The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has again restated that the June 20,2026 governorship election must be conducted in a fashion bereft of political upheaval and bloodshed, saying “the election doesn’t worth shedding the blood of any innocent Ekiti soul”.
On why his government covets the traditional institution, Oyebanji, stated that he considered the monarchs as strategic partners in Ekiti’s development agenda, saluting them for their peace- building initiatives that make the state favourably rated as the most investment -friendly in the country.
This came as Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, showered encomiums on Governor Oyebanji and the traditional rulers, for fostering a strong synergy to promote peace and the spirit of homogeneity among Ekiti residents..
The governor spoke in Ayede Ekiti, on Saturday, during the unveiling of a new Palace edifice and birthday ceremony organised in honour of a first class traditional ruler and Attah of Ayede Ekiti , Oba Abdulmumini Adebayo Orisagbemi.
Underscoring the pivotal roles being played by the royal fathers in to keep the state united and peaceful, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, posited that his government would continually rever the traditional rulers and empower them to perform their roles without inhibition.
The governor enlisted the support of the monarchs for his second term ambition, with a clear plea to them to emplace strategies that would contain th activities of those who may want to unleash terror on the state under the facade of electioneering campaigns.
“As this election approaches, we appeal that our traditional rulers step up their peace building strategies to prevent those who could hide under election to unleash terror on our dear state.
“I am of that firm opinion that this election doesn’t worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen. In ensuring this, all political actors must play by the rules and put Ekiti first in all their dealings. God will help us”.
Oyebanji challenged the Ekiti electorate to embrace a paradigm shift in their electoral participations and troop out en masse in the governorship election to elect a candidate of their choice, cautioning that the franchise right should be exercised rationally and justly.
“In exercising this right, let us be conscious of the fact that we must elect somebody who can represent and promote our collective interest. In the last three and half years, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has done creditably well in elevating the face of governance by fulfilling all his electioneering promises to the people.
“Without the risk of being immodest or exaggerative, Governor Oyebanji has succeeded in setting Ekiti on a faster pace of development by not betraying the trust reposed in him. What we need now is consolidation.
“On this premise, I appeal to our people to vote massively for his reelection. This is the only way we can help ourselves and Ekiti State to develop through the instrument of continuity as enjoyed in Lagos, making the State the real centre of excellence in Nigeria”.
Commending Oba Orisagbemi for what he described as his “unquenchable thirst for development”, Oyebanji alluded to the twin ceremonies as underscoring the fact that the royal fathers are valued and venerated by the government.
Oyebanji added that the monarchs, by actions and deeds, are making copious drives, sacrifices and personal efforts to add values to the lives of their subjects and towns.
“This mansion built by Kabiyesi will automatically add aesthetic value to this town and motivate his subjects to strive for higher attainments and to making personal sacrifices to develop this town in a manner that will complement what the government is undertaking at the centre.
“Let me emphasize here that our traditional rulers perform enormous tasks and making huge sacrifices to develop and stabilise their domains. It is also a difficult task to unite people of diverse interests and as well secure them and their property.
“As difficult as these seemed to be, they work hard to complement the government and bring comfort to their subjects. I implore all Ekiti citizens to cooperate with our royal fathers in performing these difficult roles. We must refrain from actions that could disunite our towns or stoke the fire of violence and discord among the people”.
Inaugurating the project, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, described the edifice as a landmark achievement in the kingdom, calling on Ayede indigenes to rally round the monarch to accelerate development in the town.
Praying for Ayede kingdom and Ekiti in general, Oba Ogunwusi, eulogized Governor Oyebanji for his humility and respect for traditional institution as reflected in his seamless working relationship with the traditional rulers.
In his submission, the Attah of Ayede, Oba Orisagbemi, revealed the readiness of Ayede Ekiti to continually back the governor , for appointing many of his subjects, including Dr. Sunday Ajeigbe Osinkolu, the Rector of The Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti and many others.
Oba Orisagbemi disclosed that he started the palace project five years ago and lost hope along the line due to financial impediment, before Governor Oyebanji took over the construction and delivered in record time.
“I started the project five years ago and lost hope at a time due to financial problem. I lost hope to the point that I thought my successor will complete the project. But governor Oyebanji took over the construction and to my surprise, he changed the architectural design and delivered in record time.
“I want to appreciate the governor for respecting traditional institution. Before , we knew where we were and how we were relegated . Today, God has given Ekiti Obas a saviour in Governor Oyebanji, who is looking after our welfare. We really appreciate this and we shall reward him at the appropriate time”.
He said the palace project was far more significant than building of structures, but represents the cultural and spiritual heartbeat and preservation of customs, traditions, identities and cultures of his people.
Dignitaries at the epochal events were: Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon Ojo Atibioke, Special Adviser on Mobilisation, Hon Kemi Olaleye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Atayero Segun Aderemi, community leaders, religious leaders, politicians, women and youth groups, among others.