APC Presidential Primaries: Oyebaji Lauds party’s Internal Democracy.

APC Presidential Primaries: Oyebaji Lauds party’s Internal Democracy.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commended the massive turnout of members of All Progressive Congress (APC) across 177 wards in the state to return the party’s presidential ticket to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a resounding vote of confidence in the President’s leadership and a strong affirmation of the party’s unity and internal democracy. 

The Governor, who arrived at his ward 6, Ikogosi-Ekiti at about 10:35am and participated in the presidential affirmation  exercise, described the process as peaceful, orderly and a true reflection of the party’s commitment to deepening internal democracy across all level.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise, Governor Oyebanji said the enthusiasm displayed by party members was a clear indication that party members were united in purpose and confident in the leadership direction of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, added that the process was devoid of any rancour.

Describing the exercise as historic, the Governor maintained that it was the first time all members of the party were given the opportunity to directly and actively participate in the selection of the party’s presidential flag bearer.

While commending the APC for deepening internal democracy and providing platform for every member to participate in the decision-making process, the Governor described the exercise as transparent and inclusive.

Governor Oyebanji said: “You can see the enthusiasm here among our party members to exercise their democratic right. This speaks to internal democracy in the APC. Since we started the primaries some weeks ago, people have come out to vote for candidates of their choice. 

“Today is different and historic because this will be the first time that members of the party, will have a say in who becomes the presidential candidate of the party and here in our ward in ikogosi, we have 624 registered party members, 620 votes in favor of President Tinubu to continue as the flag bearer of the party and from the news I have received across the state, it has been a peaceful exercise. 

“I must commend APC for deepening internal democracy and offering platform for every member of the party to have a say in who becomes the presidential flag bearer of the party”

Expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will record a landslide victory in the general elections, Governor Oyebanji said the overwhelming support demonstrated during the presidential primaries across the state and other parts of the country was a clear indication that the President enjoys wide acceptance and strong backing from party members and the electorates. 

“If lperformance is a yardstick in electoral success, then there is nothing to fear about the victory and the emergence of APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Jan 2027 presidential election”, Oyebanji added.

OJUAWO MOURNS THE PASSING OF ALAWE OF ILAWE EKITI.

OJUAWO MOURNS THE PASSING OF ALAWE OF ILAWE EKITI.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti. In a condolence message released through his media office, Hon. Ojuawo described the late monarch as one of the foremost traditional rulers in Ekiti State who used the revered traditional institution to promote peace, unity, harmony, and development within Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, and the state at large.

Hon. Ojuawo stated that the late Alawe was a peaceful and highly respected monarch whose wise counsel, fatherly role, and commitment to community development distinguished him among his peers. He noted that the monarch’s reign brought stability and cohesion to Ilawe Kingdom, while his contributions to the growth and progress of the community would remain indelible in the hearts of the people. “I condole with the good Oloris, the royal family, and the entire people of Ilawe Ekiti on the passing of our royal father who has gone to be with his ancestors. We must appreciate God for his peaceful reign and remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Ilawe Kingdom. We shall greatly miss his wisdom, humility, and exemplary leadership,” he said.

The federal lawmaker also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chairman of Ekiti South West Local Government, Hon. Apolola Richard, as well as the entire traditional council and people of the local government over the painful loss. He prayed that God grants the soul of the departed monarch eternal rest and gives the people of Ilawe Ekiti the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU's WIFE MOURNS ALAWE OF ILAWE, DESCRIBES HIS PASSAGE AS SAD, TRAGIC AND LAMENTABLE.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU's WIFE MOURNS ALAWE OF ILAWE, DESCRIBES HIS PASSAGE AS SAD, TRAGIC AND LAMENTABLE. 

The wife of the Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passage of the royal father of Ilawe Kingdom, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti.

In a condolence release made available to the media, Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu described the death of the revered monarch as sad, tragic, painful and lamentable, noting that Kabiyesi was not only the traditional ruler of Ilawe-Ekiti, but also a father, a guide, a moral compass and a stabilising royal presence to the people of the ancient kingdom.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu said the transition of the Alawe at this critical time was a heavy blow to the royal family, the chiefs, the entire Ilawe community, Ekiti State and all lovers of tradition, peace and development.

According to her, Oba Adebanji Alabi carried the crown with dignity, wisdom and uncommon grace, adding that his reign reflected the nobility of the throne, the sanctity of Yoruba traditional institution and the deep cultural pride of Ilawe-Ekiti.

“Kabiyesi was not just a king to us. He was a father. He was a source of counsel, peace, encouragement and royal warmth. His palace was not merely a seat of authority, but a home of wisdom, reconciliation and cultural strength. His death is a personal loss to us and a painful wound in the heart of Ilawe Kingdom,” she stated.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu further noted that Ilawe-Ekiti, being their hometown made the passage of the monarch more touching and personal to the family.

She said the late Alawe remained a father to the Senator, to her, and to all sons and daughters of Ilawe-Ekiti, both at home and in the diaspora.

She added that Kabiyesi’s death had created a deep silence in the land, saying the royal drum had lowered its tone and the palace courtyard had been thrown into solemn reflection.

The Senator’s wife, however, urged the people of Ilawe-Ekiti to take solace in the fact that Oba Alabi lived a life of honour, service and dignity, and left behind a legacy that would continue to speak in the history of the kingdom.

She commiserated with the royal family, the Alawe-in-Council, the chiefs, sons and daughters of Ilawe-Ekiti, the government and people of Ekiti State, and all those affected by the passage of the royal father.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed monarch eternal rest and give the royal family and the entire Ilawe Kingdom the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

“May the ancestors receive Kabiyesi with honour. May the land he served remember him with gratitude. May Ilawe-Ekiti remain peaceful, united and progressive. Though Kabiyesi has joined his ancestors, his name, his reign and his fatherly footprints shall remain evergreen in the hearts of his people,” she said.

Signed:

Mrs Oluwatoyin Adaramodu.

Wife of the Senator Representing Ekiti South Senatorial District

Hon. Olalekan Ijidale Emerges APC Candidate For Gbonyin/Ayekire Constituency, Vows Substantial Dividends In Line With Oyebanji's Agenda.

Hon. Olalekan Ijidale Emerges APC Candidate For Gbonyin/Ayekire Constituency, Vows Substantial Dividends In Line With Oyebanji's Agenda.

Following his resounding victory at the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, the former Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Local Content, Hon. Olalekan Ijidale, has expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership, members, and entire constituents of the Gbonyin/Ayekire Constituency for handing him the party's flagship ahead of the general election. In a statement filled with deep appreciation and forward-looking optimism, Hon. Ijidale described his emergence as the APC candidate for the Gbonyin/Ayekire Constituency as a victory for collective dedication, unity, and a shared vision for community development.

Topmost on his appreciation is the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, whom the candidate praised as an exceptional leader, a mentor, and a visionary builder of men. Hon. Ijidale stated that serving under Governor Oyebanji as the pioneer Director-General of the Bureau of Local Content was an invaluable masterclass in governance, adding that the Governor did not only give him a grand platform to serve the state but effectively gave him the "wings to fly" politically and professionally. He noted that the trust reposed in him by the Governor to drive the state's local content mandates shaped his commitment to public service and laid the solid foundation for his ongoing political journey.

Extending his warm gratitude to the grassroots, the newly minted candidate warmly thanked the APC leaders in Gbonyin/Ayekire Local Government, the dedicated party members across all wards, and the entire good people of the constituency for their unalloyed support and overwhelming endorsement at the primaries. Hon. Ijidale acknowledged the sacrifices and trust of the constituents, promising that he will firmly protect their mandate and work tirelessly to ensure that their voices are powerfully represented. He assured them that this victory marks the beginning of an era of unprecedented accessibility and robust representation.

Looking forward to the general election and beyond, Hon. Ijidale gave a firm commitment to the electorate, promising that he will never disappoint their high expectations. He declared that his ultimate goal at the legislature is to bring massive developmental "goodies" and sustainable democratic dividends back to the Gbonyin/Ayekire Constituency. This, he emphasized, will be done in total alignment and support of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s groundbreaking Shared Prosperity Agenda, ensuring that the people of Gbonyin/Ayekire directly experience the tangible benefits of good governance, youth empowerment, and rural development.

EKSU INDUCTS OVER 400 STUDENTS INTO THEATRE AND MEDIA ARTS.

EKSU INDUCTS OVER 400 STUDENTS INTO THEATRE AND MEDIA ARTS.

...Seeks Parental Support For Children With Passion For Entertainment.

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has described the entertainment industry, particularly the movie sector, as a highly lucrative profession and one of the fastest-growing contributors to the nation’s economy.

Professor Ayodele made the remark during the 11th Induction Ceremony of the Department of Theatre and Media Arts held on Thursday, 21st May, 2026 at the University’s Main Auditorium, Ado-Ekiti.

The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Williams Oluwole Adebayo, noted that the admission of over 400 students into the department reflects the growing influence and economic relevance of the entertainment industry, especially Nollywood, which continues to attract young Nigerians aspiring to build successful careers and become celebrated figures in the sector.

Professor Ayodele, who had earlier received veteran Nollywood actor, Bashorun Femi Branch, alongside the granddaughter of late Nigerian theatre legend, Solabomi Duro Ladipo, during a courtesy visit to his office as part of activities marking the induction ceremony, recalled the contributions of travelling theatre practitioners of the 1970s and 1980s whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the remarkable growth currently being witnessed in the industry.

He stressed that entertainment has evolved into a multifaceted profession capable of creating employment and economic opportunities for youth willing to harness their talents productively.

In his remarks, the Jagun Asa of Edeland, Bashorun Femi Branch, who was the Special Celebrity Guest (Chief Priest) commended the University Management for the warm reception accorded him. 

He observed that the performing arts profession has gained both local and international recognition and has become one of the most sought-after and financially rewarding careers, unlike in the past when theatre practitioners were often looked down upon.

The veteran actor appealed to parents to support children with passion and God-given talents in the entertainment industry, stressing that many youths have attained global relevance and financial success through creative arts.

Bashorun Femi Branch also lauded students of EKSU Theatre and Media Arts for their impressive performance during the production of the movie "Kiriji" by renowned actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji, parts of which were shot in Ekiti State. He further pledged that subsequent editions of industry-sponsored scholarship, mentorship and talent development programmes aimed at grooming aspiring Nollywood stars would include Ekiti State University students.

The colourful event featured a stage play titled Luminous Path performed by the inductees at the University’s Main Auditorium, as well as the presentation of gifts to invited celebrities, Bashorun Femi Branch and Priestess Solabomi Duro Ladipo.

Other principal officers present at the ceremony included the Acting Registrar, Mr. O.E. Akindele; Representative of The Bursar; the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Aboyade; Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor M.Y. Ojo, Heads of department, staff and students, alongside other dignitaries.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji, Other Guber Candidates Sign Peace Accord.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji, Other Guber Candidates Sign Peace Accord.

….Pledge Total Commitment to Peaceful conduct.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday reaffirmed his strong commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the June 20 governorship election in the State. 

Governor Oyebanji made the pledge in Ado-Ekiti during the  signing of peace accord alongside 11 other governorship candidates of political parties in the June 20 governorship election.  

The peace pact was organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the signing of the document was witnessed by the National Chairman of the body, General Abdusalam Abubakar, who was represented by General Martin Luther Agwai ; Convener of the NPC Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah; the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu and INEC Chairman, Prof Ojo Amupitan among others. 

Addressing the gathering shortly after appending his signature to the document, Governor Oyebanji noted that his party had just concluded its local government campaign tour across the state without any record of violence, a development he said reflected the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to peace, as well as his administration’s resolve to ensure harmony in the State.

The Governor said the fact no case of violence have been recorded in the electioneering barely one week to the election has further reinforced his confidence that the forthcoming election would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. 

While noting that the prevailing calmness across the state was unprecedented in Ekiti’s electoral history, the Governor said it was perhaps the first time a governorship election is approaching with such a high level of peace and political maturity.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving peace across the state, the Governor charged political parties and their candidates to honour the peace agreement in both words and actions by ensuring strict compliance with its provisions, urging them to place the interest of the state above partisan consideration and work collectively to sustain the peaceful atmosphere already being witnessed across the state. 

The Governor said “Our party just concluded a tour of local government in the state and it was violent free. Ekiti State will be 30 years in October this year, this is the first time in the history of the state that an election will be few days away and we will have this kind of peace. 

“So, I stand to make a commitment that after signing this accord and like the INEC Chairman said that is not the singing that is important but the character of those holding the pen and I believe strongly and I can attest to fellow contestants that we will do everything to ensure that we have peace. 

“I stand to make a bold declaration  on behalf of the government that I am leading and other contestants that the election will be peaceful because it is only in the atmosphere of peace that we can serve our people”.

Earlier in his remarks, the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, reminded the participating  political parties and their candidates that the peace accord signing was not merely a bureaucratic formality but a moral treaty entered before Nigerian people and the international community. He noted that they are expected to demonstrate sincerity by translating their signature into actions that promote peace, tolerance and respect for electoral process before, during and after the election.

The INEC Chairman further urged political actors to avoid any conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the election, adding trhat the Commission remains fully committed to conducting a fress, fair and transparent governorship poll in Ekiti State

Also in his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwa Disu assured that the Nigerian Police has made comprehensive security arrangement to guarantee the safety of voter, electoral officials and other stakeholders before, during and after the governorship election

 He explained that operational deployments, intelligent gathering and strategic positioning of personnel have been intensified across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order, warning that the force would not hesitate to deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt the electoral process

The Police Chief therefore urged resident of Ekiti State to come out en mass on the day of election to exercise their civic responsibility, assuring them that adequate security has been put in place to ensure peaceful, safe and credible electoral environment throughout the process.

Ekiti 2026: Gov. Oyebanji reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful poll.

Ekiti 2026: Gov. Oyebanji reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful poll.

Ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Ekiti State Governor, My Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his commitment to peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, noting that there is no alternative to peace.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday when he  received members of the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by its Chairman and former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his office in Ado- Ekiti. He reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible governorship election on June 20.

While commending members of the committee for their efforts at brokering peace and ensuring  peaceful coexistence among contestants, Governor Oyebanji noted that such commitment was made about four years ago when he contested for the governorship . He maintained that all the contestants demonstrated their commitment to that accord by behaving responsibly, a development that culminated into a peaceful election.

Governor Oyebanji said further that Ekiti cannot achieve the desired progress and reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony urging the preservation of Ekiti ethos during and after the electoral process from all stakeholders in Ekiti project.

“We understand the nexus between a peaceful society and development, we also know that if genuinely you want to serve the people, you cannot unleash violence on them. So your mandate is so crucial to what we want to achieve in this state. And I can confidently say it here, that my team, my party, and the government that I'm leading will do everything to ensure that during, before, and after the election, we maintain peace in this state.

“This is going to be my second signing of the Peace Accord. About three and a half years  ago, this same programme was held in Ekiti and we made commitment to peace and in fairness after that programme, all of us were committed to that accord. All the contestants behaved responsibly, and we had a peaceful election.

“Ekiti  State is 29 years old, and by October 1, we'll be 30 years old. As far as my memory can carry me, this will be the first time that we will have an election in less than a month, and the state is this peaceful. We have never had it like this before and that speaks to the new political culture that we are trying to bring to bear in Ekiti State.

“We just concluded a local government tour of 16 local government areas of the state and for the first time, it was violence-free, and because we are the main political party, other players are also looking at us, you know, and since we, the dominant party are maintaining peace, they don't have any other choice than to embrace peace too.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar who was represented by a member of the committee, General Martins Agwai said the team was in the state to broker peace among the major political players in the forthcoming June 20, governorship election in the drive to work together to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

The Chairman stressed the need to strengthen electoral process to enable residents benefit from the democratic system Nigeria truly desires.

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, APC chairman, Barr. Olusola Eleshin, Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode as well as a Nigerian Roman Catholic prelate and the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah among others.