents would be removed from office, saying he would not tolerate any form of disloyalty or sabotage.

    Governor Oyebanji gave the warning on Thursday when the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, presented the All Progressives Congress nomination form purchased for him.

    Oyebanji also criticized Kayode Ojo, a gubernatorial aspirant, describing him as a “desperado” who hasn’t contributed to the party’s growth or Ekiti’s development.

    The governor accused Ojo of trying to disrupt the existing state’s harmony for personal gain and warned APC ward chairmen and members not to receive him in their vicinities.

     “They have been giving money to some people to collect form so that after their defeat, they will go to Court but God who did it then, would do it again.

    “The people following the person (Kayode Ojo) are not APC members, he has not contributed anything to the development of the party, he has never added to the welfare of the party.

    “Can you work in Glo and take salary in MTN? I’m still waiting to see any party members, chairman, to open his door to these people. I’m still waiting.

    “I want to see the local government chairman and ward chairman that will open their door for such a person. I’m waiting.

    “Those of you that are on the platform and collecting money from the government but still supporting oppositions because of the money you are collecting from them, we are coming for you. We are not tolerating any nonsense again in this party, it is what you do you will eat from, no more sentiments.

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    “These desperados are not interested in Government, they are not interested in you, they are only interested in their pockets. If they are popular, they should go to another party and contest. I live in peace but I’m not going to allow anyone to take this platform for granted”, he added. 

    The Director General of EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, Mr Dipo Bamisaye, described the event as a fulfilment of the vision of the creation of the Alma Mater.

    He attributed the decision of the alumni to purchase the form for the Governor as a result of his giant strides in his political performances which transcend across education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, among others.

    Bamisaye stressed that his vision has enhanced the healthcare, making his commitment to the development of the state to stand out among others, adding that he has rewritten the script of leadership with empathy and sympathy for the advancement of Ekiti.

  • Why I was sacked, by Oyebanji’s ex-Ekiti agency boss

    Why I was sacked, by Oyebanji’s ex-Ekiti agency boss

    The former Chairman, Ekiti State Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, who was recently sacked by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has alleged that he was removed for supporting a governorship aspirant, Kayode Ojo, ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

    Last Saturday, Governor Oyebanji announced Olumide’s sack as the chairman of the agency “for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.”

    But Olumide in a statement yesterday in Lagos said his removal was politically-motivated and hinged it on “refusal to align with Oyebanji” for the 2026 election.

    He urged Ekiti residents to ignore the claims of the governor that he was sacked over corruption, saying he remained committed to his political conviction.

    He added that Ojo’s candidacy represents hope for Ekiti people.

    Olumide further spoke on the corruption allegation against him: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the agency should recover funds amounting to N1.6 billion. But along the line, we met bottlenecks. Politicians were interfering, saying the money was not disbursed by us. Because of these obstacles, we decided to stop and recommended that those who issued the money should be responsible for the recovery.

    “So, in view of that, we continued with our own mandate. Later, we read in the newspapers that the state government released N500 million to a microfinance company that had just opened in Ekiti. We wanted to understand the modus operandi and how they intended to disburse the funds.

    “We discovered it was meant to be a counterpart arrangement. But the Lagos microfinance company’s contribution was not forthcoming. Our board even held a virtual meeting with them, but they told us the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the state did not include our agency.

    “That means we were completely sidelined. People outside were asking me, as the chairman of Ekiti microfinance agency, about the disbursement. I told them we had no hand in it. That was the beginning of the loggerheads.

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    “At that point, I even considered resigning, but board members persuaded me to be patient. We wanted to see the governor and report the situation, but there was no access.

    “So, I concluded there were shady dealings within the agency which were not known to me as chairman. The public was not benefiting from the disbursement. That’s why I stopped going to office and made my intention to resign clear. I even prepared my resignation letter.

    “However, on Saturday night, I heard on the radio that I had been relieved of my position for “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.” They asked me to hand over property in my care. But I had no office property, I didn’t sign cheques, I didn’t disburse money, and no funds were allocated to the agency. So, I don’t know what I was supposed to surrender, my personal vehicle, my house, or my wife’s car?

    “I believe politics is a matter of choice, not force. As a citizen, I have the right to support anyone I choose. But because I supported Kayode Ojo, I was victimised.

    “I am supporting Kayode Ojo because I no longer have confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership. Kayode Ojo is a man of impeccable character, who has managed businesses and created jobs for many people.”