Oyebanji Begins Second Term, Pledges Greater Prosperity for Ekiti
Tinubu, Akpabio, Ooni of Ife, governors, former state leaders grace inauguration
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to consolidate the achievements of his first term and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people, declaring that his renewed mandate comes with a greater responsibility to translate governance into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
Oyebanji made the pledge on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after taking the oath of office for a second four-year term at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, in a ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, traditional rulers, serving and former governors, lawmakers and other prominent Nigerians.
The governor, who was returned to office alongside his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said his administration would build on the progress recorded in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development while addressing areas where further improvements were needed.
He called on Ekiti people at home and in the diaspora to support the administration’s development agenda, stressing that collective responsibility, constructive engagement and sustained collaboration would be essential to achieving the state’s aspirations.
The inauguration marked a significant political milestone, with Oyebanji becoming the first governor of Ekiti State to secure re-election and be inaugurated for two consecutive terms.
Renewed mandate, greater responsibility
In his inaugural address, Oyebanji acknowledged the expectations accompanying his second term, assuring residents that he would remain accessible, listen to their concerns and welcome constructive criticism, irrespective of political affiliation.
He said public trust must be earned continuously through responsible leadership and measurable results, promising to correct shortcomings, strengthen existing achievements and pursue practical solutions to the challenges facing the people.
“Ekiti-Kete, this second mandate brings a greater responsibility to deliver. I know that public trust must be earned afresh every day. I will remain accessible. I will listen. I will welcome honest counsel and work with people across our political and social divides,” the governor said.
He added that the administration’s priorities would be guided by the need to ensure that the benefits of development reach households across the state.
“Where we have done well, we will build further. Where we have fallen short, we will make corrections. Where our people still face hardship, we will keep seeking practical answers. Four years ago, we set out to keep Ekiti working. In the four years ahead, we must make sure that our work yield more for our people,” he stated.
Oyebanji also paid tribute to former governors of Ekiti State for their contributions to the state’s development and extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents in the last governorship election.
He specifically acknowledged Dr Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, Mr Isaac Alade of the Social Democratic Party and Chief Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement, calling for cooperation across political divides in the collective interest of Ekiti.
Tinubu assures Ekiti of federal support
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, congratulated Oyebanji and Afuye on their return to office, describing the inauguration as the beginning of a new phase of complementary service.
The President said the governor had earned the confidence of the electorate through his administration’s response to the concerns of the people, expressing optimism that the second term would bring further progress in governance, unity and development.
He assured Ekiti residents that the renewed mandate would provide an opportunity to deepen the gains of the first term.
“To Ekiti people, we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the second opportunity you have given your governor,” Tinubu said through Shettima.
“We are very optimistic that his second term shall be more prosperous. He promised you prosperity in his first term and he delivered, be rest assured that the second term shall be better.”
The President also urged Nigerians to exercise patience amid prevailing economic difficulties, maintaining that his administration’s economic reforms were intended to stabilise the economy and create conditions for improved prosperity in the coming years.
His remarks reinforced the federal government’s stated commitment to supporting state-level development initiatives and strengthening cooperation between the federal and state governments.
Technology, education and enterprise take centre stage
Looking ahead, Oyebanji identified technology, innovation, education and enterprise as important areas for advancing Ekiti’s economic prospects.
He pledged to promote the responsible application of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, while encouraging institutions and businesses to develop solutions to practical problems, create useful products and prepare young people for new opportunities.
The governor also highlighted the need to connect education more closely with practical skills, entrepreneurship and the changing demands of the economy.
He cited the ongoing construction of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) as part of this vision, aimed at strengthening the relationship between learning, innovation and enterprise.
Oyebanji further promised to create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, persons with disabilities and young people whose abilities, he said, were not yet matched by sufficient economic opportunities.
According to him, every part of Ekiti has something valuable to contribute to the state’s development, making it imperative for government to create an environment in which more residents can realise their potential.
The governor also appealed to Ekiti indigenes across Nigeria and in the diaspora to contribute their knowledge, experience, investments and professional networks to the development of their home state.
He described the ambition of shared prosperity as a collective undertaking requiring the participation of government, the private sector, communities and individuals.
Oyebanji used the occasion to call on Ekiti residents to support the re-election bid of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that continued cooperation between the state and federal governments would be important to the state’s development priorities.
“This election is even more crucial to the future of our State. We need them not only to win, but to win big in Ekiti,” he said.
The appeal placed political cooperation alongside development delivery as a key theme of the governor’s second-term agenda.
The inauguration attracted a broad gathering of political, traditional, professional and business leaders from across the country.
Among the governors present were Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo; Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu; Delta State Governor, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori; Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi; Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Nasir Idris; and Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Bago.
Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke was represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, while Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani was represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe.
The National Assembly was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, Senate Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and senators and other lawmakers, including Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represent Ekiti South and Ekiti North respectively.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, led members of the party’s National Working Committee to the event.
Former Ekiti governors Chief Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi were also present, alongside former governors from other states, including Chief Bisi Akande of Osun, Chief Segun Osoba of Ogun and Dr Segun Mimiko of Ondo.
The traditional institution was represented by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro; the Ogoga of Ikere and Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, alongside other traditional rulers.
Other dignitaries included former Nigerian Bar Association President, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke; and former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Also in attendance were Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Nigerian Ports Authority Chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin; Cavista Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Olajide; and Premium Trust Bank Group Managing Director, Mr Emmanuel Emefienim.
The swearing-in of Oyebanji and Afuye formally ushers Ekiti State into another four-year administration, with expectations centred on continuity, improved public services, economic opportunity and inclusive development.
For the governor, the challenge ahead is to translate the confidence expressed through his re-election into measurable outcomes that improve the welfare of residents across the state’s communities.
His commitment to accessibility, accountability, innovation and shared prosperity will therefore be tested by the extent to which the administration can expand opportunities, address persistent hardships and ensure that development reaches ordinary households.
As the new term begins, the administration’s central task to build on existing progress while responding more effectively to the aspirations and everyday needs of the people of Ekiti State.
