By Law Ibitoye
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on the people of the state to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, saying the Federal Government has demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of Ekiti through major infrastructure projects and other interventions.
Oyebanji made the call at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, during the 2026 Udiroko Festival, held under the theme, “Udiroko as the Signpost of Our History, Tradition and Cultural Values.”
The governor, who described the festival as an important cultural institution with enormous potential for economic and community development, said his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at repositioning Udiroko into a stronger platform for promoting Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage, tourism and economic opportunities.
Oyebanji said the administration of President Tinubu had shown commitment to the development of Ekiti through critical road and infrastructure projects, noting that the intervention of the Federal Government was already being felt in the state.
He specifically cited the Ado-Ikere road project, which he said had been awarded by the Federal Government and for which the contractor had already mobilised to site.
According to him, another major road project had also been awarded, with engineering services already underway, describing the developments as clear indications of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity across Ekiti.
The governor urged the people of the state to reciprocate the Federal Government’s interventions by supporting President Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 presidential election.
He recalled that Ekiti had previously delivered about 300,000 votes and expressed optimism that the state could increase its support to between 500,000 and 600,000 votes in 2027.
Oyebanji said such support would enable the state to further strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and attract more development projects and interventions.
He said: “We can do 500,000 to 600,000 votes for Mr President in 2027. We did about 300,000 before, but we can do more.”
The governor, who said the 2026 celebration was his fourth Udiroko Festival as governor, congratulated the Ewi, the Ewi-in-Council, the Onilorises and the people of Ado-Ekiti for sustaining the centuries-old cultural festival.
He also conveyed the apologies of his wife, Erelu Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for her absence at the event.
Oyebanji noted that Udiroko had grown beyond an annual cultural celebration, stressing that it had become an important platform for promoting the history and identity of Ado-Ekiti, creating economic opportunities and fostering community development.
He therefore urged the monarch and the festival planning committee to explore ways of repositioning the celebration to attract greater participation, investment, tourism and economic benefits.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to support the repositioning of the festival and other cultural initiatives, expressing confidence that Udiroko could become an even stronger cultural and economic brand before the end of his tenure in 2030.
Earlier, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Aladesanmi, explained that Udiroko had survived for more than eight centuries because of its deep connection with the history, traditions and identity of the people.
The monarch said the festival commemorated the founding of Ado-Ekiti and the mandate given by Awamaro under the Iroko tree when he chose Ado as his permanent settlement.
He added that Udiroko also marked the beginning of the traditional calendar year and had evolved into a major gathering of Ado-Ekiti indigenes and friends from different parts of the world.
Oba Aladesanmi highlighted some developments recorded in Ado-Ekiti since the last festival, including the completion of the new palace podium, the full operation of the Ado-Ekiti Airport and the Ajilosun-Orereowu Flyover.
However, the monarch expressed concern over insecurity, particularly kidnapping, attacks on schools and the killing of innocent citizens across the country.
He commended President Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji and others who contributed to the release of people kidnapped at Eda Oniyo, while urging security agencies to deploy modern technology, intelligence gathering and sophisticated strategies to combat criminal elements.
The festival also featured prayers, cultural performances, traditional music and dances, with dignitaries including Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University; Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Commissioner Hon. Omotola Adeola; Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola; members of the Ewi-in-Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders and sons and daughters of Ado-Ekiti.
The event also provided an opportunity to honour the history of the kingdom, remember departed members of the Ewi-in-Council and welcome newly installed chiefs.
The celebration ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation, peace, security and collective development of Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State.