Gov Oyebanji's Declaration and What Next For APC Members.

Gov Oyebanji's Declaration and What Next For APC Members.

By Michael Ogungbemi

On Monday, August 4, 2025, Governor Biodun Oyebanji demonstrated that he was a real and unchangeable party man. He displayed aura suggesting that he has enormous respect for the doctrine of party supremacy by declaring his second term ambition before the Ekiti State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress at the party's Secretariat at Ajilosun Area of Ado Ekiti.

The party top hierarchy, led by the Acting Chairman, Bar Sola Elesin, were dazzled by this extreme display of respect and recognition for the party leadership.

The governor stunned all that were seated when he told the party in clear terms that his overt declaration doesn't foreclose any interested party man from vying for the governorship primary. He was explicit that interested members can take a plunge for the race. 

This statement was an open verdict that Governor Oyebanji was sure of himself. It confirmed his ardent belief in the ethos of participatory democracy. He believes the system should be opened to all. Unlike some governors who often deployed their governorship powers to muzzle perceived opposition and as well gag party leadership and deprive them of exercising their powers.

The take away from such conduct was that,Governor Oyebanji was an avid believer in the transiency of power : That nothing lasts forever. Like the former President of Nigeria , Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe once said: "No condition is permanent".

Governor's Open Respect for Electoral Law :

Before the declaration, the hoopla was much and deafening , with admirers making efforts to coerce the governor to talk and accept the myriad of endorsements he had enjoyed from more than 50 partisan and non-partisan groups across the strata of Ekiti State. This was a novelty in Ekiti's history. There had been endorsements in the past, but these were more outstanding and louder .

The governor as a believer in the rule of law never jumped the gun. He waited until after the INEC opened the door for electioneering activities and reeled out its programmes for the off -season election in Ekiti and Osun States.

This buttressed the widespread notion that the governor is not a neophyte in the game. He knows exactly what to do, and he did just that: One, by going to the party and expressed his intention to recontest on the premise of hearkening to the popular will and intention of Ekiti people.

Ekiti APC on The Move :

Since assumption of office, Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated respect for the party at all levels.The first thing he did was affording the leaders in each of the local governments, and ward the leeway to take absolute charge in the running of the party. 

This accounted for why the party leaders played pivotal roles in the composition of the State Executive Council. He didn't take brash and unilateral decisions in this regard. Those he composed into his cabinet went through the stringent scrutinies before the party leaders. That was democracy in action. 

Today in Ekiti APC, there are lesser intra party squabbles to manage owing to a governor who gives powers to where powers ordinarily belonged. He was never an obscurantist leader. Neither does he pose like a big cock that disallows the small ones from crowing. He gave room for political promotion, so that party politics can be enhanced.

It was this that actually propelled him to go before the real owners of the party and declared his second term ambition. When a society is to develop, it starts from the leaders and those who control the lever of powers. That was what our dear Governor was trying to prove and he did that convincingly.

What Next for APC Members:

The template has been set. How does this manifest? Governor Oyebanji has met all the parameters for reelection. One, he has declared his intention. Two, he has performed wonderfully well. Three, the people have asked him to continue. Four, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows him to recontest. In fact, all the hurdles have been removed. No impediment on the way. 

Flowing from the foregoing, time has come for party men to begin aggressive mobilisation ahead of the next governorship election slated for June 20, 2026. They must criss cross everywhere to preach the gospel of self succession for BAO. Such demand wasn't misplaced. He merits it and he must be given in the interest of our dear state. 

Though before the main election, there will be know battle for the party's ticket on October 27, 2025 APC's governorship primary, where Governor Oyebanji will participate and will win convincingly. There are signals that he may even emerge without opposition. There are pointers to that, because the party leaders have lucidly shown where they belonged.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he is with BAO. APC leaders in Ekiti State : former Governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi Phd are solidly behind him. They have told him: 'no shaking". 

Political stalwarts in the opposition's enclave have ruffled feathers with their leaders and stood by the governor's reelection. Their parties threatened suspension against them, but they never cared, because they perceived BAO as a marketable product and deserved of second term.

The members of the National Assembly, (Ekiti caucus) led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the coast is clear. The House of Assembly and all the 38 Council Chairmen have endorsed him. The party leaders across the 177 wards have queued behind his candidacy. Who then can turn the table? 

Frontline leaders like: Chief Samuel Alaba Abejide, Chief Jide Awe, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Surv Biodun Aluko, Ronke Okunsanya etc have come out in clear terms that the elders have endorsed Oyebanji and the voice of the elders stands for wisdom and reality. 

How can any internal opposition survive or launch any lethal onslaught under this tight circumstance? Except one is deluding himself, the road is already closed against any opponent in APC. Governor Oyebanji's second term is secured and only God can alter this permutation. 

The primary of any party is largely determined by party leaders. Former governors said they want him till 2030. All the state, local government and ward leaders said his leadership is captivating and bolstering party's popularity. Who then can say no to him in APC? 

Recently, the APC women wing went round the local governments under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the SSG, Prof Habibat Adubiaro and Mrs Ronke Okusanya.

 During the interfaces held across the councils, the APC women vividly showed their readiness to dive and sail with him in the ocean of second term. This support was charming, considering the attendance recorded and without dissenting voices. 

The verdict is clear: which is for Governor Oyebanji to continue till 2030. This is the time Ekiti people will show that good and sacrificial leadership has a reward. They knew Oyebanji deserves to be rewarded and the only way to demonstrate this is to back his second term ambition. This they will surely do without blinking an eyelid on the D-Day. 

Amb, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, wrote in from Iyemero Ekiti.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Vice Chairman, Alade, Celebrated for Loyalty, Grassroots Service on Birthday.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Vice Chairman, Alade, Celebrated for Loyalty, Grassroots Service on Birthday.

By Asubiojo G.O. 

The Vice Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Ekiti State, Hon. Alade Remi Babatunde, on Monday received an outpouring of goodwill messages from political leaders, top government functionaries, community stakeholders, and colleagues as he marked his birthday.

Alade, a native of Awo Ekiti, was praised for his pragmatic approach to leadership, loyalty to political superiors, and unwavering commitment to the development of his community.

In his tribute, the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, popularly known as CHENCO, described Alade as “a dependable deputy, a pillar of support, and a grassroots politician whose humility and dedication to service remain unmatched.”

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Hon. Sule Fatai, lauded the celebrant’s “consistent cooperation and political maturity,” noting that such qualities have been instrumental in the smooth running of the council’s affairs.

The Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, also joined in the commendations, extolling Alade’s “ability to blend administrative prudence with community engagement, thereby fostering unity and productivity in governance.”

All Directors in the council, including Mrs. Mosunmola Odeyemi (Director, Budget Planning & Research), Mrs. Kehinde Akode (Director, WASH), Mrs. Adeniyi L.T. (Director, Community Services), Mr. Asubiojo G.O. (Director of Information & Civic Orientation), Prince Adegoke Peter (Director of Administration), and Mrs. Adeyinka Bukola (Director of Agriculture & Natural Resources), jointly expressed their felicitations. They hailed the Vice Chairman as “a team player who respects institutional hierarchy and encourages synergy across departments.”

Also felicitating with Alade, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Aina Olawole Festus, alongside his pragmatic executives, described him as “a loyal friend of the workforce, a man who listens, and a leader who understands the pulse of his people.”

In his own remarks, Alade thanked God for his new age, appreciated his political leaders and colleagues for their support, and reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government and Awo Ekiti in particular.

“I will continue to be a team player, a loyal supporter of my leaders, and a servant of my people. The trust reposed in me is one I will never betray,” he said.

The day’s celebrations, according to observers, reaffirmed Alade’s place as not just a political officeholder, but a bridge-builder, unifier, and symbol of grassroots inclusion in local governance.

Oyebanji’s Cabinet Sack Long Overdue, Says DG.

Oyebanji’s Cabinet Sack Long Overdue, Says DG.

The Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Hon. Mary Oso Omotoso, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Council as “long overdue” and “nothing unusual,” urging the public to ignore any attempt to give it a negative interpretation.

Omotoso, in a statement on Monday, said cabinet reshuffles are a normal governance practice, noting that previous administrations in Ekiti dissolved their cabinets much earlier in their tenure.

 “Cabinet reshuffle ought to have been done long before now. This is not new. All appointments are at the pleasure of Mr Governor,” she said.

According to her, Oyebanji has so far run with the largest and longest-serving cabinet in the history of the state, which, she said, reflects his inclusive leadership style and patience in assessing his team’s performance.

“Other governors before BAO used to dissolve at two years. This Governor has given his team more time than any of his predecessors,” Omotoso added.

She stressed that taking such a decision barely two months to the governorship primary shows the governor is not desperate for power.

“Only a leader with genuine confidence in his performance and the people’s support would make such a bold move so close to an election,” she said.

Governor Oyebanji, while announcing the dissolution, thanked the outgoing members for their service and wished them well. He, however, said some Commissioners, Special Advisers and Directors General would retain their seats.

Political analysts believe the move is aimed at injecting fresh ideas and renewed energy into the administration as it enters its next phase of delivering on campaign promises.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

The affected Commissioners and Special Advisers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs.

Governor Oyebanji thanks the affected members of the State Executive Council and wishes them success in their future endeavours.

However, the dissolution does not affect the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Also not affected by the dissolution are the Commissioner for Health and Human Services; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Commissioner for Education; Commissioner for Works; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion; and Special Adviser Lands, Survey and e-GIS.

Also, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions. These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

 

Signed:

Prof. Habibat Adubiaro

Secretary to the State Government

10-08-2025

EKSU Mourns Alara of Aramoko, Ex-Chancellor Adeyemi.

EKSU Mourns Alara of Aramoko, Ex-Chancellor Adeyemi.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, describing him as a “tower of strength” and “all things to all people.”

 

Oba Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors recently, served as the Chancellor of EKSU and reigned over Aramoko Kingdom for 16 years. Prof. Ayodele, in a condolence message on Sunday, said the late monarch was a golden king whose wisdom, experience, and deep knowledge of Yoruba history and royalty made him an institution and an authority in his own right.

 

“I express heartfelt condolences to the Aramoko-in-Council, the Oloris, children, and the entire family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father. His departure is a huge loss, not only to Aramoko but also to the university, Ekiti State, and the entire Yoruba race,” the VC said.

 

He added that Oba Adeyemi’s tenure as EKSU Chancellor was marked by fatherly guidance and golden counsel that greatly benefited the university community.

 

In the statement issued on behalf of the university, the Deputy Registrar and Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, also paid tribute to the late king. He described Oba Adeyemi as “a royal father whose reign symbolised dignity, wisdom, and compassion.” According to him, “Kabiyesi was not only a monarch to be revered but also a true friend of education, whose tenure as Chancellor of EKSU left behind a legacy of counsel, encouragement, and unshakable support for academic excellence."

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU A TOWERING FIGURE IN POLITICS.

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU A TOWERING FIGURE IN POLITICS.

Comrade Oso Emmanuel Piper writes ✍️

True leadership is earned via visionary statesmanship, unwavering integrity, people's championship, unimpeachable character, unshakeable principle and legendary figure.... Sacrosanctly, the undaunted dedication of service to humanity by Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu earned him the unmeasured admiration, credibility, popularity and acceptability by his people and Ekiti at large.

Agbaman has since in the wake of democracy gained popularity among the people at the grassroot... His productive and cordial relationship with his people made him a core grassroot politician par excellence... A.T.M as labelled by his people affirmatively confirm the generosity and genuineness of Senator Adaramodu's leadership towards innovative and transformative development of Ekiti South Senatorial District and Ekiti at large.

Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu has in short time made commendable developmental achievements at the Red Chamber which included; monetary and material empowerment to members of the district, distribution of palliatives, rehabilitation of roads across the district, sponsoring of bills, award of scholarships to students, payment of students' bursaries, renovation and building of classrooms across the district, installation of solar light to illuminate communities across the district, renovation of Health centres, distribution of farms tools and grains to farmers, digital and other skills acquisition empowerment training and programs, facilitated job employment for youths across the districts, and many others but a few to mention.

 Interestingly, distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu remains an adorable political figure in Ekiti politics, and a respected sagacious political juggernaut in national politics... Evidently and undoubtedly, the political coast of Agbaman is all inclusive that conglomerates vibrant and intelligent young politicians, strategic comrades and gallant political soldiers.

 Above all, with utmost sense of modesty and admiration,  we the good people of Ekiti South Senatorial District appreciate and commend the good work of our National Treasure, "Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu." And as we pledge our undaunted support, we are trusting for more dividends of democracy at our doorsteps to complement the transformative and innovative political viability Agbaman is known for.... May God bless the Leader. 

#A.P.C For A Reason 

#Adaramodu Our Leader 

#Ekiti South for Agbaman

Response to the Viral Claim Attributed to Hon Rotimi Amaechi.

Response to the Viral Claim Attributed to Hon Rotimi Amaechi.

We address the alleged claim by Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, that he and our principal, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, founded the new ADC coalition before expanding it to include others.

Despite efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it. No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations has been located.

In an era where fabricated or distorted statements are often attributed to public figures for malicious purposes, we are cautious about engaging with potentially manufactured controversies designed to provoke or profit. It is possible that Hon. Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.

We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr. Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State. At various public forums in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed. 

Furthermore, Dr. Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket. This underscores his loyalty to the APC.

We also wish to note that Dr Fayemi is a politician and thought leader with friends and associates that span political, religious, ethnic and regional divides. And from time to time, he is part of conversations about the Nigeria project, how to deepen our fledgling democracy, make the country work for the greater good of all and overcome its numerous challenges. 

These conversations, however, do not amount to defections or leaving the APC. Dr Fayemi has the courage to pursue his convictions. If he were to leave the APC, he would make it public and not require a third party to do so. We state again, maybe for the umpteenth time: Dr Fayemi remains a principal member of the APC and is fully behind the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. 

We understand that the constant speculation about his party affiliation may stem from perceived limited public visibility, but that is because he has been actively engaged as a visiting professor at King's College London and as the founder of Amandla Institute. Even then, while this may be true at the national level, it’s not so at the local level in Ekiti State, where he has been present at several leadership caucus meetings of the APC and publicly endorsed the Governor to contest in the forthcoming gubernatorial election. 

We urge the public to treat any news concerning Dr. Fayemi with caution, particularly when it originates solely from social media.

Signed

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh

Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja

August 10, 2025