Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Backs Oyebanji’s Consensus Candidacy, Says Continuity Is a Blessing to Ekiti.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LG Backs Oyebanji’s Consensus Candidacy, Says Continuity Is a Blessing to Ekiti.

By Asubiojo G.O

The leadership and people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ekiti State, have extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) on his emergence as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Describing the development as a “historic milestone for democratic continuity and good governance,” the Council Chairman, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, said Oyebanji’s endorsement reflects the overwhelming confidence of the people in his leadership, character, and achievements.

Speaking from the council headquarters in Igede-Ekiti, Oluwatuyi praised the governor’s humility, vision, and people-first approach to governance, saying these qualities have redefined the leadership experience in Ekiti.

“Your Excellency’s emergence as consensus candidate is not only well-deserved, but also divinely orchestrated. You have broken the jinx of political discontinuity, and ushered in an era of purposeful leadership that resonates across every ward and community in our state,” he said.

Also lending their voices, the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Remi Alade, and the Council Secretary, Hon. Dr. Tunji Sule, jointly praised Oyebanji’s inclusive governance model, describing him as “a bridge-builder whose leadership has unified the party, inspired the youth, and restored dignity to public service in Ekiti.”

The Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, noted that under Oyebanji’s leadership, local governments have experienced improved synergy with the state, with better administrative support and enhanced staff welfare.

“Governor Oyebanji’s style is transformational. He listens, engages, and delivers. His re-election through consensus is a victory for stability and sustainable development,” she added.

On his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in the council, Comrade Aina Olawole Festus, described the governor as “a labour-friendly leader who has not only paid attention to workers’ welfare but has restored dignity to the public workforce.”

He applauded Oyebanji’s intervention in prompt salary payments, gratuity settlements, and improved working conditions, stating that continuity under his leadership would further deepen reforms in the local government system.

The council leaders unanimously reaffirmed their full support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, pledging unwavering loyalty and prayers for divine guidance as he continues to lead Ekiti towards greater heights.

Ekiti 2026: EAF Hails Oyebanji’s Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate, Commends ₦14.4bn Gratuity Payments.

Ekiti 2026: EAF Hails Oyebanji’s Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate, Commends ₦14.4bn Gratuity Payments.                                By Olamide Akinwumi 

A socio-political group, Ekiti Advancement Frontiers (EAF), has congratulated the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.

The group, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Convener, Dr. Oso Adedeji, described Oyebanji’s selection as a testament to his performance and track record in office over the past three years.

EAF praised the governor’s strides across key sectors including infrastructure, education, agriculture, social services, and human capital development, noting that his administration had significantly improved the state's standing among its peers.

“Governor Oyebanji's achievements speak volumes. His leadership has made Ekiti a cynosure of all eyes in the comity of states,” the statement said.

The group also lauded Oyebanji’s administration for its recent disbursement of ₦2 billion as part of gratuity payments to pensioners, describing the move as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of retirees in the state.

EAF noted that since assuming office in 2022, the governor has paid a total of ₦26 billion in pensions, with ₦7.6 billion previously disbursed as gratuities to state pensioners by September 2025. The additional ₦2 billion brings the total gratuity payments to state pensioners to ₦9.6 billion, while local government pensioners have received ₦4.8 billion—amounting to a combined ₦14.4 billion in gratuity debt settlement.

“This is unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State,” the group said, adding that the development reflects Oyebanji’s resolve to honour commitments to the elderly who served the state meritoriously.

The group also recalled that the governor had cleared eight months of arrears owed to both workers and pensioners, as well as increased the monthly pension by ₦20,000, steps they said showed genuine empathy for senior citizens.

EAF reaffirmed its support for the governor’s re-election bid, urging stakeholders and residents of the state to rally behind him to ensure a resounding victory in the 2026 election.

Ekiti Gov: APC adopts Oyebanji as consensus candidate.

Ekiti Gov: APC adopts Oyebanji as consensus candidate.

The All Progressives Congress has adopted Governor Biodun Oyebanji as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

APC disclosed this as it announced its decision to switch the state primary election from a direct primary to a consensus mode.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the change followed the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs Atinuke Omolayo, who pulled out of the race and endorsed Oyebanji as the consensus choice.

The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress announces its decision to now adopt the consensus mode for the conduct of its governorship primary election in Ekiti State.

“The change from the earlier indicated direct primary to consensus mode of primary was necessitated by the voluntary withdrawal of one of the two cleared aspirants, Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

“In a letter to the party, Mrs Omolayo conveyed her decision to withdraw from the contest and endorse His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as a consensus candidate, and expressed her support for any arrangement adopted by the party in nominating its flag bearer in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022 and the party’s Constitution.”

The party said it has satisfied the requirements of Sections 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which govern the use of consensus mode for primaries.

Accordingly, the APC announced that delegate congress will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The delegate congress appeal will be held on Sunday, October 26, while the special nomination congress to ratify the consensus candidate is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025.

“The party commends Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo for her spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to party unity and progress.

“We urge all leaders, members and stakeholders of our great party in Ekiti State to stand united and work assiduously for the party’s victory in the June 2026 governorship election,” the statement added.

The move ends the short-lived contest between the two cleared aspirants and sets the stage for a quick ratification of Oyebanji as the APC nominee.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had, in May, fixed the governorship election in Ekiti for Saturday, July 20, 2026.

EKITI STATE JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE - "give me Opeyemi Bamidele to work with me in Abuja.

EKITI STATE JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE - "give me Opeyemi Bamidele to work with me in Abuja.

 ....Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu"

 By HC Ade 

The Man Who Saw Tomorrow is a 1981 American documentary-style film about the predictions of French astrologer and physician Michel de Notredame.

Michel de Nostredame, commonly known as Nostradamus, was a French apothecary and seer who gained fame for his prophecies. Nostradum was from a Jewish in a Provence of French in 1503.

His prophecies began with a writing in the form of quatrains (four-line poems) in the year 1550s. His prophecies has so far been a world references in the today's world.

Like Michel de Nostredame of 15th century like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of 20th century. Time they say, heals, but scars teach.

On the 3rd of March, 2022 to be precise, the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu then breezed in to Ekiti State capital, while in the palace of our Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III CON, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, where he made the prophetic passionate appeal to the entire people of the Ekiti State before all the political bigwigs of the Stste for the release of the present Senate Leader Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele to work closely and hand-in-hand with him in Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the then presidential candidate of the ruling party _APC_ pleaded with the entire Ekiti that if there is anybody who knows how and when to talj to him, it is the quintessential lawyer.  If there is anybody he trusted so much and can always vouch for his absolute loyalty, it is the lawyer.

Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele, is a political icon, a reputable human activist, an orator, and a senior member of the body of bencher, a lawyer without border. An accomplished graduate of the political school of Jagaban who has learnt and learnt so much from President Tinubu right before the struggle for the June 12 1993 election that won by Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, _gcfr_.

Just like Marcus Tullius Cicero the then  Roman statesman and lawyer who advocated for a return to the Republic and was one of the most influential Latin writers in history, Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele has remained the major stabilising factor of the last and the present administration when it comes to harmonious executive/legislative relationship on one side and pillar of political stability in the entire South West especially in Ekiti State as the number six (6) and two (2) in political ranking throughout the nation and from the South West after the President. 

Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has always been a loyal, dependable and committed kitchen cabinet member of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he was the Executive Governor of Lagos State between 1999 - 2007 and his immediate predecessor, forner governor Raji Babatunde Fasola. Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele is a second term senior serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the good people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District and the Senate Leader of the present 10th NASS.

Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele has carried out many critical and laudable assignments for and on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without blemish, the latest is ensuring that the ruling party work and support the re-election of the ruling party within the atmosphere of peace, free and fair election come 2026 and 2027 by ensuring the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji emerges and win in order to give his home Statethe necessary leverage towards the 2027 Presidential election.

Nostradamus's insight and prophecies remain a topic of interest and debate till date, with many people continuing to study and interpret his works.  Likewise, little did the people knew when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was begging Ekiti people for the release of Senator Bamidele to work with him in Abuja for the immediate and future benefit of Ekiti people on one hand and as the most trusted confidant who as a trained lawyer with uncommon knowledge to stabilise the government.  It is obvious that till date, the Distinguished Senator has never disappointed.

Within the last over two (2) years of this administration under the leadership and guidiance of the erudite and consumate lawyer, the 10th National Assembly has passed several landmark bills into law since 2022, amongst which are the recent Nigeria Tax Law , Student Loan law. National Minimum Wage Amendment law,

The Regional Development Commission, the  National Social Investment Programmes Act and many more life changing laws properly guided and passed to law by the strick monitoring of a trusted ally.

All together, the present 10th Senate has passed 96 bills with 52 of them assented to by the President.  These bills demonstrate the National Assembly's commitment to addressing societal challenges, promoting economic growth, and enhancing peace and security. 

The rancouless and harmonious executive/legislative relationship under the present administration under the guard of Senator Bamidele is unprecedented and one in a million courtesy the collective decision of Ekiti people yeildimg to the request of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele to work with him in 2022.

While at the home front, the Distinguished Senator remains the most intelligent, brilliant, bridge builder, and unassuming champion of continuity, hope and development of the future of the SW and particularly Ekiti State in putting the political/economic stability of the Ekiti above any personal interest.   This he has done by ensuring maximum support of his boss and the Presidency to the most significant approval of the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State. The Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is doing this in fulfillment and manifestation of the trust/confident his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reposed in him when Baba said *_e funmi ni Opeyemi, ohun nikan lomon bosele bami soro atigba tole bami soro timaa'gbo_. The President knows some unique qualities in Senator (Dr.) Opeyemi Bamidele that it will takes the like of Nostradmus to know that the Distinguished Senator is a shrewd grassroots politician, mass mobiliser, a knowledgeable Barrister of law, a trustworthy and thorough confidant zero betrayal possibility.

Andrew Carnegie once said, *_"no man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it"_*, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, _gcfr_, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of our great party have said and endorsed His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State for his re-election for another four years through the maximum support of his trusted ally - Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and the good people of Ekiti State have heard and taken to this. 

With the above, the victory of *BAO/APC02 and PBAT/APC02* is no doubt sacrosanct,  it is a done deal and a signal to every individual or group that have the interest in supporting the re-election of President Tinubu to join the moving train before it will be too late.

Many thanks to the man who saw tomorrow and never renage in keeping up with better tomorrow for Ekiti people.  Many thanks to Ekiti people for releasing Senator (Dr) to continue holding his home State and the SW firm for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The greatest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his undying love and trust of our own - Senator Bamidele. 

Once again, congratulations to the most Distinguished Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on the occasion of your 62th birthday.  Hurrrrray!

With the above,

I remain, yet,

HC Ade 

30th July, 2025

Venite University Announces Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session.

Venite University Announces Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Academic Session. 

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, has announced that academic activities for the 2025/2026 academic session will officially commence on Sunday, 23rd November 2025 for fresh students and Sunday, 7th December 2025 for returning students.

In a statement issued by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr E. A. Agbaje, the university advised all students to strictly adhere to the approved resumption schedule and related guidelines to ensure a smooth start to the new session.

Read More 👇👇

https://veniteuniversity.edu.ng/2025/10/14/venite-university-announces-resumption-dates-for-2025-2026-academic-session/sumption-dates-for-2025-2026-academic-session/

FRSC STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH IREPODUN/IFELODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON ROAD SAFETY ENHANCEMENT.

FRSC STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH IREPODUN/IFELODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON ROAD SAFETY ENHANCEMENT.

By Asubiojo G.O

The officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), led by the Unit Commander, Mrs. Jemiseye I.O, paid an official courtesy visit and engagement to the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Honourable Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, alongside his pragmatic and game-changing administrative team, on Tuesday.

In his remarks, the Chairman commended the FRSC officials for their tireless commitment to road safety and traffic management across the Local Government. He charged the Corps to sustain and enhance the delivery of quality services to residents, ensuring that their operations remain efficient, humane, and devoid of hitches or setbacks.

Hon. Oluwatuyi further encouraged the FRSC leadership to intensify efforts in public enlightenment and road user education, especially during the Ember Months and beyond, when road activities typically increase. He praised the Corps for its critical role in saving lives, promoting discipline, and enforcing compliance with traffic regulations.

The Chairman also expressed delight over the noticeable reduction in vehicular accidents and fatalities within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government and across Ekiti State. He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support and partnership with the FRSC in alignment with the vision and leadership drive of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) toward ensuring safety, order, and development across the state.

In her response, Mrs. Jemiseye I.O, the Unit Commander, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and fostering a focused partnership between the Local Government and the FRSC. She commended the Local Government leadership for its unalloyed cooperation and support, particularly in ensuring smooth safety operations and unhindered access to FRSC services within the Local Government and beyond.

The meeting was further graced by notable political leaders and top government functionaries, including the Vice Chairman, Honourable Engr. Remi Alade; Honourable Dr. Tunji Sule;  the Secretary to the Local Government. The administrative echelon of the Local Government, led by the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, alongside other Directors and Departmental Heads, also added colour and depth to the interactive session.

Ekiti 2026: APC Screening a Test of Party Supremacy and Discipline — OSV.

Ekiti 2026: APC Screening a Test of Party Supremacy and Discipline — OSV.

The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV) has described the recent disqualification of some governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election as a necessary test of party supremacy, discipline and internal cohesion.

The group said the move by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) should not be seen as victimisation but as an effort to preserve unity and strengthen internal democracy within the ruling party.

In a statement released on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the OSV noted that the disqualification process had raised important questions about the integrity of the party structure, membership discipline and the sources of campaign funding among aspirants.

"Who is funding these aspirants, and how are their campaign resources being channelled into the state? Who are their sponsors or godfathers — are they from Aso Rock, within the state, or among members of the State Executive Council? Are these aspirants bonafide, financial, and active members of the APC who attend ward and state meetings regularly?” the statement queried.

The group said the NWC’s screening exercise would help identify genuine members who are committed to the party ideals and ensure transparency in the build-up to the polls.

The OSV reminded the party that the Yoruba political culture is deeply rooted in democracy and resistance to imposition. It said the people of Ekiti, as part of the South West, have consistently defended the principles of political freedom and independence.

“The Yoruba are politically sophisticated and have consistently rejected any attempt to impose leadership on them.

“From the Kiriji War to the nationalist struggles led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the defence of the June 12 mandate, our people have always valued independence and political freedom,” the group said.

According to the group, Ekiti has historically played a vital role in advancing progressive ideals and should remain a reference point for political integrity and fairness.

The group said the disqualification of some aspirants aligned with the principles of fairness, order, and discipline that have defined the APC administrations of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national level.

“As we move toward the 2026 and 2027 elections, the APC must show unity, discipline, and respect for leadership,” the statement added.

“Victory is not automatic; it will come only when the right internal structures are maintained.”

The OSV also cautioned members of the ruling party against a repeat of the 2014 internal crisis, which created openings for the opposition to take advantage of.

The group appealed to all aspirants to respect the outcome of the screening exercise and rally behind the eventual party flagbearer in the interest of collective success.

“Only one candidate can emerge as the APC flagbearer. That person must enjoy the confidence of the leadership and the majority of members. Anyone secretly working against the party should face appropriate sanctions in line with the rules,” the statement said.

It described the screening and disqualification process as a litmus test for the APC’s management and leadership culture, stressing that the party must balance “doing things right” with “doing the right things.”

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Oyebanji and President Tinubu, describing both as symbols of progressive governance whose policies have strengthened the APC across the South West.

“This is not just about 2026,” the statement concluded. “It is about preserving the legacy of the progressives and ensuring the supremacy of the party in Ekiti and across the South West.”