LG CAMPAIGN TOUR: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO EX-GOVERNORS, EKITI OBAS, APC LEADERS, CAMPAIGN COUNCIL.

LG CAMPAIGN TOUR: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO  EX-GOVERNORS, EKITI OBAS, APC LEADERS, CAMPAIGN COUNCIL.

 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the State for their support and commitment to his re-election for a second term, as demonstrated through their large turn-out and active participation in the just concluded campaign tour of the 16 local government areas of the State.

The campaign tour which started in Ikole Local Government Area on May 4, was concluded in Ado Local Government on Wednesday with a carnival-live rally at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti. 

The Governor also held talks with all traditional rulers in all the local government areas visited, where he shared his second term vision with the obas. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, said he was elated by the warm reception accorded him and his team in all the local government areas visited during the 10-day tour, as well as the peaceful conduct exhibited by individuals and groups.

While thanking God for a hitch-free campaign tour, Governor Oyebanji also thanked all the former governors of the State for their demonstrated love and support for his administration and for their active participation in his re-election campaign activities.

The Governor also thanked all members of  Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers for their warm reception, prayers and words of encouragement when he visited their respective domains during the campaign tour.

He also thanked members of the APC Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election Campaign Council, under the leadership of Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and all the local organizing committee in all the local government areas, for being painstaking in the planning and coordination of the campaign tour.  

He also thanked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State as well as the local government and ward leadership of the party for effective coordination of members. The Governor said the effective mobilization of party supporters for the tour is a clear pointer to the commitment of the party to achieve the minimum 500,000 vote target in the June 20 governorship election.

 

“Our profound gratitude goes to all our leaders, especially, all former Governors of the State- Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi; for their commitment and active participation in the campaign.  

 

“Special appreciation to all our revered royal fathers in the State Traditional Rulers Council for their support and assurances. Our royal fathers fought for the creation of our beloved state, and they have remained united in their commitment to its growth and development.

 

“Special thanks to all our leaders across all the polling units, wards, local government areas and at the state level for the huge mobilization. We are at the verge of making history and together we shall win convincingly come June 20 and prepare the ground for a much sweeter victory for our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election”, the Governor said.

In similar vein, Governor Oyebanji also expressed deep appreciation to over 380 groups and associations that had, in the last one year, endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in office. He also lauded the leadership of labour and trade unions, Ekiti youths and students organisations, market women, leadership of the informal sector and citizens of the state for their sundry support.

Reinstating his commitment to an issue-based and violence-free campaign, Governor Oyebanji, urged other candidates to also toe the path of peace in the course of the electioneering, stressing that no ambition is worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen.

APC Chieftain Olusola Olaleye Steps Down, Endorses Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ekiti North II House of Reps Ticket.

APC Chieftain Olusola Olaleye Steps Down, Endorses Ibrahim Olarewaju for Ekiti North II House of Reps Ticket.

In a significant development ahead of tomorrow’s All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, House of Representatives aspirant Hon. Olusola Gabriel Olaleye has stepped down and declared support for fellow aspirant Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju.

Olaleye, an APC leader in Ayetoro Ekiti, announced the decision today in Ayetoro, saying it followed wide consultations with his supporters and stakeholders across the constituency. He was joined by members of his campaign team and grassroots supporters who pledged to work for Olarewaju’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

Speaking on the endorsement, Olaleye said his decision was based on the Hon Ibrahim Olarewaju’s track record as a former representative, Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the level of backing he enjoys within the party structure at all levels.

“The aspirant I’m stepping down for has earned the trust of the people due to his unmatched performance during his last stint at the House of Representatives,” Olaleye said. “I am convinced by the fact that Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju enjoys the support of stakeholders in the national, state, federal constituency, the local government, and at the ward level.”

“For the positive allegiance we owe to the party and for the unity of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, it is my decision to step down and work for Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju to emerge candidate of Ekiti North Federal Constituency II,” he added.

Olaleye urged his supporters across the federal constituency, and most especially Ayetoro Wards I and II, to mobilize behind Olarewaju in the primary scheduled for tomorrow, describing the move as a step toward presenting a united front for the party in the general elections.

The endorsement is expected to shift momentum in the race for the APC ticket in Ekiti North II, which covers Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas. 

Hon. Ibrahim Olarewaju previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives and is seeking a return on the platform of the APC.

Agbeyewa Farms Deepens Security Partnership with Ekiti Police Command to Strengthen Safe Agricultural Operations.

Agbeyewa Farms Deepens Security Partnership with Ekiti Police Command to Strengthen Safe Agricultural Operations.

 In a move aimed at reinforcing security collaboration and sustaining a safe environment for agricultural investment and community development, Agbeyewa Farms’ Management Team paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Falade Michael.

The visit underscored Agbeyewa Farms’ commitment to strengthening partnerships with security institutions while appreciating the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring a secure and stable operating environment across its host communities.

Leading the delegation was the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, Seyi OSKA Aiyeleso, who emphasized the vital role security plays in advancing sustainable agricultural operations, safeguarding investments, and driving socio-economic development.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Aiyeleso noted that effective collaboration between the private sector and security agencies remains critical to ensuring operational stability, fostering investor confidence, and creating enabling conditions for rural transformation.

In his remarks, Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Michael, commended Agbeyewa Farms for its proactive commitment to security and praised the organisation’s growing contribution to the development of Ekiti State. He noted that corporate efforts geared toward economic growth and community empowerment significantly contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The meeting further reinforced the importance of public-private sector collaboration in strengthening security architecture and supporting agricultural and economic advancement across the state.

The delegation accompanying the MD/CEO included the Chief Security Officer of Cavista Holdings, Dauda Ismail; the General Manager, Farm Operations, Babatunde Akinsinde; Senior Head of Security, Austin Ajayi; and Heads of Security, Falemu Benjamin and Femi Joseph.

IILG Celebrates An Iconic Unionist and Administrator, Barrister Ayodele Aluko.

IILG Celebrates An Iconic Unionist and Administrator, Barrister Ayodele Aluko.

By Asubiojo G. O.

The atmosphere in Igede-Ekiti, the headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG),on Thursday became deeply reflective, emotionally charged, and socially vibrant as staff, political stakeholders, labour leaders, and top administrators gathered to celebrate the outgoing executive secretary,who just got promoted as permanent secretary,for his final F&GPC meeting in  IILG  — an astute, trailblazing administrator and a versatile unionist of uncommon courage and vision.

The event was coloured with melodious drums, joyous gyrations, heartfelt eulogies, and overwhelming social excitement as workers and admirers paid glowing tributes to a man widely acknowledged for his creativity, objectivity, administrative dexterity, and labour activism.

Barrister Aluko’s remarkable records as former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State chapter, Public Relations Secretary of Ekiti State NULGE, among other strategic leadership positions, were celebrated as symbols of his enduring commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional progress.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, who was away on official assignment, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Honourable Olatunji Sule, expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing permanent Secretary. 

He noted that Barrister Ayodele Aluko’s sincerity, transparent leadership style, administrative brilliance, and pragmatic coordination made governance within the Local Government remarkably seamless, productive, and progressive.

Dr. Olatunji Sule further appreciated the presence and support of administrative gladiators, labour veterans, political heavyweights, and distinguished stakeholders who stood solidly behind the Permanent Secretary throughout his impactful and achievement-filled tenure. According to him, Barrister Aluko’s brief stewardship remained loaded with positive landmark reference points capable of sustaining the institution for years to come.

At a point during the ceremony, official activities temporarily came to a halt as emotions, memories, and heartfelt tributes overwhelmed the gathering.

Speaking further on the personality of the outgoing Executive Secretary, now permanent secretary,the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Faluyi, described Barrister Ayodele Aluko as a man he had known “time immemorial” — a pragmatic and proactive administrator whose visionary leadership, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to sustainable goals distinguished him among his contemporaries. He described him as “a shining reference point within the Local Government system.”

In her emotional remarks, the Director of Community and Social Development, Mrs. Adeniyi, offered heartfelt prayers for Barrister Aluko and passionately enjoined him never to relent in sustaining the noble virtues, admirable character, and exemplary lifestyle that have positively inspired countless workers and associates within the system.

Also reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the outgoing permanent Secretary, the Director of Finance, Mr. Subair Hassan-Taiwo, described him as an objective, courageous, and principled personality who always stood firmly by his convictions irrespective of who occupied the corridors of power. He applauded Barrister Aluko’s uncommon boldness, integrity, and administrative sincerity.

In an emotionally poetic tribute, the Head of Local Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-Bosede, appreciated the Almighty Trinity for preserving and uplifting Barrister Ayodele Aluko throughout his demanding years of service, as permanent Secretary, She acknowledged that although the journey was not entirely smooth, destiny had ordained him to emerge victorious, resilient, and unconquerable.

She emotionally revealed that Barrister Aluko remained a formidable pillar of support to her both in administrative responsibilities and within the realities and struggles of unionism under the umbrella of NULGE. According to her, God elevated him because of the countless lives he positively impacted and the vibrant achievements he recorded while in office.

 She maintained that his legacy would continue to resonate meaningfully across the Local Government system for generations to come.

Responding to the torrents of eulogies, Barrister Ayodele Aluko gave all glory, honour, and adoration to the Almighty Trinity for granting him the grace to complete thirty-five remarkable years of service unblemished and fulfilled. He emphatically stated that having served in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government twice, he never regretted his stewardship within the Local Government system.

Reflecting philosophically on the “good, the bad, and the ugly” sides of the Local Government system and labour unionism, he explained that every challenge and experience eventually became stepping stones toward his academic and professional accomplishments, culminating in his qualification as a Barrister-at-Law, all to the glory of God.

In a deeply emotional and labour-conscious submission, Barrister Aluko reiterated that the Local Government system made him who he is today, stressing that the system collectively belongs to all workers and stakeholders. 

He therefore passionately warned against destructive tendencies, unhealthy rivalries, internal sabotage, and “pull-him-down” syndromes capable of crippling institutional growth and workplace harmony.

He encouraged workers and labour leaders alike to approach their responsibilities with passion, sincerity, dedication, and vigour, affirming that true glory and lasting honour will always speak for diligent and selfless service rendered with integrity.

In his concluding remarks, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Honourable Olatunji Sule, passionately charged workers to understand the realities confronting the present Local Government system, metaphorically describing it as “a system dancing on an edge.” Drawing from his wealth of experience as a labour leader, he emphasized that visionary leadership, pragmatic strategies, and proactive achievements remain the only pathways toward meaningful development and institutional survival.

He challenged workers, administrators, and labour leaders to become more resilient, visionary, and purposeful by turning present challenges into stepping stones toward fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. He particularly urged labour leaders to remain courageous, upright, and formidable in defending the genuine interests, welfare, and aspirations of the workers they represent.

Dr. Olatunji Sule concluded with a strong admonition to staff members to desist from destructive criticism, internal sabotage, negative pull-down attitudes, and unnecessary hostility against colleagues, subordinates, and the government of the day.

He stressed that unity, mutual support, administrative discipline, and collective progress remain the strongest pillars for sustaining the dignity, stability, and future of the Local Government system.

MOBA, IDO OSI AND ILEJEMEJE PARTY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE HON. IBRAHIM OLANREWAJU FOR EKITI NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY II.

MOBA, IDO OSI AND ILEJEMEJE PARTY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS ENDORSE HON. IBRAHIM OLANREWAJU FOR EKITI NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY II.

Party leaders, stakeholders and faithfuls across MOBA, IDO OSI and ILEJEMEJE Local Government Areas have unanimously endorsed Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju as the Honourable Member to Represent  Ekiti North Federal Constituency II.

The endorsement meeting, which witnessed massive attendance from party stakeholders and supporters, reaffirmed the confidence of the people in the leadership capacity, competence and political experience of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju.

Present at the meeting were the party chairmen of MOBA, IDO OSI and ILEJEMEJE Local Governments, alongside all the ward chairmen of the 32 wards across Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, as well as other notable stakeholders and party faithfuls from across the constituency.

In his opening remarks, the APC Chairman of IDO OSI Local Government welcomed party leaders, stakeholders and faithfuls to the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II strategic meeting, appreciating everyone for their commitment, unity and dedication towards the growth and progress of the party.

During the meeting, the APC Chairman of ILEJEMEJE Local Government formally moved the motion that Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju be endorsed as the party’s candidate to represent Ekiti North Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives.

The motion was subsequently supported by the APC Chairman of MOBA Local Government, who reaffirmed the collective confidence of party leaders and stakeholders in the leadership capacity and acceptability of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju across the constituency.

In furtherance of the proceedings, the Honourable Member representing IDO OSI Constituency II at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Yomi Ayorinde, subjected the motion to the party faithfuls and stakeholders present, and it received overwhelming affirmation and acceptance for Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju to emerge as the endorsed candidate of the party.

Also speaking at the event, the APC State Treasurer, Rufus Olajide, popularly known as Ayelomo, stated that prior to the endorsement, he had been supporting Hon. Davidson Akinlayo, but affirmed that now that the party had collectively moved and accepted the motion, he is fully and solidly behind Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju.

Also present at the event were, Hon. Olabode Folorunsho, Hon. Sunkanmi Onipede, the Chairperson of ERO LCDA, Felicia Ibiloye, Mrs Aderiye and Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, among several other distinguished personalities.

In his remarks, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju wholeheartedly accepted the endorsement and expressed deep appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders and supporters for the huge confidence and faith reposed in him.

He assured the gathering that he would remain committed to quality representation, effective service delivery and the continued advancement of the constituency, while promising not to disappoint the trust bestowed upon him.

The meeting concluded with renewed unity, enthusiasm and commitment among party members towards ensuring continued progress and victory for the party across the constituency.

OMOLAYO HOSTEL DOES NOT BELONG TO EKSU: MANAGEMENT REAFFIRMS.

OMOLAYO HOSTEL DOES NOT BELONG TO EKSU: MANAGEMENT REAFFIRMS.

The attention of the Management of Ekiti State University, Ado - Ekiti has again, been drawn to a video resurfacing online, showing the deplorable state of the Omolayo hostel located outside the university campus.

The university wishes to clearly state that, this particular video had surfaced online in August, 2025 and had been addressed in a press release of the university dated 30th August, 2025, stating the position of the university on the popular hostel. 

While the university Management is not happy with the deplorable state of the hostel, we wish to still reiterate and maintain categorically that the said hostel, located outside the campus, is not the property of Ekiti State University, Ado - Ekiti and as such, the university has no right on the property.

Though, the university Management appreciates and will never forget the philanthropic gesture of the Late Dr.  Lawrence Omolayo, who built the hostel several years back but definitely not in a position to meddle in the family affairs of the highly respected Omolayo dynasty when it has not been asked to do so.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatola Ayodele hereby enjoins bloggers and online media to cease and desist forthwith, from further tagging the name of the university on any misleading and inappropriate posts.

Ekiti poll: If history be for BAO!

Ekiti poll: If history be for BAO!

By Tayo Agbabiaka.

To the casual observer of Nigerian politics, the landscape often looks like a marketplace of noise and vendetta, where the loudest voice drowns out reason. For those of us watching from outside Ekiti’s hills but following the state’s political pulse closely, the emergence of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) stands out as an anomaly.

From this outside vantage point, I’ve watched Ekiti shift from the old politics of “might” to a politics of merit and mood. The “BAO Effect” is more than a local story. It’s a case study in how a leader can win the trust of a people without the usual theatrics of vanity. If we are to ask whether history is on BAO’s side, we need to look beyond sentiment and examine the social contract and leadership style he has built.

In Nigeria, talk of destiny in politics is often dismissed as an excuse for failure. But in Ekiti under Oyebanji, the idea takes on practical meaning. Political favour usually shows up in results. For BAO, the result is political calm. To an outsider, the BAO Effect feels less like the “divine right of kings” and more like the “mandate of the servant.” His legitimacy comes not from force, but from aligning with what Ekiti people actually want: respect, stability and visible progress. Max Weber called this charismatic authority.

In Nigeria, charisma is usually loud - agbadas, babanrigas, sirens and dominance. But BAO has introduced something different: quiet charisma. People outside Ekiti hear about a governor who enters a crowd without a wall of security and listens before he speaks. This is a shift from the old “agbero” style to a calmer, people-first approach. Oyebanji has shown that power doesn’t need to be loud to work. His humility is not weakness. It’s a tool that builds trust in a political climate full of cynicism.

In Yoruba thought, the ideal is Omoluabi - someone of character, integrity, and wisdom. That’s the secular version of being on the right side of history. Oyebanji reflects that ideal in how he governs. In Ekiti, performance is starting to feel like civic duty again. The state is known for intellectual rigour and independence, and its people don’t tolerate empty politics. The steady support he enjoys points to a rare alignment between leader and people. Much of it comes from what I call the “peace dividend.” For the first time in a while, Ekiti news is not about assassinations or executive-legislative fights. It’s about salaries paid, projects moving, and government running smoothly. That peace is the clearest sign that things are working.

No state stays stable without a strong social contract. BAO has mastered what I call subnational diplomacy. He manages labour unions, traditional rulers and even rival factions without turning every disagreement into a war. Most governors inherit conflicts. BAO inherited a state and chose to close them down. By honouring his predecessors and avoiding fights with the opposition, he has lowered the political temperature. When civil servants are paid on time and pensioners receive their dues, the social contract stops being paper and becomes real life. That stability is the foundation of Oyebanji’s success. The conversation has shifted from “who is in power” to “what is power doing for us.”

This approach isn’t new to the world. It is interesting to note that BAO is following leaders who knew that legitimacy comes from service, not spectacle. In Africa, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame built post-genocide recovery on discipline, accountability and measurable results. Botswana’s Seretse Khama and Festus Mogae kept a small, divided country stable by sticking to consensus, institutional restraint, and low corruption. Their power was quiet, but it lasted.

Globally, the parallels are clearer. Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore work by focusing on competence and administrative discipline, not rallies. Angela Merkel governed Germany for 16 years with calm, pragmatic, evidence-based politics. Dwight Eisenhower’s U.S. presidency worked because he managed conflict, restrained partisanship, and let institutions function. All of them proved that steady, low-noise leadership can outperform loud, unstable alternatives.

Closer to home, Nigeria has seen this model before. As Premier of the old Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo governed by policy, not personality. He introduced free primary education, built industry and agriculture through the Western Nigeria Development Corporation, and left infrastructure that lasted decades. Awolowo’s power was intellectual and administrative. He cut the noise and raised the signal of delivery. That’s the same philosophy behind the “Quiet Revolution” in Ekiti today.

The test of this philosophy is now immediate. On June 20, 2026, Ekiti holds its governorship election. Oyebanji is running for a second term. The ballot will decide whether the Quiet Revolution becomes a lasting model or ends after one term.

Unarguably, three reasons stand out for why history, and Ekiti voters, should back his second term.

First, institutional continuity. Quiet leadership only matures when it outlives the first term. Awolowo’s reforms worked because they ran long enough to be embedded. Singapore’s results took two decades. If Ekiti interrupts BAO now, it risks returning to vendetta politics and abandoned projects. A second term gives time to institutionalize performance tracking, civil service reform and stakeholder engagement so they don’t depend on one person.

Second, the cost of regression. Ekiti’s current stability is not automatic in Nigerian politics. The state’s history shows how quickly peace can collapse when governance turns into winner-takes-all politics. With the national economy under pressure, voters are pragmatic. Replacing a low-conflict administrator with a high-conflict politician would bring back executive-legislative fights and patronage battles. For a state with limited federal allocation, that would drain resources from schools, roads and healthcare.

Third, the signal for Nigerian federalism. States are where Nigerian democracy either delivers or fails. If Ekiti rewards quiet competence, it tells other states that voters can tell the difference between performance and propaganda. It gives other governors political cover to govern the same way. That matters far beyond Ekiti.

In addition, Ekiti State remains a standout in BudgIT’s assessments, consistently earning high marks for fiscal transparency and disciplined budget implementation. By hitting over 80% execution in education and health during 2024, the state has built a credible foundation for its 2026 “Budget of Sustainable Governance.” These efforts, paired with recent revenue reforms, attest to a serious commitment to long-term infrastructure and sustainable, people-centered economic development.

To say the truth, however, none of the reasons presented above means the job is finished or risk-free. When a leader is seen as being on the right side of history, expectations rise. The challenge is to make the Quiet Revolution institutional, not personal. Systems must outlast temperament. The risk of elite capture - where the ruling class drifts away from the grassroots – is real and must be managed.

The lesson from Awolowo, Yew, Merkel and Kagame is simple: personality starts reform, but institutions sustain it. If BAO locks in performance tracking, protects the civil service from political interference and makes stakeholder engagement a structural habit, the model will survive beyond his tenure. That’s how a quiet revolution becomes permanent change.

For me, the BAO Effect has won me over, not because of party loyalty, but because it offers a working alternative to Nigeria’s usual subnational chaos. From outside Ekiti, the state looks like an oasis of administrative sanity. If history is on Oyebanji’s side, it shows in how he has turned political discord into steady progress.

On June 20, Ekiti will make that judgment official. The final verdict won’t come from slogans, but from what remains after the election: salaries paid, roads built, hospitals equipped to compete favourably with international standards, and dignity restored. Ekiti is a land of hills, but under BAO, the valleys of discord are being filled and the rough paths of governance are being smoothed. For those of us watching from afar, that is worth noting.

⁕ Agbabiaka lives in Osogbo, Osun State.