New Year Vibes: Hon. Oluwatuyi Inspires IILG Citizens with Message of Love, Vision, and Forgiveness.

New Year Vibes: Hon. Oluwatuyi Inspires IILG Citizens with Message of Love, Vision, and Forgiveness.

By Asubiojo G. O.

As the dawn of 2026 breaks with renewed hope and promise, the Chairman of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government (IILG), Hon. Oluwagbenga Oluwatuyi, alongside his supportive and industrious wife, Hon. (Mrs.) Hellen Oluwatuyi, has extended warm and heartfelt New Year felicitations to the resilient and peace-loving people of Igede Ekiti, Awo Ekiti, and the hardworking staff of the Local Government.

Describing the New Year as a season of reflection, reconciliation, and responsible leadership, the IILG First Family called on citizens to embrace steadfast love, forgiveness, unity of purpose, and disciplined vision as enduring pillars for sustainable development and social harmony. They emphasized that true progress flourishes where compassion guides governance and vision is pursued with clarity, logic, and analytical precision.

The Chairman and his wife underscored the importance of strategic thinking and collective responsibility in navigating present-day socio-economic realities.

 They urged residents to continue supporting policies and programmes that promote inclusive growth, youth empowerment, community security, and peaceful coexistence, noting that the future greatness of IILG lies in a shared resolve where government and citizens work hand in hand toward excellence.

Hon. Oluwagbenga Oluwatuyi and Hon. (Mrs.) Hellen Oluwatuyi specially commended the staff of Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government for their unwavering dedication and selfless service in the past year. They charged them to raise the bar in 2026 through deeper cooperation, renewed commitment, punctuality, and professionalism, stressing that excellence must not only be sustained but surpassed.

“This year, our service delivery must be smarter, faster, more accountable, and more people-centred than ever before,” they noted.

Reaffirming the administration’s game-changing commitment to transparent governance, accountability, and people-oriented leadership, the Chairman and his pragmatic wife called on all stakeholders—traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, women, professionals, and civil servants—to renew their faith in collective action and work tirelessly toward a more prosperous and united IILG.

In keeping with their characteristic humility and pragmatic leadership style, the couple further implored the dynamic, consciously intelligent, and patriotic citizens of the Local Government to continue offering constructive advice, objective criticism, and timely guidance as tools for strengthening governance and deepening democracy.

They also appealed to the progressive and loving people of Igede Ekiti and Awo Ekiti to sustain their overwhelming support for the second-term aspiration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), describing him as a kind-hearted, professionally inclined, and development-driven leader—a “Jinx Breaker” whose administration continues to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across Ekiti State. Citizens were urged to mobilize massive votes and collective support to ensure the continuity of good governance.

The humility-personified couple concluded by wishing the people of Igede Ekiti, Awo Ekiti, and the entire IILG a peaceful, productive, and glorious New Year 2026, praying that it ushers in greater unity, measurable progress, and shared prosperity for all.

Towards Inclusive Growth, Hon. Oluwatuyi presents 2026 ‘Budget of Hope’.

Towards Inclusive Growth, Hon. Oluwatuyi presents 2026 ‘Budget of Hope’.

By Asubiojo G.O

The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Ifedara LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, on Tuesday, 30th December, 2025, presented the Year 2026 budget proposal tagged “Budget of Hope” to the Honourable Members of the Legislative House.

Presenting the budget speech before the legislators, Oluwatuyi said the 2026 financial proposal was designed to restore confidence and hope in government through prompt interventions aimed at solving community problems, particularly in the area of capital projects.

According to him, the budget aligns with the six-point agenda of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, which include job creation, human capital development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and industrialisation, governance, as well as arts, culture and tourism.

Addressing the House, the chairman expressed appreciation to the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Araromi LCDA and Ifedara LCDA for the mandate given to his administration and other political office holders, assuring that the trust reposed in them would not be misused.

In compliance with the provisions of Section 9(4), Subsection 3 of the Ekiti State Local Government Administration Law of 1999 (as amended), Oluwatuyi presented the draft estimates for the three councils.

For Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, the budget proposal showed a recurrent expenditure of Two Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Seven Naira (N2,208,072,257.00) and a capital expenditure of One Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira (N1,446,437,775.00), bringing the total draft estimate to Two Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira (N2,776,437,775.00).

For Araromi LCDA, the recurrent expenditure was put at Three Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira (N382,232,995.00), while capital expenditure stood at Four Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Naira (N446,257,000.00), amounting to a total draft estimate of Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira (N776,490,000.00).

In Ifedara LCDA, the proposed recurrent expenditure was Three Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (N321,456,000.00), with capital expenditure estimated at Ninety-Five Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N95,200,000.00), bringing the total draft estimate to Four Hundred and Sixteen Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand Naira (N416,656,000.00).

Other figures presented included Nine Hundred and Twenty-One Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (#921,356,000.00) and Four Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Naira (#457,785,000.00).

The chairman explained that the major sources of revenue to finance the budget include Internally Generated Revenue, statutory allocation (10 per cent state IGR), excess crude, exchange gain, value added tax, augmentation and other miscellaneous sources.

Expected revenue projections showed Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira (N460,430,776.00) for Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Four Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N477,200,000.00) for Araromi LCDA and Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N400,000.00) for Ifedara LCDA.

Oluwatuyi noted that the 2026 budget projection was higher than that of 2025, attributing the increase to the administration’s desire to serve the people better. He also expressed concern over the declining internally generated revenue, stressing the need for aggressive policies to improve revenue generation across the councils.

He appealed to traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, Iyaloja and market leaders to cooperate with the administration, particularly in the area of internally generated revenue, while also calling on the legislators to give the budget an accelerated passage.

The chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, in consonance with the chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon. Lawrence Ogunsanya, and the chairman of Araromi LCDA, Chief Alade, jointly presented the 2026 financial estimates before the hallowed chamber of the council.

Speaking after the presentation, the chairman of Ifedara LCDA and Araromi LCDA affirmed that there was a solid working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, assuring that the budget would be executed to the letter when passed, while appealing for continued cooperation between both arms.

In her response, the Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Mrs Yemisi Olagunju, said the House would subject the budget to thorough vetting before approval, adding that the executive would be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence to the budget provisions.

The councillors also charged the executive to ensure full implementation of the budget, noting that its execution would be closely monitored in line with their constitutional responsibilities.

The budget subsequently passed its first reading, with members of the House unanimously assenting to its progression to the second reading.

Those present included the chairman of Araromi LCDA, Alade Adewale, Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, hon Lawrence Ogunsanya, the vice chairmen, secretaries, Heads Of Local Government Administration, political heavyweights and administrative echelon within the local governments.

OWO BAO for Women: Ajayi empowers over 100 women in Emure-Ekiti, praises Oyebanji’s leadership.

OWO BAO for Women: Ajayi empowers over 100 women in Emure-Ekiti, praises Oyebanji’s leadership.

No fewer than 100 women across the 10 wards of Emure-Ekiti have benefitted from the OWO BAO for Women initiative, a New Year empowerment programme facilitated by Engineer and APC chieftain, Hon. Bayo Ajayi.

The event, which held on Tuesday, 30th December, at the BAO Office opposite the Palace in Emure-Ekiti, attracted party leaders, community stakeholders and women groups from across the local government area.

Hon. Bayo Ajayi, member Environmental Management Board.

Speaking at the event, Ajayi described the initiative as part of his continuous support for the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, noting that the programme was designed to put smiles on the faces of women and deepen grassroots support for good governance.

“This OWO BAO initiative is about sharing love, joy and fulfilment with our women, no matter how small,” Ajayi said. “Politics is about service and investment in the people. I am doing this in support of the people-oriented agenda of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whose leadership has brought unity, peace and inclusiveness to Ekiti State.”

He praised Governor Oyebanji for creating a political environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. “What we are witnessing today in Ekiti has never happened before. Governor Oyebanji has eliminated bitterness and unhealthy political rivalry, replacing it with unity and collective development,” he added.

Ajayi also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, for fostering unity among political leaders in the local government.

Earlier, several APC leaders took turns to commend Ajayi’s consistency and commitment to the party and community development.

Former Chairman of Emure Local Government and member of the State Emergency Management Agency, Hon. Olubayode Okeyo.

Former Chairman of Emure Local Government and member of the State Emergency Management Agency, Hon. Olubayode Okeyo, described the initiative as a timely intervention. He urged political leaders and stakeholders to remain united in supporting developmental programmes across the local government.

Hon. Chief Mrs Adeshina.

Also speaking, Hon. Chief Mrs Adeshina praised Ajayi’s long-standing loyalty to the party and Governor Oyebanji, revealing his personal sacrifices in sustaining the BAO movement.

“Bayo Ajayi has always been there for the party, both in Emure and Ekiti State at large,” she said. “He even acquired a branded vehicle solely to support BAO’s continuity till 2030. When he came to consult me about joining politics, I saw sincerity in him, and till today, he has remained committed to the people.”

Pastor Tunde Popoola, APC PRO Emure Local Government Area.

Acting APC chairman Emure Ekiti, Hon Monday Ajanaku able represented by Pastor Tunde Popoola, applauding Hon Ajayi for his consistency, love, support and good deeds, appreciate all the leaders present at the occasion.

Anchor BAO organisation Emure chapter led by Hon Titilayo Ojuawo.

Anchor BAO organisation Emure chapter led by Hon Titilayo Ojuawo, shower prayer upon the local government and Hon Bayo Ajayi for this good initiative.

Hon Mrs Victoria O. Coordinator Osoko women in politics Emure local government.

Women groups, including Oshoko Women in Politics, lauded Ajayi for supporting elderly women and promoting unity across Emure-Ekiti, while pledging continuous support for his political engagements.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, in separate interviews, expressed gratitude to Ajayi, describing him as a compassionate and people-oriented leader.

One of the beneficiaries said, “Hon. Bayo Ajayi has always stood by the people of Emure-Ekiti. This is not the first time he is supporting us. He has shown that leadership is about the welfare of the people, especially women.”

Another beneficiary added, “What he has done today has brought joy to our homes. We pray that God continues to strengthen him to do more for the people.”

The programme ended with prayers for continued unity among APC leaders in Emure-Ekiti and renewed calls for massive support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming elections.

Important personalities attending the program were; Hon. Kehinde Boluwade (SSA on project monitoring committee), Chief Ayo Famojuran (Member Ekiti State Council of traditional board), Hon Olubayode Okeyo former chairman Emure local government doubled as member SEMA, Pastor F.T Popoola (PRO APC Emure local government), Hon Yetunde Akerefola (Secretary Emure local government), Hon Chief Mrs Adeshina, Hon. Mrs. Titilayo Ojuawo, coordinator BAO anchor Emure local government, Hon Mrs Victoria O. Coordinator Osoko women in politics Emure local government, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Adeniyi (Special Adviser on Gender), among others.

Olajuyin Hosts Party Faithful, Rallies Support for BAO/MCA Second Term, Declares House of Reps Ambition.

Olajuyin Hosts Party Faithful, Rallies Support for BAO/MCA Second Term, Declares House of Reps Ambition.

Engineer Olasunkanmi Olajuyin has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Ekiti State to remain united and resolute in their support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) and his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye (MCA), ahead of the party’s second-term bid.

Olajuyin made the call while speaking at an end-of-the-year Christmas get-together attended by party stakeholders from Ikere Local Government, Ekiti South West Local Government and Ise/Orun Local Government areas.

The event, which attracted a large turnout, had in attendance all councillors from Ikere, Ise/Orun and Ekiti South West local governments, as well as ward chairmen across the councils. Party leaders and faithful drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state were also present, underscoring the wide acceptance of the gathering.

Speaking at the event, Olajuyin, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti in Ikere Local Government Area, urged party members to sustain their loyalty to the APC-led administration, noting that Governor Oyebanji’s leadership style and developmental strides across the state deserved continuity.

He emphasised that the collective aspiration of party stakeholders at the meeting was to ensure the re-election of BAO and MCA for a second term, describing the duo as symbols of stability, inclusive governance and grassroots development.

At the gathering, Olajuyin also formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, which comprises Ikere Local Government, Ekiti South West Local Government and Ise/Orun Local Government areas. He said his aspiration was driven by a desire to deepen grassroots representation and attract more development to the constituency.

Dignitaries at the event included a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aladejebi; a former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly from Ikere Constituency, Hon. Adu; and a former chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Toyin Afolabi.

Others were Prince Ben Akinola, Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President; the Leader of Ikere Local Government Legislative Arm, Hon. Oloko Seun; and the Leader of Ekiti South West Local Government Legislative Arm, Hon. Oge Kole.

Also in attendance were two local government party chairmen, all councillors, ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, party public relations officers and representatives of the drivers’ unions.

The gathering ended with renewed commitments by party faithful to work collectively towards strengthening the APC and mobilising support for the BAO-led administration across the state, as well as supporting Olajuyin’s declared ambition.

Ekiti 2026: Fayemi urges Sustained Mobilization for Oyebanji’s Re-election.

Ekiti 2026: Fayemi urges Sustained Mobilization for Oyebanji’s Re-election.

….let’s make the victory resounding, he says. 

The Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to step up their mobilisation for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re- election for a second term, Inspite of weak opposition in the state. 

Dr Fayemi gave the charge during the annual get-together of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, held at his Isan-Ekiti country home on Friday, stressing that victory at the polls requires sustained hard work, unity and strategic grassroots engagement across all wards and local government areas.

The former Governor noted that while the current administration has recorded notable achievements, party members must not be complacent, adding that strong performance in governance must be complimented with effective political mobilisation to secure re-election.

Fayemi who admitted that Governor Oyebanji’s superlative performance in the last three years had weakened opposition parties and almost made Ekiti a one-party state, said Inspite of this, concerted efforts must me made so as to make the June 20, 2026 victory a resounding one. 

He urged party faithful to close ranks, intensify door-to-door campaigns and continue to project the achievements of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration, describing the Governor as a steady and people-oriented leader, who is committed to the development of Ekiti State.

Fayemi further called on party members to remain focused, disciplined and peaceful in their engagements, expressing confidence that with collective effort and vigilance, the APC would record another resounding victory at the next governorship election in the state.

He said "I just want to thank the leadership of the party because when I said as for me and my family we are for Governor Oyebanji, you all queue behind me and I also thank you for supporting the Governor but it's not yet enough, where we are going now is the real business and I don't want us to be complacent that we do not have opposition.

"We must redouble our efforts, even if Governor Oyebanji is the only one on the ballot on June 20, 2026 (which I know is not ), don't let us underrate any party. Let’s go to the poll with all the energy and mobilisation we can muster and make the victory a resounding one”. 

Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks at the event,  expressed his gratitude to the former Governor and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued support and guidance ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Governor Oyebanji said the party must approach the election as a united front, stressing that cohesion, loyalty and collective responsibility among members remain critical to sustaining the gains recorded by his administration and securing victory at the polls.

Oyebanji emphasized that the APC must demonstrate strength through peaceful mobilisation, effective grassroots engagement and issue-based campaigns, noting that unity within the party would send a strong signal of confidence and readiness to the electorate.

"Well, I don't have much to say. I adopt everything as said by our leader. I will just thank God for what He has done for us in Ekiti and also thank our leader and the leadership of the party. I know that there is nobody today in Ekiti that is not proud of our party. 

" Governor Fayemi said something that I want us to think about, that we should channel all the strength we have as a party to the June gubernatorial election. God has delivered us from the crisis of primaries, let's approach the June 20, 2026 election with all the energy we have conserved , all the mobilisation and as a united front and demonstrate to them that this state belongs to us", he added. 

Other speakers including the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu; and State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin; hailed the Oyebanji -led administration for the impact it has made in the lives of the people in the last three years, a development they said had increased the fortune of the party in Ekiti. 

Also at the event were, Wife of the former Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, members of the National and State Assembly, Ekiti APC Chairman, council chairmen, councillors and chairmen of Ward and local government chapters of the party, among others. 

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Ekiti Guber 2026: PDP Candidate Missing, As INEC Releases Names, Particulars of 12 Governorship Candidates.

Ekiti Guber 2026: PDP Candidate Missing, As INEC Releases Names, Particulars of 12 Governorship Candidates.

The name of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede is missing in the list of candidates and running mates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Oluyede emerged on November 8,2025 as the party’s governorship candidate conducted by the Aminu Turaki-led National Working Committee.

RAYOPOST reporter who was at the INEC state headquarters located along the new Iyin-Ekiti road, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Monday observed that the names and particulars of the PDP candidates were missing among the 12 candidates displayed by the commission.

According to reliable sources in INEC who spoke with RAYOPOST, the ongoing national crisis in the PDP which has resulted in two factions laying claim to the leadership of the party, with a series of litigations filled at the courts.

Ekiti 2026 Gov Candidates their deputies;

1. Accord Party – Opeyemi Falegan (41)

Omoyemi Olaleye (42)

2. African Action Congress – Akande Oluwasegun(36)

Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe

3. Action Democratic Party – Ayodeji Ojo (42)

Itunu Ibitoye (35)

4. African Democratic Congress ADC – Oluwadare Bejide (66)

Paul Olowoyeye(52)

5. All Progressives Congress (APC) – Biodun Oyebanji (58)

Monisade Afuye (67)

6. Action People’s Party – Bidemi Awogbemi(36)

Akinyemi Adewumi (53)

7. Allied People’s Movement- Joseph Anifowose (65)

Margaret Ilesanmi (68)

8. Labour Party (LP)

Oyebanji Olajuyin (67)

Ayokunle Okumade (45)

9. New Nigeria People Party (NNPP)

Blessing Abegunde (35)

Francis Ajayi (65)

10. People’s Redemption Party (PRP)

Olaniyi Ayodele (49)

Modupe Adebiyi(35)

11. Young Progressive Party (YPP)

Owoola Daramola(54)

Opeyemi Adeyemo(51)

12. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

Victor Adetunji (38)

Adesina Oyeniyi (35)

CROSSOVER: WHY OYEBANJI DESERVES 2025 BEST GOVERNOR, 2026 SECOND TERM.

CROSSOVER: WHY OYEBANJI DESERVES 2025 BEST GOVERNOR, 2026 SECOND TERM.

-By Segun Dipe

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has been a transformative force in Ekiti State, driving shared prosperity and empowering citizens through innovative initiatives. His leadership embodies simplicity, inclusivity, and a commitment to service, making him a standout candidate for the 2025 Governor of the Year Award.

Oyebanji's vision for Ekiti focuses on empowering citizens and promoting economic growth, securing his re-election in 2026. His administration has been marked by tangible results, earning him a strong contention for the award.

One can readily point to the following key achievements:

- Infrastructure Boost: Oyebanji in 2025 commissioned 10 major road projects, with 25 more underway, and reconnected communities to the national grid.

- Agricultural Revolution: Oyebanji launched "Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture" scheme, empowering 4,567 young farmers with ₦1 billion, increasing enrollment from 1,000 to 5,000 in just a year.

- Education Transformation: Oyebanji renovated 203 secondary schools and 900 primary schools, with teachers receiving motivation and modern learning facilities.

- Healthcare Revamp: Oyebanji renovated 9 general hospitals and 105 primary health centers, with the Ulerawa initiative providing free healthcare services.

- Fiscal Transparency: Ekiti ranked first in BudgIT's State Fiscal Transparency League multiple times, showcasing Oyebanji's commitment to accountability.

- Economic Growth: Oyebanji signed ₦415.57 billion 2026 budget into law, prioritizing infrastructure development, food security, and wealth creation.

- Revenue Reform: Oyebanji established Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, ensuring transparency and accountability.

And the following are Oyebanji's priorities in 2026 as reflected in his "Budget of Sustainable Governance":

- Completing ongoing projects

- Food security

- Wealth creation

- Infrastructure development

- Revenue administration reform

- Education and human capital

- Governance and transparency

These priorities align with the Ekiti State Development Plan 2021-2050, outlining a long-term vision for the state's growth.

Oyebanji is no doubt a model of Servant Leadership, with his leadership style characterized by simplicity, inclusivity, and a commitment to service. His focus on tangible results rather than political fanfare has earned him widespread acclaim.

With Oyebanji's impactful governance, he's the frontrunner for the 2025 Governor of the Year and favorite for re-election in 2026. His achievements have set a new standard for governance in Ekiti State, making him the obvious choice for a second term.

As Ekiti State looks to the future, Oyebanji's vision and leadership are clear. His commitment to empowering citizens and promoting economic growth has transformed the state, making him the ideal candidate to take Ekiti to the next level.

If not BAO, then who else?

Segun Dipe is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ekiti State.