As the race to the June 20, 2026 governorship poll gathers traction, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) monisade Afuye, has warned political appointees against disloyalty and treacherous acts that could undermine their reputations.
Mrs Afuye said it would be disservice for those holding political positions to be playing spoilers’ roles, saying there are gains in being steadfastly loyal to one’s benefactor and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who offered them platforms to render services to the state.
The Deputy Governor, gave the warning in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, during the burial thanksgiving in honour of her late mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Olori Adegboye, who died on February 18, 2025 at the age of 97, was laid to rest on June 27, 2025, with a glamorous funeral at her Ikere Ekiti country home.
At the spiritual event, attended by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, top government functionaries and high profile politicians, prayers were offered for the success of Governor Oyebanji’s administration, for sustainable peace of n Ekiti State and the nation in general.
Addressing the congregation, Mrs Afuye, appreciated Governor Oyebanji, the First Lady, political class, traditional rulers and all Ekiti indigenes, for their solid backings that made the funeral successful and grandiose.
Tactically speaking about the 2026 governorship poll and the need for invincible cohesiveness in government, the Deputy Governor, appealed to those holding political positions to be wary of their actions and be loyal to their principal in the interest of their dignity and honour.
“Let us be committed to the government in whatever position we are given. You might be holding a small position, be contented with it and be loyal to that cause.
‘We thank God that Ekiti is peaceful under Governor Oyebanji and moving forward in all aspects. This has been recognised near and far, not only in southwest alone, but across Nigeria, that our governor is performing and delivering.
“There is nothing the governor can do that can please the adversaries. That is why you are seeing those negative comments coming, you can’t but expect them. To those of us who are inside, let us be loyal and do what is right at all times.
“I know that by this time of next year, we will be jubilating and rejoicing in the life of Ekiti State and our Governor by the grace of God”, she said.
In his sermon, the Chairman of the Christians’ Association of Nigerian, Ekiti chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, who quoted from the Book of Psalms, chapter 17 verses 1-12, urged the citizens to live righteous and honest lives to exalt and lift the nation beyond the present stage.
While the Government House Chaplain, Pastor Segun Awolumate, led the prayers for the deceased’s family, Governor Oyebanji, all Ekiti citizens, the state government and the nation at large.