OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES EX- DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ADELABU ON 75TH BIRTHDAY.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES EX- DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ADELABU ON 75TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated a former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Modupe Adelabu on the occasion of her 75th birthday.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, hailed Prof Adelabu for her notable contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria in general.

He described Prof Adelabu as a leader who serves with humility and simplicity,  noting that her impact in the academia, governance and politics are remarkable and well acknowledged nationally and globally.

Describing the former Deputy Governor as an exceptional woman of substance, the Governor said her earlier stints as a Professor of Education Management, consultant to international agencies such as World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO, and DFID attest to her diligence  and scholarship.

The Governor noted that Prof Adelabu has always made her wealth of experience and extensive contact available to the people of the state and was ever ready to give much to her people without expecting anything in return.

The Governor said Prof Adelabu is a shining star who has served Ekiti State and the country diligently as Chairman Ekiti SUBEB, as Deputy Governor and later as the Chairman of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), adding that the renowned Professor served meritoriously in all the assignments and continues to serve diligently in different capacities. 

The Governor added that he always count on the former Deputy Governor for her wise counsel as a patriot and a dependable leader, adding  that the former Deputy Governor is not only a shining star but a source of inspiration to the younger generation. 

He also commended Prof Adelabu for being a trustworthy and loyal party leader well recognized locally and nationally for various assignments she has handled for the All Progressives Congress (APC) which contributed to the strength and acceptability of the party by the electorate.

The Governor prayed God to grant the former Deputy Governor long life and sound health in both body and mind for more selfless service to Ekiti State, Nigeria and humanity at large.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our dear distinguished Prof Adelabu on her birthday and wish her many happy returns of the day in good health and prosperity”, the Governor added.

Iworoko Residents Demand New Monarch, Laud Oyebanji’s Developmental Efforts.

Iworoko Residents Demand New Monarch, Laud Oyebanji’s Developmental Efforts.

...As Prince Akinola-Farinde visits new market, seeks peace among royal families. 

Residents of Iworoko Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area have renewed calls for the installation of a substantive monarch, urging the Ekiti State Government, kingmakers, and other stakeholders to intervene and expedite the process.

The appeal came during a visit to the newly relocated Iworoko Market by one of the contestants for the Alaworoko stool, Prince Femi Akinola-Farinde. The market was recently moved by the state government to reduce frequent accidents at its former location.

The traders welcomed Prince Akinola-Farinde with songs and dance as he patronised various goods at the market, signalling his commitment to the community’s growth.

Speaking with journalists, the Iyalode of Iworoko, Chief Bosede Adebayo, and the Iyalaje, Chief Silifat Oyelade, lamented that the prolonged absence of a traditional ruler was hindering the town’s development. They appealed for ongoing litigations to be withdrawn in the interest of peace, unity, and progress.

Oguntunroti Emmanuel, the youth leader, praised Prince Akinola-Farinde’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of his dedication to the welfare of Iworoko Ekiti. He urged other stakeholders to emulate the prince’s example.

Prince Akinola-Farinde, who hails from the Oganyan Ruling House, explained that his visit was a cultural obligation to support his people during the market relocation. He blamed a particular family for obstructing the process of installing a new Alaworoko by rejecting a government committee’s recommendation that more than one family is eligible for the throne. According to him, it was unjust for a single family to dominate the kingship for decades while sidelining others.

The prince also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental initiatives across the state, urging residents to stay united and continue working towards peace and progress.

In a separate appeal, Prince Akinola-Farinde called on the state government, through Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye’s office, to listen to the people of Iworoko Ekiti and apply the same urgency used in filling other vacant Obas’ (Esun Ekiti and Oke-Ako Ekiti) stools to end the protracted leadership vacuum in Iworoko.

He further lauded Governor Oyebanji and his deputy for their giant strides in filling vacant traditional stools in the state.

EKSG INAUGURATES LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM PLATFORM FOR EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS.

EKSG INAUGURATES LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM PLATFORM FOR EMPLOYERS AND JOB SEEKERS.

...urges youths,active citizens and people with disabilities to embrace LMIS platform.

Ekiti State Government has Inaugurated the Labour Market Information System platform (LMIS) designed to serve as a one-stop platform for  relevant labour market-related data where job employers and job seekers can  interact for the purpose of Wealth Creation and Employment. 

In his address at the inauguration of the platform and the Public Private Dialogue on the LIMS in Ado-Ekiti ,the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae noted that the scheme is a transformational tool that would provide a centralised, digitised and dynamic platform for collecting,  analysing and disseminating labour Market data.

Otunba Fasae urged youths, active citizens as well as  people with disabilities in the State to embrace the platform, contribute their voice and upscale their potentials as the initiative is part of  concerted efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Administration to ensure that people of the state have adequate information and take full advantage of job opportunities within and outside the country.

He disclosed that his Ministry was partnering with various stakeholders such as educational institutions, corporate organisations as well as community and religious leaders to produce an interactive database that is accessible and up-to-date that enhances continuous data sharing by users.

"To our private sector partners: your insight is invaluable.  We ask that you share your labour needs, your growth projections and your training expectations. 

"To our development partners: contribute to walk with us as we strengthen the institutional frameworks that make reforms sustainable.

"To our youths: embrace this platform,  contribute your voice, your skills and your potential.

"To our traditional and community leaders: support grassroots awareness and adoption of this tool."

Fasae called on the youth in the state to avail themselves the opportunity to gather information and reduce unemployment in the state.

In his goodwill message at the event, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi noted that the programme would serve as guide for the labour market through public enlightenment.

Ajayi who lauded the initiative in setting up the LMIS platform, urged the Ministry to take the sensitization of the programme to all the communities in the State to enable it have accurate data of unemployed in the State.

Similarly , the the Managing Director of Yokes Solutions, Mrs. Tarebi Alebiosu who is the technical partner of the programme said that the initiative would reduce unemployment in the society.

She described the LMIS as a shared tool for collaboration,and is designed to give insight to government to make better decisions and build the economy through Creation of job/ Wealth for the people.

Participants at the programme among whom were religious leaders expressed their support for the initiative.

       

The programme also  afforded attendees the opportunity to seek clarification on grey areas on the effectiveness of the system.

Endorsements Are Not Empty Applause: The Political Validity of Governor Oyebanji’s Widespread Acceptance.

Endorsements Are Not Empty Applause: The Political Validity of Governor Oyebanji’s Widespread Acceptance.

In the rich theatre of Nigerian politics, endorsements are never accidental. They are not handouts. They are earned. They are the consequential echoes of tangible leadership, a vote of confidence from the people — and, in the case of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) of Ekiti State, they are the moral, political, and developmental validations of a governor whose stewardship is deeply rooted in performance, purpose, and providence.

The narrative peddled by cynics that massive endorsements signify desperation or mask underperformance is not only intellectually lazy, but also politically mischievous. Across the globe, in every functioning democracy, endorsements are a time-honoured tradition — a political testimony of approval. From the working farmer in Irepodun to the seasoned academic in Ado-Ekiti, from the youths in Oye-Ekiti to the Women in Ikere, from civil servants to religious leaders, the chorus in Ekiti is clear: Governor Oyebanji is not only delivering results; he is embodying the very essence of purposeful governance.

To be endorsed across party lines, by both elders and youths, men and women, royal fathers and grassroots influencers, is not a routine occurrence. It is a historic political consensus. It is a social alignment of gratitude and belief. Such endorsement cannot be manipulated — it is the organic outcome of effective governance. The governor’s humility, accessibility, competence, and compassion are resonating deeply with the people, and they are responding with their voices, their votes, and their visible support.

To argue that such outpouring of approval is negative is to deny the very foundation of democracy. If a leader is vilified when rejected and then still condemned when accepted, then critics are no longer engaging in politics — they are performing personal bitterness. But truth, like light, cannot be hidden. Ekiti people are not fools. They are deliberate, informed, and proud of their heritage. They know a good thing when they see one. And in BAO, they see vision, stability, prudence, results, and a rare humanity in leadership.

Development is not noise; it is seen in road networks, water supply, educational reforms, healthcare delivery, civil service reforms, peace and security, and respect for traditional institutions. On every index, BAO is raising the bar. What he lacks in showmanship, he compensates with substance. What he avoids in political drama, he delivers in policy depth. He governs with a calm hand, a deep mind, and a spiritual heart — favored by God and endorsed by men.

Those who say “wait, it’s too early to endorse” forget that performance is not a thing to be hidden until the eve of elections. Excellence demands applause in real-time. And those chasing shadows in the name of 2026 should understand that leadership is not a game of entitlement. Ekiti people have chosen to walk with a man they trust. They are not waiting to be swayed by empty promises or sectional pressure. Their loyalty is earned — not imposed. Their love for BAO is built on experience — not experiment.

Let it be said with clarity: this is not about silencing ambition; it is about acknowledging excellence. Political ambition is not a crime, but ambition without patience, and without respect for performance and the collective will of the people, is dangerous. To every naysayer: relax. The sun will shine on you — but not today. Wait until after 2030. For now, Ekiti is basking in the golden hour of a governor who represents the highest aspirations of her people.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is not perfect — no leader is. But he is sincere, he is strategic, and he is succeeding. And in this season, Ekiti is favored to have him. This wave of endorsement is not noise. It is history in motion. It is democracy affirming its choice. It is performance attracting applause.

So let the governor lead, and let the critics reflect. Let Ekiti continue to rise under the steady hands of a man truly ordained for a time like this.

BAO TILL 2030

Folorunso S. ALUKO – writes from Oye-Ekiti.

Ekiti Govt Approves Esun Community’s Request to Elect New Monarch.

Ekiti Govt Approves Esun Community’s Request to Elect New Monarch.

...Recognizes three ruling houses.

The Ekiti State Government has approved the process being undertaken by kingmakers to select a new Elesun of Esun Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the State to fill the vacant royal stool.

The government also ratified the decision of the town to pick the candidate from Atiba Ruling House, instead of Iloda, that had unilaterally and consistently produced the Elesun for over 200 years.

The stool became vacant sequel to the demise of Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, who was one of the two kings that were killed by gunmen along Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele road in 2024.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye gave the approval on Tuesday while presiding over a petition written by one Ireti Omojola on behalf of Iloda Ruling House, protesting that only the ruling house can produce Elesun.

Mrs Afuye, via a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Olakiitan Victor Ogunje, countered the position canvassed by the petitioner, saying the Chieftaincy Declarations recognised Atiba, Iloda and Ejisun Ruling Houses as three royal dynasties that can produce Elesun in the town.

Mrs Afuye posited that the combined effects of the Appeal Court Judgement delivered on 14th April, 2025, that nullified the judgement of the State High Court appropriating sole right to Iloda Ruling House to produce Elesun and the outcome of the Justice Aladejana Chieftaincy Review Commission, had invalidated the petitioner’s argument.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to allow peace in the community in tandem with the political philosophy of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, that only a serene and tranquil environment can witness development.

“We should allow the selection process to continue, nobody must cause any violence. We have been given the go- ahead and all the stakeholders involved should follow the normal traditions and customs expected to be undergone. Government has no vested interest in the throne.

“The petitioner has gone to challenge the government at the Supreme Court, let us wait for the outcome. But for now, we have no legal obstruction that can disallow us from continuing with the selection process. Esun Ekiti must move forward, you are one family.

“Let Atiba Ruling House that you have all agreed with to produce the new Elesun”, she declared.

Speaking further on the issue, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, added that Chieftaincy Declarations of each town remains the working bible and official framework being used to appoint traditional rulers, saying the government won’t deviate from this practice.

Atibioke stated that there was available evidence to substantiate the fact that the late monarchs, Oba Samuel Omojola and Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin consented to the inclusion of Ejisun and Atiba to be part of the Ruling houses in the community.

The Commissioner said the government is neither poised nor interested in trampling on the rights of anyone, saying they are only following procedure laid down by law.

However, speaking to the petition on behalf of Iloda Ruling House, Mr. Ireti Omojola, insisted that the first Elesun chieftaincy declarations of 1957 and Justice Oluwole Chieftaincy Review Commission of 1982 under Ondo State, vividly precluded Ejisun and Atiba from being enlisted as part of the royal dynasty.

Omojola stated that the State High Court presided over by Justice Dele Omotoso also nullified the inclusion of the two ruling houses in the chieftaincy declaration and affirmed that only Iloda should be recognised.

The Prince maintained that “the court in its judgement ruled that by practice, history, native law, customs and traditions, Ejisun and Atiba are not recognised as ruling houses in Esun Ekiti. How then can they produce a king?

“We felt cheated by their inclusion in Elesun Chieftaincy Declarations and that was why we filed this petition. We have also appealed to the Supreme Court over the dismissal of our case by the Appeal Court.”

Cavista Holdings Champions Job Creation at Ekiti Labour Market Information System Dialogue.

Cavista Holdings Champions Job Creation at Ekiti Labour Market Information System Dialogue.

I had the honour of representing Cavista Holdings Limited, owners of Agbeyewa Farms and operators of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Center, at the Ekiti State Government's Public-Private Dialogue on the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). This high-level session, organized by the Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore ways to leverage data-driven insights for bridging the gap between skills, employment, and enterprise development.

As a proud contributor to Ekiti's economic growth, I reiterated Cavista Holdings' commitment to creating jobs and driving prosperity in the state. In line with our Chairman's vision, our portfolio investments in Ekiti are dedicated to creating employment opportunities. I emphasized that Cavista Holdings and its portfolio businesses are in Ekiti for three primary purposes: to create jobs, to create more jobs, and to create even more jobs. By aligning our efforts with the state's goals, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ekiti residents and contribute to the state's inclusive growth.

This dialogue underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving economic development. I'm confident that initiatives like the Ekiti LMIS will play a crucial role in shaping the state's labour market and empowering its workforce. As a key player in Ekiti's economy, Cavista Holdings is committed to working closely with the state government to achieve our shared objectives and build a brighter future for the people of Ekiti.

Dauda Lawal 

Director of Community Engagement 

Agbeyewa Farms.

Ojuawo has commenced grading of constituency roads

Ojuawo has commenced grading of constituency roads.

Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has initiated the grading of constituency township roads to improve accessibility and alleviate residents’ suffering.

The project which began last week, covers key areas such as:

- Ogo Oluwa Community located behind Onward House Oke Osun, Ikere Ekiti.

- Road behind   Jimoh Block Oke Osun in Ikere Ekiti

- Omolaere farm road, Orun Ekiti.

- Niyi Adebayo Street, Orun Ekiti.

- Okondo Street Orun Ekiti

- Odo Omoba Street Ise Ekiti

- Shasha Market Road, Oke Opa Ikere Ekiti

Hon Ojuawo emphasized his commitment to grassroots development, stating, “Infrastructure is crucial to the survival of people at the grassroots. We must constantly identify areas for intervention and support Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s developmental initiatives.”

 

In appreciation, Hon Olu Adamolekun, The Chairman of Ikere local government thanked Hon Ojuawo for his timely intervention, noting the impact on residents’ livelihoods. The project is ongoing and open to other areas needing improvement within the constituency.”

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM