Professor Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin has emerged as the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election.
Olajuyin was affirmed as the consensus candidate during the party’s congress held on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti. The exercise was witnessed by party executives, accredited delegates, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Olajuyin described his emergence in a peaceful and transparent congress as a clear indication of Labour Party’s preparedness to take over leadership in the state in 2026.
He maintained that the Labour Party has become “the party to beat” in the forthcoming election, adding that Ekiti people are ready to embrace credible leadership driven by integrity, competence and compassion.
While speaking on the challenges facing democratic governance in Nigeria, the governorship candidate lamented what he called the growing monetisation of politics, warning that the trend undermines the core values of service and accountability.
“Democracy is the best form of government, but greed and avarice have robbed our nation of its benefits. Today, money has taken the place of character in our politics. Many seek power to build wealth instead of building a good name. Political adventurers rely more on financial influence than on wisdom and the fear of God,” he stated.
The Ekiti State Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Odunayo Okunade, congratulated Olajuyin on his emergence and assured him of the full support of the party structure at all levels to ensure victory at the polls.
He described the peaceful and credible conduct of the congress as a reflection of the Labour Party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy.
“I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Prof. (Prince) Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin on emerging as our consensus governorship candidate. With over three decades of professional and administrative experience, we are confident he will reposition Ekiti for greater progress,” Okunade said.
He also appreciated INEC officials, security agencies and the media for ensuring an orderly and credible exercise.
Prof. Oyebanji Olajuyin, a native of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti South Senatorial District, was born on April 5, 1958. He attended L.A. Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, and Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his MBBS degree.
He later earned a Specialist Degree in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He previously served as Chief Medical Director of the former Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, now Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).