Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers to Expand Jobs and Boost Cassava Value Chain.

Agbeyewa Farms has reinforced its partnership with traditional institutions as part of efforts to drive grassroots job creation and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

At the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held in Ekiti State, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, praised royal fathers for their unwavering support, describing their collaboration as central to advancing his vision of large-scale employment across rural communities.

 

He noted that the retreat provides an avenue to assure host communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are focused not on land control, but on creating shared economic value. According to him, the company’s expansion strategy—including the acquisition of Matna Foods—is aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain by guaranteeing consistent offtake for farmers.

John-Olajide further revealed that the company has deployed modern farming technologies capable of boosting cassava yields from six tonnes per hectare to as much as 30 tonnes, urging farmers to increase production to meet rising demand.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for deeper collaboration among government, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s forest lands. He emphasized that large-scale commercial agriculture could play a critical role in tackling insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by converting idle forests into productive zones.

The monarch pointed to the transformation of Ekiti North—once affected by insecurity but now experiencing improved safety and economic activity—as evidence of the impact of such partnerships. He also urged affluent Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to invest in agriculture and industrial ventures to create jobs.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, HRM Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi Alagbado encouraged traditional rulers to continue mobilizing farmers to expand cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready and reliable market.

Ogoga also commended the Agbeyewa’s workforce, urging them to uphold values of integrity, discipline, and dedication.

Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava production. He highlighted the impact of private sector investments on the state’s economy, noting that Ekiti’s GDP has grown significantly from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion.

He added that the government is actively working to resolve land disputes to create a more investor-friendly climate.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charity Aremu identified persistent challenges facing farmers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and inadequate inputs. She commended Agbeyewa’s structured offtake model for addressing some of these issues and encouraged traditional rulers to promote youth participation in agriculture.

Prof. Aremu also urged Nigeria to adopt best practices from countries like Tailand, where farmers benefit from mechanization, improved seedlings, irrigation systems, and better rural infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called on residents to collaborate with traditional institutions in reporting suspicious activities, assuring that security agencies would intensify efforts to maintain peace and stability across the state.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Ekiti leads in promoting women participation in politics, governance, says Commissioner for Women Affairs.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State, Peju Babafemi, has declared that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is setting the pace in promoting women participation in politics and governance. 

Speaking on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during the interactive S'etigbo multicast, anchored by the Bureau of Community Communications, the commissioner said the state government has created more opportunities to enable women actively contribute to governance and leadership.

She noted that Governor Oyebanji is fully committed to involving women in decision-making process stressing that the initiative serves as an encouragement to upcoming female leaders and young girls. 

She commended Governor Oyebanji for investing in women to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the state in line with his shared prosperity mantra. 

Her words: "We are happy that the government of Governor Oyebanji is involving women in a remarkable manner in leadership and appointing them in decision-making roles, both appointive and elective positions more than ever before in Ekiti State. 

"This is heartwarming and encouraging for young girls and upcoming female leaders because when you see women not at the back again but at the centre bringing forth ideas and suggestions that are moving the state forward. 

"It is just normal and instructive for anyone coming to government to know that women are very important in governance, women are important in public administration and the government of Governor Oyebanji has really set the pace that women are assets in the society."

COURTS AFFIRM SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY.

COURTS AFFIRM SUPREMACY OF THE PARTY.

…as Ekiti APC hails court decisions, cautions members against dragging party to court unduly.

The All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, welcomes with humility the judgments of the Federal High Court affirming the supremacy of the party and the sanctity of its internal processes.

Hon. Justice Peter Lifu, while dismissing the suit filed by one Olajumoke Abimbola on Wednesday, affirmed that issues of membership and internal party processes are the sole responsibility of the political party and not for judicial determination. 

In a separate matter decided today thursday, the Court struck out another case, insisting that Courts are not permitted to interfere in the internal affairs of a party.  

Both judgements affirmed His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the bona fide candidate of the APC for the June 20 governorship election and that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi to institute the case against the party. The plaintiffs were thus described as mere busy bodies and both cases as an aberration and abuse of judicial process.   

We rate the two judgments as consistent and an affirmation of the supremacy of the party, which Gov. Oyebanji has been preaching since he mounted the saddle. They further lay credence to the binding nature of our Constitution and the finality of our internal mechanisms as a political party. The courts should therefore not be used to disrupt the peace and progress of the APC.

As a law-abiding party, we magnanimously state emphatically that _there is no victor and there is no vanquished_. All members, including those who approached the court, remain valued members of the APC family. Now that the courts have spoken, we must close ranks.

However, we use this opportunity to further caution our members against dragging the party to court on matters that are clearly internal and non-justiciable. Such actions distract the party, waste judicial time, and amount to abuse of process. As a party of order, we have internal dispute resolution mechanisms that members must respect and exhaust.

The task before us is urgent and historic. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji seeks re-election on the strength of a sterling first-term record. Under his leadership, Ekiti has witnessed stability, transparency, infrastructure renewal, and security.

We call on all party members to see themselves as equal canvassers. The campaign is intra local government, intra ward, and intra unit, and must be prosecuted without rancour. Our objective is to win for Governor Oyebanji in all 177 Wards and garner a minimum of 500,000 votes. This victory will benefit all Ekiti people.

We thank the judiciary for its wisdom and firmness, and our leaders, elders, and members for their loyalty. Now, let us unite and work. Let us win together.

APC is one. Ekiti is one. BAO’s second term is for the good of all.

We moveee...! 

Signed:  

Segun Dipe

Publicity Secretary  

All Progressives Congress, Ekiti State Chapter  

April 16, 2026

COURT UPHOLDS OYEBANJI’S CANDIDACY, DISMISSES OLAWUNMI’S SUIT.

COURT UPHOLDS OYEBANJI’S CANDIDACY, DISMISSES OLAWUNMI’S SUIT.

In a decisive legal victory for Ekiti State Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi challenging her disqualification from last year’s Governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The judgment, delivered in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2221/2025, effectively cleared  the legal hurdles for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, affirming his nomination as the party’s candidate for the Ekiti State Governorship election. The plaintiff had sought to contest her disqualification during the party's screening exercise, naming the APC, INEC, and Governor Oyebanji as defendants.

The presiding judge, Hon Justice Peter Lifu, dismissed the case on two primary grounds. First, the court reaffirmed that the selection and nomination of candidates are strictly internal affairs of a political party. The court noted that a political party maintains the sole prerogative to determine the eligibility of its members, and the judiciary lacks the jurisdiction to interfere in such domestic matters.

Secondly, the court ruled that the plaintiff failed to file the case within the strict timeframe required by the Electoral Act, 2022. Because the suit was not initiated within the mandatory period for pre-election matters, it was deemed statute-barred.

The proceedings featured a robust legal presence, including Barr. Bashiru Ajibola for the APC, Adetunji Oso, (SAN), Tamunotonye Ekundayo (Esq) and Umar Abdulhameed for Governor Oyebanji, and Nanyak Janfa Esq. for INEC.

With the court declaring the case closed, the candidacy of Governor Oyebanji remains valid and undisputed. The ruling reinforces the legal principle that internal party grievances must be resolved within the party's own framework and must strictly adhere to statutory filing deadlines.

Court Victory: Bayo Ajayi Congratulates Oyebanji, Urges Ekiti Kete to Back Him in 2026.

Court Victory: Bayo Ajayi Congratulates Oyebanji, Urges Ekiti Kete to Back Him in 2026.

Hon. Bayo Ajayi, an aspirant for the House of Representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, comprising Emure, Gbonyin, and Ekiti East, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and members of the All Progressives Congress on their victory at the Federal High Court, which affirmed the governor as the duly recognised candidate of the party.

Ajayi, in a statement made available to journalists, described the judgment as a resounding victory for due process, transparent party governance, and the integrity of the APC primary election. He noted that the court’s verdict further reinforced public confidence in the party’s adherence to fairness and constitutional procedures.

He commended Governor Oyebanji for his calm disposition, political maturity, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals throughout the legal process, describing him as a visionary, people-oriented, and result-driven leader. According to Ajayi, the outcome of the court’s decision stands as a testament to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

The Emure-born APC stalwart reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty and steadfast support for the governor, expressing confidence that the administration’s strides in sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance would continue to propel Ekiti State towards greater prosperity beyond 2030.

Ajayi also called on the people of Ekiti State, to come out en masse to support and vote for Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

He said, “Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated exemplary leadership marked by prudence, compassion, and transformative governance. I urge all well-meaning citizens of Ekiti State to rally behind him to sustain the remarkable progress and ensure continuity of good governance.”

He added that the governor’s sterling achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, have endeared him to the people and positioned the state as a model of excellence and stability.

A TRIUMPH OF JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY: SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR OYEBANJI AND APC EKITI.

A TRIUMPH OF JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY: SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR OYEBANJI AND APC EKITI.

Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu warmly congratulates the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and the entire leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State on their well-earned victory at the Federal High Court, which affirmed the governor as the duly recognized candidate of the party.

The Senator notes that the judgment stands as a strong affirmation of due process, internal party democracy, and the credibility of the APC primary election. He commends Governor Oyebanji for his calm disposition and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals throughout the legal process, describing the outcome as a reflection of justice and fairness.

Senator Adaramodu further applauds the unity, discipline, and maturity displayed by party leaders and members across Ekiti State, emphasizing that the victory should inspire renewed confidence and collective resolve within the APC family as preparations intensify for the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

He concludes by reaffirming his steadfast support for Governor Oyebanji and the APC, expressing optimism that Ekiti State will continue to witness sustainable development, peace, and inclusive governance under the current administration, while wishing them greater success in the journey ahead.

~~ Adaramodu Media Team

Oyebanji contesting on strength of first term performance, popular demand - Campaign DG.

Oyebanji contesting on strength of first term performance, popular demand - Campaign DG.

…. flag off campaign slated for April 27.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji is targeting a minimum of 500,000 votes and victory in all the 2,445 polling units to emerge as the overwhelming winner of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

The Director General of the Biodun Oyebanji Campaign Organisation, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who dropped the hint also affirmed that the Ekiti Governor will be contesting on the strength of his performance and the popular demand by the people of the State.

Senator Fasuyi disclosed that the Governor will officially flag off his campaign for second term with a massive rally at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on April 27 to make a big statement of intent of his readiness to serve the people on a higher scale.

Fasuyi who spoke at a the maiden  press conference organised by the campaign council on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti, said the Council and the APC through its canvassers are working towards winning in all the 2,445 polling units, all the 177 wards and all the 16 local government areas.

He said Oyebanji will be campaigning for re-election on a record of superlative performance with verifiable indices on ground as attested to by the people who have felt the impact of his governance.

Fasuyi, who is the Senator representing Ekiti North in the upper legislative chamber, said the grand flag-off rally is expected to complement the door-to-door and street-to-street campaign that had commenced following the lifting of the ban on open campaign by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The BAO Campaign chief who served in similar capacity in the 2022 governorship election,  noted that the good works of the APC flag bearer in the areas of infrastructure development, education, healthcare, better workers' welfare, job creation are already speaking in favour of the Governor ahead of the poll.

While noting that the Oyebanji campaign is complemented by the APC party structures, Fasuyi said  the campaign team is formidable and well prepared  for a clean, peaceful and rigorous engagement with the people of the state throughout the electioneering period.

He promised a campaign that is based on issues in which "every APC member is an equal canvasser and no one is a spectator" adding that: "This campaign is intra-local government, intra-ward and intra-ward. We will market our record and our plan, not abuse opponents."

Canvassing one of the major reasons why Oyebanji should be re-elected by the electorate, Fasuyi emphasized that the governor has worked to ensure that Ekiti is the most secured state in Nigeria adding that the performance recorded during the first term has justified the need to reward the APC candidate with a fresh term of four years.

Fasuyi said: "Let me place the facts on the table. Four years ago, an APC Governor, His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi handed a clear mandate to his would-be successor, that he should surpass him in terms of performance. Governor Oyebanji accepted the challenge anf the rest is history.

"He started the work with all his energy immediately after his inauguration. Roads have been fixed across all 16 LGAs and 22 LCDAs. Our schools have been renovated, teachers get trained, and bursaries restored. Health centres now wear new look having been comprehensively renovated, well-equipped and properly staffed.

"Ekiti is now ranked the most secured state in Nigeria. On transparency, Ekiti scored 39 out of 39 in Q4 2025 and 100 out of 100 as a progressive performer in Q4 2024. We topped the 2026 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index. Food inflation in Ekiti is now the lowest in Nigeria. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is underway. Farm settlements are back.

"Women lead as Deputy Governor, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Head of Service; and Accountant General of the State and as chairperson of local government council, among others. These are not claims, drive on the roads, visit the hospitals, talk to workers, ask farmers. Performance speaks."

The Director General used the opportunity to call on the media to report exactly what they see, shun propaganda, visit the projects and verify every claim adding that the council was ready to respond to every claim with necessary facts and figures. 

Fasuyi stressed further that the council and its candidate will not sponsor falsehood or exaggerate figures as the various projects and policies were enough for campaign. He urged media practitioners to always reach out to the council for matters that need clarifications for the public to know the truth in the campaign trail.

Former Political Asviser to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu who also spoke at the news conference, hailed Oyebanji for providing good governance and purposeful leadership noting that polling 500,000 votes which had never happened in the history of the state is achievable.

Ojudu specifically commended Oyebanji for effective management of the state security architecture and ensuring security of lives and property despite the perceived insecurity in some neighbouring states.

Present at the also present at the conference were Chairman of the Media Committee of the Campaign, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun; Special Adviser on Political and Allied Matters, Chief Jide Awe; chieftain of APC Elders Forum, Chief Ronke Okusanya; members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other party chieftains.