EKITI GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL: OLUYEDE WITHDRAWS PETITION CHALLENGING OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION.

EKITI GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL: OLUYEDE WITHDRAWS PETITION CHALLENGING OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION.

...Tribunal strikes out petition after PDP candidate's withdrawal.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has formally withdrawn the petition he filed before the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Tribunal at its first sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday struck out the petition following the motion of withdrawal filed by the PDP flag bearer before the three-member panel of judges led by Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi. Other members of the panel are Justice Aminu Tukur and Justice Maurice Okediya.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kutigi, subsequently struck out Oluyede's petition in line with the wish of the petitioner whose motion to withdraw the petition had earlier been moved by his counsel who also represented the PDP, Mr Paul Komolafe.

Counsel to Governor Oyebanji and APC, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Sulaiman Ibrahim did not oppose the motion of the petitioners (Oluyede and PDP) to withdraw their petition from the Tribunal.

Oyebanji was declared winner of the Ekiti governorship poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling a total 319,224 votes with Oluyede garnering 40,543 votes. African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

Speaking with reporters after the petition he filed was struck out by the Tribunal consequent upon his request, Oluyede said his action was predicated on the appeal made to him by individuals he described "important people" and out of respect to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oluyede also explained that Oyebanji, following his victory at the polls, also extended a hand of fellowship to him declaring his readiness to join hands with the Governor to ensure a resounding victory for Tinubu in Ekiti at the forthcoming presidential election.

He said: "My decision (to withdraw the petition) was based on the fact that what Ekiti and Nigeria need now is to seek the way forward. It's not easy to withdraw your petition when you know you have a case but I took the action at the request of people who are important to me, I mean the President and several advisers.

"They have all asked me to withdraw the matter and advised that everybody should come together and let the President win the next election and bring Ekiti forward. We have a lot of things to do in Ekiti and it will take the efforts of everybody. It shouldn't be a partisan thing.

"I am a member of PDP and still remains a member of PDP and we have an election in January for President Tinubu. The Governor too has extended a hand of friendship across to me and we will work together when the election comes and see how things go. It's just for the betterment of Ekiti and Nigeria."

However, the Tribunal has adjourned its sitting to Thursday, September 10 for ruling on pre-hearing report by parties in the case and Monday, September 14 for the hearing of the substantive petitions filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Mr Isaac Adebayo Alade and Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate, Mr Matthew Olu Omotoso.

The two parties and their candidates who were represented by their counsel, Dr Nnamdi Ikpeazu, are challenging the return of Oyebanji as the winner of the governorship election by the electoral umpire, INEC.

The SDP candidate, Alade, polled 179 votes while the AA candidate, Omotoso, obtained 126 votes at the governorship election.

The Tribunal Chairman Justice Kutigi advised the petitioners' counsel to ensure that the Respondents are served in good time and also bring the witnesses to court on Monday for the commencement of hearing of the petition. 

The Tribunal subsequently chose Thursday (September 10) for ruling on direction (pre-hearing report) and Monday (September 14) for the substantive petitions in the two cases filed by the SDP and their candidates.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI RESUMES OFFICIAL DUTIES AT PROJECT SITES.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI RESUMES OFFICIAL DUTIES AT PROJECT SITES.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday resumed official duties following the conclusion of his two-week annual leave, beginning with an extensive inspection tour of major projects across different parts of the State.  

The inspection, which lasted about four hours, saw the Governor engaging contractors and officials of supervising Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at various project sites, as part of efforts to ensure quality delivery and adherence to timelines.  

Projects inspected during the tour include:  

●The newly acquired Ground Handling Equipment at the Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport

●The Aviation Fuel Dump under construction within the Ekiti Airport 

●The ultra-modern 80-bed medical facility at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) 

●⁠The reconstruction of the Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park, Ado-Ekiti 

●The new Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being done at the various project sites visited. He restated his commitment to timely delivery of the projects and flag off of new ones in line with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration. 

Governor Oyebanji’s hands-on supervision of ongoing projects in the State underscores his governance philosophy that excellent project execution and timely delivery are best achieved through a multi - level supervision involving effective monitoring by relevant government agencies and direct oversight by the Chief Executive. 

Governor Oyebanji who was re- elected for a second term in office on June 20th is billed for inauguration for his second d term administration on October 16th. 

This will mark the first time a Governor would be inaugurated for two consecutive terms of office in the State. 

The development was contained in a statement issued and made available to journalists by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, on Monday, September 7, 2026.

40 Million Women Vote: Betta Edu Activates, Mobilises Thousands of Kwara Grassroots Women for President Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election.

40 Million Women Vote: Betta Edu Activates, Mobilises Thousands of Kwara Grassroots Women for President Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election.

The Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, has activated and mobilised thousands of women in Kwara South Senatorial District for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. This is part of the ongoing 176,846 community activation exercise across the country.

The mobilisation, held in Offa, headquarters of Kwara South, was coordinated by Edu’s Honorary Assistant, Hon. Taiye Mutiat Omotosho.

Addressing the gathering through her representative, an aide and APC House of Assembly candidate for Offa II State Constituency (Essa/Shawo/Igboidun), Edu said women across the district were prepared to work for the victory of Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

She said, “I mobilised these thousands of women you are seeing here today on the directive of my boss and Director of Women Mobilisation, APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Betta Edu, for the re-election and continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in office till 2031. 

"We will begin our door-to-door canvassing and mobilisation as soon as we have the go-ahead from her.

“Dr Betta asked me to inform you that she is coming in person to address you and bring the message of Renewed Hope 2.0 of Mr President and his beautiful, hardworking wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to you all.

“We are 100 per cent committed, and we are working for Dr Betta and Asiwaju’s re-election as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The women responded enthusiastically, reaffirming their support for Tinubu and the APC while declaring their readiness to take the mobilisation campaign to the grassroots, door-to-door.

They pledged to reach women across communities, wards and polling units in Kwara South, stressing that women would play a decisive role in building support for the President ahead of the 2027 election.

Omotosho thanked the women for their turnout and urged them to sustain the momentum, unity and grassroots engagement.

She said the mobilisation was only the beginning of a wider campaign to strengthen the APC women’s structure across Kwara State and Nigeria ahead of the 2027 polls.

EKSUTH’s Resident Doctors hail Oyebanji over professional allowance adjustment, 2026 residency fund payment.

EKSUTH’s Resident Doctors hail Oyebanji over professional allowance adjustment, 2026 residency fund payment.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for implementing the adjustment of professional allowances and paying the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors in the institution.

The doctors described the development as a significant milestone in their continued advocacy for improved welfare and better working conditions for medical personnel in the state.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its President and Secretary, Dr Olatayo Ayodeji and Dr Owolabi Oluwatobi.

The association expressed appreciation to the governor for his responsiveness to the concerns of healthcare workers and commitment to strengthening the health sector.

The association noted that although some welfare issues affecting its members remained unresolved, the implementation of the professional allowances adjustment and payment of the residency training fund represented an important step towards addressing some of their concerns.

The statement reads, “The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), sincerely appreciates the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the implementation of the adjustment in professional allowances and the payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible EKSUTH staff and resident doctors, respectively.

“While some outstanding welfare issues persist, we are grateful for this latest milestone in our union’s advocacy for better welfare for our members and improved healthcare delivery at EKSUTH. This development demonstrates the Governor’s continued responsiveness to the concerns of healthcare workers and his commitment to strengthening the health sector.

“We remain hopeful that other outstanding welfare issues will receive the necessary attention and intervention, particularly as competitive welfare packages are essential to attracting and retaining skilled health professionals in Ekiti State.

“We also appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services; the EKSUTH Board Chairman; the Chief of Staff to the Governor; the Secretary to the State Government; the Commissioner for Finance; the State Accountant-General; the State DSS and Labour Desk; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; the NARD President and NOC; the immediate past and present Ekiti State NMA leadership; and EKSUTH Management for their various roles and contributions towards achieving this milestone.

“We look forward to continued constructive engagement with the government in the shared interest of our members and, ultimately, the people of Ekiti State”.

Gov. Oyebanji’s Aide Celebrates 60th Birthday in Grand Style.

Gov. Oyebanji’s Aide Celebrates 60th Birthday in Grand Style.

…As APC Rep Candidate, Toyin Okoro, Describes Him as Community Builder.

The Technical Advisor on Power Infrastructure to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Engr. Atere Philip Ekundayo, has celebrated his 60th birthday in grand style at the Christ Faithful Witnessing Church, Ado-Ekiti.

The celebration, which was marked by an atmosphere of profound gratitude, testimonies and thanksgiving, brought together family members, friends, political associates, church members and other dignitaries to celebrate the life and achievements of the engineer.

In his welcome address, the Pastor of Christ Faithful Witnessing Church, Pastor Oluwasegunota Peter Adetayo, said the gathering was more than a church service, describing it as a family celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of Engr. Atere.

He commended Atere for his perseverance through the challenges of life, noting that his journey demonstrated that one could attain professional success as an engineer while remaining committed to the service of God.

Preaching on the theme, “Grace of God Keeps Us Till Date,” with reference to 1 Corinthians 15:10, the pastor emphasised the importance of God’s grace and described the birthday celebration as an opportunity to return thanks to God for His faithfulness.

Speaking on his life journey, Engr. Atere explained that he chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in the church rather than in any notable event centre in Ado-Ekiti because he had been a founding member of the church for more than 30 years.

He recounted losing his parents 49 years ago and the hardship he experienced while growing up, noting that his brother once assisted him in paying his ₦20 WAEC examination fee.

Atere also attributed his ability to remain in school to the free education policy introduced by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying the experience inspired his commitment to supporting the education of less privileged children.

He disclosed that he currently pays the school fees of more than 150 pupils at St. Francis Primary School in the Agric Olope area of Ado-Ekiti.

The celebrant further recalled his early struggles, including working as a gardener and security guard for ₦2 per day in Akure while studying for his A-Level examinations in a library.

He later studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and proceeded to Ambrose Alli University for postgraduate studies.

Engr. Atere is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Chartered Power Engineer. He is married with four children, with his first child currently pursuing a PhD.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for finding him worthy of appointment into the state government, despite what he described as opposition from some detractors, and pledged his continued loyalty and commitment to the administration.

Speaking at the event, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti South Constituency I, Hon. Toyin Okoro, described Engr. Atere as a straightforward, honest and wonderful person, as well as a committed community builder who has consistently contributed to the development and wellbeing of people around him.

Okoro said Engr. Atere had contributed immensely to his political aspirations by providing him with moral and financial support at critical moments.

He commended the celebrant for his selflessness, generosity and commitment to supporting others, wishing him many more years of good health, fulfilment and service to humanity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, described Engr. Atere as a reliable and exceptionally good man who had positively impacted the lives of many people around him.

Fasae wished him long life, prosperity and continued success.

In his remarks, the member representing Ise/Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, described Engr. Atere as an excellent family man who had remained committed to supporting and positively impacting the lives of others, particularly the less privileged in Ise/Orun and beyond.

Omotayo commended him for his generosity and concern for the welfare of others, wishing him many more years of good health and fulfilment as he continues to pursue his dreams and contribute to the development of his community.

Dignitaries at the event included the member representing Ekiti South Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. AVM Rufus Ojuawo (Rtd.); Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae; Founder of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Hon. Dapo Kolawole; Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Professor Charity O. Aremu; former Head of Service, Barr. Bamidele Agbede and Technical Adviser on Public Communications, Barr. Akogun Tai Oguntayo (PhD). 

Others are Director-General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotosho; General Manager, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Mr. Olu-Popoola; Regional Head of BEDC for Ekiti State, Mr. Kunle; Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Emiola Olabode; President-General of Eze Ndigbo in Ekiti, Sir Alex Ndubisi; as well as leaders and councillors from Ise/Orun Local Government.

RRBN Inducts Newly Qualified EKSCOTECH X-Ray Technicians, Urges Professional Excellence.

RRBN Inducts Newly Qualified EKSCOTECH X-Ray Technicians, Urges Professional Excellence.

The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, RRBN has inducted newly qualified X-Ray Technicians, trained in the Department of Medical Image Processing/X-Ray Technician, Ekiti State College of Technology Ijero-Ekiti.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Rector, Academics, Dr. Modupe Ogunrinde, congratulated the graduands on successfully completing their programme, describing their achievement as a significant milestone in their professional journey.

Dr. Ogunrinde also congratulated the parents and families of the graduands, acknowledging their support and sacrifices throughout the period of the students' training.

She urged the newly inducted X-Ray Technicians not to rest on their oars, but to continue pursuing further learning, professional development and excellence in their chosen career.

In his address, the Director, Institute of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Mr. Ebere Onwuegbuchi, congratulated the graduands, noting that their perseverance, dedication and commitment had brought them to the point of induction.

He reminded them that the practice of X-Ray technology requires not only technical competence but also care, empathy and professionalism, stressing that they had been found worthy in character and learning.

Onwuegbuchi charged the newly inducted professionals to ensure that their practice is at all times guided by the code of conduct governing the practice of X-Ray Technicians, warning against any breach of the ethical standards of the profession.

He urged them to work towards upholding the standard and integrity of professional practice, while maintaining effective cooperation with other members of the healthcare team for improved patient care and service delivery.

The RRBN Director commended the Rector and Management of EKSCOTECH for their commitment to maintaining and upholding the required standards in the training of X-Ray Technicians.

He was accompanied to the Polytechnic by the Head, Ilesha Zonal Office, Osun State, Mr. Mohammed Adam.

The highlight of the ceremony was the oath-taking by the newly qualified X-Ray Technicians, administered by a representative of the Registrar of the Board, as they formally committed themselves to the ethical and professional responsibilities of their chosen career.

The ceremony was attended by top officials of the Polytechnic, including the Bursar, Mr. Olaniyi Dada; Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr. Matthew Ojo, who represented the Registrar; Chief Rufus K. Familoni; the Acting Head of Department, Mr. Adeosun; the Dean, School of Clinical Technology, Mr. Adebayo Ajibola; and the Admissions Officer, Mr. Femi Fakiya, among other staff and guests.

The induction marks another significant milestone in EKSCOTECH's commitment to producing professionally competent and ethically grounded healthcare personnel capable of contributing meaningfully to quality healthcare delivery.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI CONCLUDES ANNUAL LEAVE, RESUMES OFFICE ON MONDAY.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI CONCLUDES ANNUAL LEAVE, RESUMES OFFICE ON MONDAY.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji will resume official duties on Monday, September 7th, 2026, following the conclusion of his two-week annual leave. 

The two-week leave was part of the Governor’s statutory annual leave entitlement. 

While on leave, Governor Oyebanji however, attended to crucial matters relating to governance and administration of the State. 

The Governor is resuming with a renewed vigour as preparations for the commencement of his second term administration gather momentum.  

This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, and made available to journalists on Sunday, September 6, 2026.