TOA INAUGURATES MANDATE ORGANIZATION IN EKITI EAST CONSTITUENCY II.

TOA INAUGURATES MANDATE ORGANIZATION IN EKITI EAST CONSTITUENCY II.

…Distributes campaign posters, handbills, banners and caps; pledges quality representation and empowerment for youths and women.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ekiti State House of Assembly in Ekiti East Constituency II, Hon. (Barr.) Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed (TOA), has inaugurated the TOA Mandate Organization (TMO) to strengthen grassroots mobilisation across the constituency.

The colourful inauguration, held on Sunday, 13th September 2026, also featured the distribution of campaign posters, handbills, banners and caps across the seven wards of Ekiti East Constituency II.

In a statement issued by the TOA Media Team and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the event attracted APC leaders, political stakeholders, serving and former public office holders, youths, women and supporters from across the constituency.

Speaking at the event, the APC Chairman in Ekiti East Local Government, Chief Clement Ojo, urged party members to remain united and work collectively towards securing victory for all APC candidates.

He called on the people of Ekiti East to replicate the overwhelming support given to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji during the recent governorship election by voting massively for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The State Chairman of the APC Elders’ Forum, Chief Oni, described Barr. Tajudeen Ahmed as an Omoluabi and an accomplished lawyer whose experience, integrity and political influence would be deployed towards attracting meaningful development to Ekiti East Constituency II.

Similarly, the Chairman of the APC Elders’ Forum in Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Tiwonloju Bello, appealed to constituents to vote massively for TOA, expressing confidence in his ability to provide effective representation.

He described TOA as a brilliant lawyer and urged the people not to misconstrue the professional demands of legal practice, noting that lawyers have a duty to defend their clients within the ambit of the law.

The APC chairmanship candidate for Ekiti South-East LCDA, Hon. Adenike Ogunleye, congratulated Barr. Tajudeen Ahmed on the establishment of the TMO. She urged voters across the constituency to support all APC candidates, including herself, in the forthcoming elections.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman of Ward 10, Ilasa-Ekiti, Hon. Segun Abejide, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for creating a level playing field and providing opportunities for political inclusion.

He noted that Ward 10 had never simultaneously produced candidates for the chairmanship of the LCDA and the State House of Assembly in the political history of Ekiti East Local Government, describing the present opportunity as significant.

He therefore appealed to the other wards to support Barr. Tajudeen Ahmed and all APC candidates seeking to represent the people at the House of Representatives, Senate and presidential levels.

The inauguration was also attended by the serving member representing Ekiti East Constituency II in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Lateef Akanle Kongo, and a former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Dare Pelemo, who is also the Local Government Chairman of the Iruwa-Ogiriwa Group.

Hon. Pelemo, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assured the gathering that Wards 10 and 11 would deliver overwhelming support for TOA at the polls.

He called on political stakeholders and residents of Omuo-Oke, Kota, Isaya, Araromi-Ugbesi and Ahan-Ekiti to embrace unity and support candidates from the constituency whenever it is their turn to contest for political office.

A respected APC leader from Ilasa-Ekiti, Chief Bayo Arowofila, appreciated party leaders and stakeholders for coming together to support Barr. Tajudeen Ahmed. He urged other political leaders and stakeholders across the constituency to rally behind TOA and support his aspiration to represent the people effectively.

In his address, Barr. Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed thanked the party leaders, stakeholders, supporters and well-wishers who attended the inauguration. He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for providing a level playing field and promoting inclusive political participation.

He explained that the TMO was established to complement the activities of the APC Campaign Council when constituted and to provide an additional platform for effective grassroots mobilisation across the constituency.

According to him, early mobilisation had become necessary because various political and interest groups, as well as members of other political parties, including the PDP and African Democratic Congress (ADC), had expressed their readiness to work with the TMO.

Barr. Ahmed reiterated his commitment to initiatives promoting community development and the empowerment of youths and women. He assured constituents that their views and interests would remain central to his representation.

He also promised to engage party leaders and constituents regularly through town hall meetings and other consultative platforms to ensure inclusive and people-oriented representation.

Youths from across the constituency attended the inauguration in solidarity with the TOA candidacy. Speaking on their behalf, Mr Adeyeye Tosin David appealed to the candidate to involve young people in the formulation and implementation of programmes and policies, stressing that meaningful youth participation was essential for effective representation and sustainable development.

The youths pledged their commitment to working towards delivering all seven wards of Ekiti East Constituency II for TOA at the polls.

Other prominent personalities at the event included renowned journalist Comrade Olawale Ezekiel Ogunyebi; the Secretary of the APC in Ekiti East Local Government, Hon. Joseph Ayewa; former two-term APC Chairman in the Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Oluwatuyi; and the Secretary of Ekiti South-East LCDA, Hon. Yemi Alala, popularly known as Yemite.

Also in attendance were APC ward chairmen, serving councillors, councillorship candidates, party leaders, community stakeholders, youth leaders, women leaders and other notable personalities from across the constituency.

Several political leaders and stakeholders sent representatives or tendered apologies, including Engr. Sunday Komolafe of Ward 3; the Chairman of Ekiti South-East LCDA, Hon. Anthonia Omonusi; the APC House of Representatives candidate, Rt. Hon. Femi Bamisile; Hon. Marcus Alo; the co - contestant with TOA at the House of Assembly party primary election, and Chief Joshua Ajayi Omo-Iya, who was commended for his continued support for the TOA Mandate Organization.

The event recorded an impressive turnout, with women’s groups adding colour and excitement through songs, chants and traditional music as supporters expressed solidarity with the TOA candidacy.

The inauguration marked another significant step in the mobilisation drive ahead of the election, with the TOA team reaffirming its commitment to building broad-based support across the seven wards of Ekiti East Constituency II.

Ekiti Tribunal: SDP Candidate Withdraws Petition Against Oyebanji.

Ekiti Tribunal: SDP Candidate Withdraws Petition Against Oyebanji.

...Drama as witness can't identify SDP candidate's name.

There was a mild drama at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti, on Monday,  as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) in the June 20 election, Amb. Isaac Adedayo Alade, withdrew his case  challenging the victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji against the party's wish.

Another drama also played out at the Tribunal during the cross examination, as an SDP agent and  witness, Toluwalope Oluwandabira, couldn't  identify the name of the party's flagbearer  in the election, which was the principal  reason for which he was  brought to the Tribunal to give evidence in respect of the poll.  

At the inaugural  sitting of the Election Petition Tribunal held last Monday, the candidate of the People's Democratic, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, who was the runner up in the election, had withdrawn his petition in the similar fashion  and was subsequently struck out by the tribunal panelists accordingly . 

The three- man tribunal panel, chaired by Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, also has Justice Justice Aminu Tukur and Justice Maurice Okediya .

During the tribunal proceeding held on Monday, the counsel to the SDP's candidate and second petitioner, Barr Umar Abdulhamid, disclosed that he had filed  a Motion on Notice dated 12th September, 2026 before the Tribunal, notifying it of the  second petitioner's intention to discontinue with the petition. 

Confounded by this action, counsel to the SDP and 1st petitioner, Adewole Adebayo, said the withdrawal was like an ambush, having not been aware of the candidate's intention to step aside  from the case, maintaining that he won't oppose the application, since  his backtracking would not  in any way impede the party from pursuing the case. 

In his ruling, Justice Kutigi, said: "The tribunal grants the application, having considered the Motion on Notice  of the second petitioner in respect to his intention to withdraw from the petition. His name is hereby  struck out of the petition".

Commenting further on the abrupt withdrawal of the candidate, Adebayo, who is the SDP presidential candidate, said the party remains unfazed, adding that "If he stands his ground and said he wants to withdraw or discontinue, then we will have no reason to stop him. If he withdraws and decides to go home, he is free, it doesn't  stop us from continuing with  the case". 

But Counsel to Governor Oyebanji and  2nd respondent, Adetunji Oso, argued that he won't oppose the application on the premise that it was undertaken in firm alignment with the provisions of the  Electoral Act, 2026 and that the candidate only exercised his legal right.

Meanwhile, Adetunji punctured the widespread notion being bandied around that  the petitioners were withdrawing their petitions through  coercion or intimidation, clarifying that the governor, as the Chief Security Officer won't undermine, nor take action that can hinder free operation of the tribunal to dispense justice in the matter expeditiously. 

However, during the trial, the SDP called seven witnesses to prosecute its case, after the panelists resumed from a 30- minute recess embarked on for the party to assemble its witnesses.

There was a mild drama in the Court, as a witness, Odabira Olumuyiwa, gave contradictory evidence, saying he monitored the poll as an agent  at ward 2, unit 007, at Ikole Local Government without wearing  Independent National Electoral Commission's identification tag, as demanded by the Electoral Act, 2026.

In his testimony before the tribunal, another witness, Bamisaye Julius, who raised the issue of alleged massive vote buying, said he noticed people sharing money, but couldn't ascertain precisely the amount being shared  to sway voters and the actual persons that was responsible. 

Another witness, Awoleye Sunday Samuel, revealed that  though there were skirmishes at the polling unit among contending forces where he served as agent for the party, but clarified that such didn't affect the successful conduct of the election.

In the petition filed by the Action Alliance(AA), the party's Chairman and the State Collation Agent, Elder Sunday Ajayi, under cross examination, stated that  he was not issued any appointment letter to oversee the election, but claimed that he got the mandate of his party to serve in that capacity, being the number one party man in the state. 

After calling seven witnesses, counsel to the petitioners requested for a short adjournment, which was granted by the tribunal, having not been  opposed by the lawyers to the respondents. 

At this stage, Counsel to Governor Oyebanji, told the tribunal to be circumspect of the fact that election petition is sui generis, praying the panelists to impress it on the petitioners not to foot-drag and waste the time of the tribunal on this premise. 

"My lord, they are hampering us. You have to  tell them to present their  witnesses who could give evidence based on where they worked during the election timely. We can't waste the time of the court".

ADARAMODU FLAGS OFF SIX-CLASSROOM BLOCK AT ARAROMI UGBESI COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL IN EKITI EAST LG.

ADARAMODU FLAGS OFF SIX-CLASSROOM BLOCK AT ARAROMI UGBESI COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL IN EKITI EAST LG.

The foundation for a six-classroom block at Araromi Ugbesi Comprehensive High School, Ekiti East Local Government Area, has been officially laid, in another major educational intervention facilitated by Senator Yemi Adaramodu.

The ceremony was performed by Oba Lawrence Ajayi Adeyeye, the Owa Eleshi of Araromi Ugbesi, alongside members of the Eleshi-in-Council and community stakeholders. APC Chairman, Ekiti East LG, Chief Clement Ojo, commended the intervention and called for continued community support for the APC, while Hon. Yemi Adebamigbe, representing the Chairman of Ekiti South East LCDA, Hon. Alaba Anthonia Omonusi, conveyed the council’s goodwill.

The Araromi Ugbesi Development Council, represented by its Vice President, expressed appreciation to Senator Adaramodu and pledged the community’s continued support. Hon. Alliyu Sikirullahi Oladipupo, speaking for APC leaders and members in Ward 3, also commended the Senator’s efforts. Religious leaders, Rev. Taiwo Ajileye and Canon Ayodele S.O., offered prayers for the successful completion of the project and joined the Kabiyesi in the foundation-laying ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of Senator Adaramodu, Comr. Famisa Ayodeji-Adesina, Legislative Assistant, assured the community of the project’s completion and commissioning in no distant time. He also highlighted the Senator’s previous intervention through the provision of a solar-powered borehole serving the community.

The project, coming at a time when the community has long struggled to establish a high school, was described as a timely intervention that will significantly impact education and development in Araromi Ugbesi. Community leaders, youths and residents expressed appreciation to Senator Adaramodu for the intervention and his continued commitment to improving infrastructure across Ekiti South.

#AdaramoduAtWork

#ARA

INEC Candidate Release: Hon. Barr. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju Remains as APC Flagbearer for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

INEC Candidate Release: Hon. Barr. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju Remains as APC Flagbearer for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the list of cleared candidates for the upcoming legislative elections, confirming Hon. Barr. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju as the official candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, comprising Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ilejemeje local government areas.

Appearing prominently as Number 22 on the official INEC electoral publication for Ekiti State, Hon. Olanrewaju’s candidacy marks a strategic consolidation for the ruling party, backed by widespread endorsement from political stakeholders and constituents alike.

Findings reveal that the former federal lawmaker's emergence at the APC primary election is the result of extensive and deliberate consultations across the grassroots, local government structures, as well as state and national party leaders. Having engaged deeply with critical stakeholders across Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ilejemeje, Olanrewaju secured the unequivocal consent and backing of the party leadership, positioning the APC for a formidable outing at the polls.

Hon. Olanrewaju is no stranger to legislative governance and impactful public service. During his distinguished tenure representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II from 2019 to 2023, he established a stellar reputation defined by landmark infrastructural projects, human capital development, and robust legislative advocacy, legacies that continue to endear him to the hearts of constituents.

Furthermore, his recent service as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters further enriched his administrative acumen, bridging executive-legislative relations and bringing immense value to national governance.

Political observers note that with his deep connection to the grassroots, unmatched legislative pedigree, and pedigree as a former presidential aide, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olanrewaju represents a solid choice of continuity, competence, and dependable leadership for the people of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

As campaigns gather momentum, the APC machinery across Moba, Ido-Osi, and Ilejemeje is poised for a robust mobilization toward a resounding electoral victory for Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarenwaju popularly known as IBOO.

EKITI GUBER PETITIONS: OYEBANJI RAISES ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION BEFORE TRIBUNAL.

EKITI GUBER PETITIONS: OYEBANJI RAISES  ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION BEFORE TRIBUNAL.

...As Panel Continues Sitting on Monday.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has formulated six issues for determination before the Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petitions arising from the June 20 governorship election in the state.

Oyebanji who was the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the June 20 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 319,224 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede garnering 40,543 votes to come second while African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

Two petitions were filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA) before a three-member panel of the Tribunal chaired by Justice Abubakar Kutigi which continues its sitting in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Monday.

The SDP candidate, Adebayo Alade, polled a total of 179 votes while the AA candidate, Olu Omotoso, obtained 126 votes at the governorship election. The PDP candidate Oluyede has withdrawn his petition before the Tribunal.

Governor Oyebanji in a bid to solidify his defence has put forward six issues before the three-member jury for determination in the course of the trial of the two petitions by the opposition parties and their candidates.

The six issues formulated by Oyebanji for the SDP petition are as follows:

●Whether the Petition is not incompetent in view of its gross violation of the Electoral Act 2026 and other fundamental defects there to.

●Whether the Petition is not incompetent for non-joinder of the APC as a necessary party in the Petition.

●Whether the Petitioners have proved that the election of the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act 2026.

●Whether the Petitioners have proved that the election of the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was invalid by reason of corrupt practices.

●Having regard to the evidence before the Tribunal, whether the Petitioners proved that the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was not elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election; and 

●Whether the Petitioners in the current circumstances of the petition filed by SDP, proved that the 2nd Petitioner (Alade) is entitled to be returned as the duly-elected Governor of Ekiti State, following the Ekiti State governorship election held on 20th day of June, 2026.

Five issues were formulated for determination in the petition filed by AA and they are all similar to the first five issues in the SDP petition.

The papers conveying the governor's issues for determination were signed by his team of lawyers led by Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN.

However, the SDP is expected to open its case on Monday by calling its witnesses to give evidence before the Tribunal.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI MOURNS APC LEADER, HON. LAWRENCE ADEBAYO KOLAWOLE.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI MOURNS  APC LEADER, HON. LAWRENCE ADEBAYO KOLAWOLE.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences on the passing of a frontline leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Moba Local Government, Hon. Lawrence Adebayo Kolawole (aka Aba Leader). 

The late Hon Kolawole passed on Saturday, after a brief illness. He was aged 88. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Olayinka Oyebode, described Hon Kolawole’s death as a major loss to the party,  the people of Otun Ekiti community and Moba Local Government , where the deceased held sway as a trusted community leader, towering political figure and a father figure to many. 

 The late Hon Kolawole, according to the Governor was a distinguished and courageous leader, a progressive-minded grassroots politician, and a great supporter of his administration, who was accorded a great respect within the party hierarchy in view of his leadership qualities. 

The Governor said the late Hon. Kolawole who served diligently as a Councillor, Leader of the House, Moba Local Government Legislative Council, during the administration Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, later served as Chairman of the APC in Moba Local Government for many years. 

“Baba remained loyal, courageous and consistent till he breathed his last, leaving behind legacies of selfless service, integrity and loyalty. 

 

“He was a man of wisdom, integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to his people, the party and to the progressive principles”, the Governor added. 

  

Governor Oyebanji urged the children and family of the late politician to be consoled by the record of selfless service and good name left behind by the deceased.

“Our condolences to the family, children, associates of our dear leader, Hon Kolawole. It is our prayers that God will grant him eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, the statement added.

AAUA Alumnus, Tosin Gbogi, Wins Double Global Awards.

AAUA Alumnus, Tosin Gbogi, Wins Double Global Awards.

An alumnus of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, AAUA, Dr Tosin Gbogi, has earned international recognition, clinching two prestigious awards for his scholarly contributions to African literary and cultural studies.

Gbogi, an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, was named the winner of the Best Book Prize of the African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) for his book, “Nigerian Hip-Hop: Race, Knowledge, and the Poetics of Resistance”, published by Oxford University Press in 2025.

Gbogi received the award on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the ASAUK awards ceremony at Durham University.

Published by one of the world's leading academic presses, the book examines Nigerian hip-hop as a significant site of cultural production, knowledge creation, and resistance.

Drawing on music, lyrics, visual arts, archival materials and interviews, Gbogi explores the relationship between Nigerian hip-hop, race, identity, popular culture and decolonial knowledge, while highlighting the ways young Nigerians use the genre to interrogate questions of self, nation and society.

The first comprehensive and systematic study of Nigerian hip-hop – one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant of such scenes – the book attends to the literary forms, the density of ideas, historical encounters, ideological struggles, and the lively internal debates that have animated the culture for more than four decades.

The University of Minnesota describes the work as a major study of Nigerian hip-hop's popular poetry, intermediality, Afrodiasporic connections, and contributions to decolonial and epistemic thought.

In another recognition of his scholarship, Gbogi's essay, “Ears to the Ground: Realness, Decolonial Meta-Rap, and the Language Debate in Nigerian Hip-Hop”, also received the 2026 Abioseh Porter Best Essay Award of the African Literature Association for an outstanding article in African literary studies.

Gbogi earned his Bachelor's degree in English Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University and subsequently taught at the University's Department of English Studies before proceeding abroad for further studies and academic advancement.

Before his international academic career, Gbogi had already established himself as a scholar, poet, and cultural critic. He is the author of two poetry collections, “The tongues of a shattered s-k-y” and “Locomotifs and other songs”, and has published widely on African literature, poetry, hip-hop, popular culture and linguistics.