Ekiti Govt Dissolves Okada Riders’ Executives, Names Caretaker Committee.

Ekiti Govt Dissolves Okada Riders’ Executives, Names Caretaker Committee. 

Following the recommendation of the Board of Trustees of Okada Riders 

Association, Ekiti State Chapter, the State Government has ordered the immediate dissolution of the executive of the Okada Riders Association at all levels.

A Caretaker committee that will oversee the affairs of the association has been 

constituted as follows:

1. Kunle Asaolu ( Chairman )

2. Adelegan Olowuro Sunday (Deputy Chairman)

3. Alade Gbenga (Secretary)

4. Saka Salami (Member)

5. Ajibade Ojo Ademola Omotuyi (Member)

6. Ayodeji Jegede (Member)

7. Lukman Saka (Member)

8. Joseph Emmanuel (Member)

9. Oloruntola Idowu (Member)

10. Agboola Emmanuel (Member) 

The newly constituted Caretaker Committee will be inaugurated on Friday, September 25th, 2026 at the Ministry of Transportation, Old Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, by 10.00am.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Hon. Commissioner for Transportation, Ekiti State, Hon. K.K. Ajobiewe, on Thursday, September 24, 2026 

I’LL ALWAYS RESPECT EKITI PEOPLE AS MY BENEVOLENT EMPLOYER – OYEBANJI.

I’LL ALWAYS RESPECT EKITI PEOPLE AS MY BENEVOLENT EMPLOYER – OYEBANJI.

…as PWDs hail governor’s inclusive recruitment policy at Town Hall Meeting.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his unwavering respect for the people of Ekiti State, describing them as his “benevolent employers” who deserve to be listened to and treated with utmost regard at all times.

The Governor made this assertion on Thursday during a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from the Ekiti South Senatorial District, held in Igbara-Odo, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area, as part of ongoing consultations for the preparation of the 2027 Budget.

Governor Oyebanji commended the people for their unwavering support and sacrifices over the past four years, noting that the landmark achievements recorded by his administration were made possible through their cooperation and trust.

The interactive session, which featured traditional rulers, community leaders, people living with disabilities, and other critical stakeholders, provided a platform for participants to articulate their developmental priorities. The stakeholders, in turn, pledged stronger support for the Governor’s second term administration, set to commence on October 16, 2026.

Speaking during the engagement, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that his administration would reintroduce the five-kilometre road project across local government areas to enhance accessibility and stimulate economic activities, particularly in rural communities. He also assured that efforts would be intensified to fast-track the disbursement of financial support to traders and artisans in order to boost commerce and productivity.

The Governor further emphasized that human capital development would remain a central focus of his administration.

Addressing concerns about development in Ekiti East Local Government Area, Governor Oyebanji described the council as a strategic gateway to the Northern region and pledged to attract private sector investments to accelerate development in the area.

“I have absolute respect for Ekiti people and will never disrespect them. You put us in this position; you are our employers. Your voices must be heard and respected. This engagement is not a mere formality but a deliberate effort to incorporate your inputs into government’s development agenda,” the Governor stated.

“I have listened carefully to your submissions, and I agree that we must intensify efforts in providing improved electricity supply, better road connectivity, and enhanced educational facilities to improve the welfare and wellbeing of our people.”

Stakeholders from various local government areas, including representatives of Ayekire, Ekiti Southwest, and Ekiti East, advocated the revival of the five-kilometre road initiative to improve connectivity and urban aesthetics. They also called for urgent intervention in erosion control, expansion of electricity infrastructure, improved healthcare and educational facilities, as well as the establishment of a higher institution in the district.

Similarly, representatives from Ikere, Ise/Orun, and Emure Local Government Areas appealed for increased government investment in critical sectors such as power, roads, healthcare, and education. They also urged the government to strengthen security architecture, particularly in border communities, through sustained forest combing operations to flush out criminal elements.

In his remarks, a representative of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), Mr Damola Ogunleye, commended Governor Oyebanji for his inclusive recruitment policy, noting that the allocation of five percent of positions to persons with disabilities during the recent recruitment into the civil service and teaching service has significantly improved their socio-economic wellbeing and reinforced inclusivity in governance.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, disclosed that the state currently has 958 public primary schools and 200 secondary schools. She added that the government is implementing strategic measures, including free education and partnerships with private institutions, to tackle school dropout rates and improve learning outcomes.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; political leaders; and representatives of various communities.

2027: Oke Lisa, Oda Agog as Balarabe Akinwumi Visits Wards 5, 6.

2027: Oke Lisa, Oda Agog as Balarabe Akinwumi Visits Wards 5, 6.

...ADC Receives APC Defectors.

It was amidst pomp and pageantry that residents of Wards 5 and 6 in Akure South Local Government Area on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, trooped out in large numbers to receive Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.

The visit was part of the ADC's ongoing ward-to-ward engagement across the constituency, allowing the party's candidates and leaders to interact with residents, community leaders, party members, youth groups, women, and other interest groups.

Addressing the gathering at Oke Lisa in Ward 5, Akinwumi thanked residents for their warm reception and large turnout, describing it as a demonstration of their support and commitment to the development of the Ward.

He noted that Ward 5 was particularly significant to him, noting it as his ward and the largest ward in Akure, with 77 polling units.

“This is my Ward. It is the largest Ward in the whole of Akure with 77 Polling Units. As a member of this Ward, I am familiar with the challenges being faced here. I am ready to use your mandate to turn around the situation.

“We will provide funds for the business of our mothers. Our youths will be gainfully engaged. We will roll out various empowerment programmes for the people,” Akinwumi said.

He said his familiarity with the challenges confronting residents would help him understand the areas requiring attention, while pledging to pursue initiatives focused on youth engagement, women-led businesses and grassroots empowerment.

One of the highlights of the visit was the defection of more than 100 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC.

The campaign train subsequently moved to Oda in Ward 6, where Akinwumi also addressed residents and interacted with community members and party supporters.

At Oda, the ADC candidate spoke on the need for effective grassroots representation and reiterated his commitment to initiatives targeted at improving the economic opportunities available to youths and women in the constituency.

The campaign train included the ADC Chairman in Akure South, Abiodun Adeyemi; Director-General of the ADC Campaign Council in Akure South, Ambassador Kunle Adeloye; House of Assembly hopefuls, Engr. Temi Oluwalade and Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi; and the Publicity Secretary, Otunba Olumide Ogunkua, among other party leaders and supporters.

EKITI TRIBUNAL: APPEAL COURT REJECTS SDP LAWYERS' REQUEST FOR RELOCATION OF SITTINGS TO ABUJA.

EKITI TRIBUNAL: APPEAL COURT REJECTS SDP LAWYERS' REQUEST FOR RELOCATION OF SITTINGS TO ABUJA.

...Insists hearing must continue in Ado-Ekiti.

The Court of Appeal has rejected a request by the legal team of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) requesting the relocation of the sittings of the Election Petition Tribunal hearing the Ekiti State governorship petitions to Abuja.

The revelation came to light on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti at the resumed hearing of the petitions filed by both the SDP and the Action Alliance (AA) challenging the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the June 20 governorship election.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Election Tribunal, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi told parties in the petitions that the panel has received a communication from the Court of Appeal headquarters in Abuja that hearing should continue at the tribunal venue in Ado-Ekiti.

Justice Kutigi emphasized that the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has acted on the request of the SDP lawyers and has consequently directed that hearing should continue on the two governorship petitions before the Tribunal at the Ado Ekiti venue.

The Tribunal chair consequently adjourned sitting till Thursday, September 24 for the SDP to continue the prosecution of its petition before the three-member jury.

The AA had also requested for an adjournment in view of the request of the SDP counsel that proceedings should be shifted to Abuja but the Tribunal held that since event has overtaken the request for relocation with the latest directive of the PCA, its (AA's) petition would continue in Ado Ekiti and the two cases would resume on Thursday.

In the two separate petitions filed by the SDP and the AA, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the 1st Respondent while Governor Oyebanji, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was joined as the 2nd Respondent. 

According to the governorship results declared by INEC, the SDP scored 179 votes while the AA got 126 votes. The APC won the election by garnering a total of 319,224 votes.

The SDP lawyers were absent at Wednesday's proceedings. Lead counsel to INEC, Bunmi Ipinlaye and lead counsel to Oyebanji, Ibrahim Olarewaju told the panel that they were just served with a letter from the petitioners asking for an adjournment of sitting pending the determination of the application to the Court of Appeal for the relocation of sitting to Abuja.

The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Kutigi asked the Tribunal Secretary, Zubairu Nuhu whether he forwarded the response received from the PCA which was conveyed through an SMS to the Tribunal Secretary directing that sittings should continue in Ado Ekiti to the legal teams of the two Respondents.

The Tribunal Secretary replied that he forwarded the message to the lead counsel of the Respondents who were not physically present at Wednesday's sitting. Nuhu was subsequently directed to read the message to the hearing of the lawyers present which he did.

While reading the message, Nuhu said: "I am directed to inform you that the Tribunal is to continue its sitting in Ado Ekiti pending further directives from the Honourable President of the Court of Appeal."

Justice Kutigi in a short ruling recalled that when the case last came up for hearing on September 16, the Tribunal adjourned to September 23 and was awaiting the PCA's directive on the SDP counsel's application for change of venue.

The Tribunal boss also ruled that another application filed by the SDP legal team for adjournment of the petition pending the determination of the application to the Court of Appeal for change of venue to Abuja could no longer stand with the latest directive of the PCA that hearing should continue in Ado Ekiti.

He held that the PCA has directed that hearing should continue in Ado Ekiti and that all parties have been put on notice and that the application for change of venue has no basis and subsequently adjourned the SDP petition to Thursday, September 24 for continuation of hearing.

When the AA case was called, INEC counsel (Ipinlaye) sought an adjournment owing to the absence of the petitioners in court but counsel to Oyebanji (Olarewaju) said he and his client were ready for the continued hearing of the petition.

But Justice Kutigi stressed that the petitioners (AA) ought to have appeared in court since they have not made any request for change of venue as the request was in respect of the SDP case. He equally adjourned the AA petition till Thursday, September 24 for continuation of hearing and that all parties be put on notice to appear on the adjourned day.

The application for change of venue was filed by SDP counsel, Ebenezer Akinbuli of the law firm of Adewole Adebayo, seeking an order to relocate the venue of the tribunal from Ado Ekiti to "a safer and more secure location in Abuja" citing an alleged hostile atmosphere created around tribunal premises by individuals he referred to as "lawless elements."

The SDP counsel also wrote a letter described as an urgent request for reinforced security and police presence at every subsequent adjourned date which was addressed to the state Commissioner of Police and served on counsel to Respondents in the petition.

The SDP whose governorship candidate has withdrawn from the petition is expected to bring more witnesses on its list to court to give evidence when hearing resumes on Thursday.

MY SECOND TERM PROJECTS ‘LL BOOST COMMERCE, PRODUCTIVITY, SAYS OYEBANJI AT TOWN HALL MEETING ON 2027 BUDGET.

MY SECOND TERM PROJECTS ‘LL BOOST COMMERCE, PRODUCTIVITY, SAYS OYEBANJI AT TOWN HALL MEETING ON 2027 BUDGET.

…Says Ekiti’ll take Tinubu’s re-election seriously.

…As monarchs, youths pledge more support for governor.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has assured that projects to be executed in his second term will be deliberately targeted at boosting commerce, enhancing productivity and stimulating sustainable business growth, with a view to deepening value addition and positioning the state’s economy on a higher trajectory.

The Governor also declared that Ekiti State would take the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential poll very seriously, pledging intensified mobilisation to increase the President’s vote tally in the state.

Governor Oyebanji spoke on Wednesday during a Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders from Ekiti North Senatorial District as part of preparations for the 2027 Budget, held in Ifaki-Ekiti.

At the engagement, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders across the district pledged stronger support for the Governor’s administration in his second term, which begins on October 16, 2026, to enable the delivery of his shared prosperity agenda.

Reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance, the Governor said the consultative approach adopted by his administration would be strengthened in the second term to deepen public participation and reinforce unity across the state.

He emphasized that government investments would be strategically channelled into critical sectors such as healthcare, electricity, road infrastructure and water supply, noting that such interventions would improve living standards and drive economic productivity.

“In our second term, whatever we are going to do must add value, because resources are limited. There must be value addition. We must catalyse productivity and ensure our people are productive. It is only when there is value that artisans like welders and auto mechanics can thrive and become prosperous,” the Governor said.

On local economic development, Oyebanji noted that his administration had made efforts to expand electricity access to some communities, adding that progress had been constrained by existing legal frameworks that limit states to power generation without distribution authority.

He reaffirmed his belief in participatory governance, stressing that community inputs would guide project prioritisation.

“Governance is about the people. We are what we are today because of you. You gave us your mandate, and we must continue to seek your counsel in delivering good governance,” he added.

The Governor also commended traditional rulers for their support, particularly in intelligence gathering, which he said had contributed significantly to improved security in the state. He, however, urged continued vigilance among residents.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Oyebanji called on Ekiti voters to reciprocate President Tinubu’s support for the state by delivering higher votes.

He cited key federal appointments and infrastructure interventions benefiting Ekiti, including the emergence of top-ranking public office holders from the state, as evidence of the President’s commitment.

“We must show appreciation. It will not be enough to repeat previous figures. We must do more in the next election,” he said.

On infrastructure, the Governor disclosed that ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government had facilitated the award of major road projects, including the Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba-Ikole and Ado-Aramoko-Ita-Ore roads, adding that other critical roads would be addressed subsequently.

Providing sectoral updates, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, revealed that over 300 nurses and 1,500 health assistants had been recruited in the last four years, alongside significant upgrades of primary and secondary healthcare facilities. He added that three new general hospitals had been approved for Ipao, Ikogosi and Awo-Ekiti.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, disclosed that over 500 boreholes had been constructed across the state, with an additional 110 proposed to ensure equitable water distribution.

In their remarks, traditional rulers and community representatives from across Ekiti North Senatorial District commended the Governor for ongoing development efforts and outlined priority needs for the 2027 Budget, including roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare and security.

They particularly praised the completion of key road projects and recent security interventions, while appealing for accelerated attention to infrastructure deficits in their respective communities.

Speaking for Ikole Local Government, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Femi Aribisala, appealed to government to speedily intervene in the council in the area of road,  water and electricity sectors, lamenting that lack of good road access and poor electricity supply were constituting impediments to the growth of local economy. 

Representatives of Moba Local Government  and Obaleo of Erinmope, Oba Sunday Aniyi, that of  Ido/Osi and Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro and that of Oye Local Government and Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, called for more attention on roads, electricity, security and water supply to enhance the welfare and well-being of the populace in the 2027 budget.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; political leaders; and representatives of various community groups.

Ojuawo Commends Governor Oyebanji for Strengthening Ekiti Security with 100 Operational Vehicles.

Ojuawo Commends Governor Oyebanji for Strengthening Ekiti Security with 100 Operational Vehicles.

The Honourable Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. (AVM Rtd.) Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, for providing 100 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state to enhance their effectiveness, mobility and capacity to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. Hon. Ojuawo described the gesture as a significant investment in the security architecture of the state and an indication of the Governor’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Ekiti residents.

In a statement issued by his media office, Hon. Ojuawo praised Governor Oyebanji for what he described as purposeful and people-oriented leadership, noting that the safety and security of citizens remain fundamental responsibilities of government. He said the provision of operational vehicles would enable security personnel to respond more promptly to distress calls, patrol communities more effectively and improve coordination in the fight against crime and other security challenges. According to him, security agencies require adequate logistics and operational support to perform optimally.

Hon. Ojuawo further noted that mobility is a critical component of modern security operations, particularly in responding to emergencies and maintaining a visible security presence across urban and rural communities. He therefore expressed confidence that the new vehicles would contribute significantly to improving response time and strengthening collaboration among the various security agencies operating in Ekiti State. He commended Governor Oyebanji for making such an investment in security at a time when proactive measures are increasingly important to sustaining peace and stability in the state.

The federal lawmaker also observed that the initiative demonstrates Ekiti State’s preparedness for future developments in the nation’s security architecture, including ongoing conversations around state policing. He urged the security agencies to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained and deployed strictly for operational purposes so that the people can derive maximum benefit from the investment. Hon. Ojuawo congratulated Governor Oyebanji on the initiative and reaffirmed his support for programmes and policies aimed at promoting peace, security, development and the overall wellbeing of the people of Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Securing Lives, Protecting Property: How Oyebanji Is Strengthening Ekiti’s Security Architecture.

Securing Lives, Protecting Property: How Oyebanji Is Strengthening Ekiti’s Security Architecture.                                                              By Akinwumi Olamide

For any society to achieve sustainable development, the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government. Beyond preventing crime and responding to emergencies, a secure environment provides the foundation upon which economic activities, investment, tourism and social development can thrive.

In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration has continued to place security at the centre of its development agenda, with sustained interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of security agencies and improving their operational effectiveness.

The latest demonstration of this commitment came on Monday, September 21, 2026, when Governor Oyebanji handed over 100 newly purchased operational vehicles to security agencies in the state at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti.

The vehicles are expected to improve mobility, strengthen patrol operations, enhance rapid response and support the eventual take-off of the proposed Ekiti State Police Outfit.

Speaking during the presentation, Governor Oyebanji described the intervention as another significant step in his administration’s sustained investment in the security architecture of the state.

The Governor said security had remained a major priority of his administration since assuming office, noting that the latest intervention was designed to address the recurring need for operational vehicles among security agencies.

He explained that the provision of the vehicles was part of a broader effort to confront logistical challenges and equip security personnel with the necessary tools to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The intervention, therefore, goes beyond the presentation of vehicles. It represents a continued effort to strengthen Ekiti’s security architecture and provide security agencies with the mobility and logistics required to protect residents and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

Over the years, the Oyebanji administration has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving security operations across Ekiti.

The state government had previously supported the Nigeria Police Force with tactical patrol vehicles and two Proforce Armoured Personnel Carriers. In addition, 30 Toyota Tacoma vehicles were provided for the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps.

The Amotekun vehicles were sourced from local automobile dealers, linking the government’s security investment with opportunities for businesses within the state.

The latest distribution further extends government support to several security institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies.

With improved mobility, security personnel are expected to expand patrol coverage, enhance visibility and respond more rapidly to security incidents across communities, highways, farming areas and other strategic locations.

The importance of security extends beyond crime prevention. A secure environment provides the confidence necessary for people to engage in productive economic and social activities.

For farmers, improved security can strengthen confidence in accessing their farms and protecting their livelihoods. For traders and business owners, it can create a more conducive environment for commerce, investment and expansion.

The same applies to tourism. Ekiti is home to notable tourist destinations, including the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Arinta Waterfalls. A secure environment can enhance visitors’ confidence and encourage greater exploration of the state’s tourism potential.

Security investment is, therefore, not only a matter of public safety but also an important component of economic development.

When residents feel secure, they are better positioned to pursue their livelihoods, businesses can operate with greater confidence, investors can explore opportunities and communities can participate more actively in development.

For security personnel operating across a state comprising both urban and rural communities, mobility is critical.

Even when personnel are properly trained and prepared to respond to emergencies, inadequate transportation can affect the speed with which they reach locations where their services are required.

The provision of operational vehicles is therefore expected to strengthen patrols, improve emergency response and enhance the visibility of security agencies across the state.

It can also promote greater coordination among security agencies, particularly during joint operations and situations requiring intelligence sharing and rapid intervention.

In security operations, visibility can serve as an important deterrent, while the ability to move quickly can make a significant difference when emergencies occur.

Another important dimension of the administration’s security intervention is its potential impact on local businesses.

The sourcing of some security vehicles from automobile dealers within Ekiti demonstrates how public expenditure can also stimulate economic activity within the state.

When local businesses participate in government procurement and supply chains, the benefits of public spending can extend beyond the immediate purpose of a project.

In this case, investment in security simultaneously contributes to the protection of lives and property while creating opportunities for local enterprises.

This approach reflects the broader connection between public investment and local economic development, where government spending can support both immediate public needs and economic activity within the state.

While the provision of operational vehicles is significant, maintaining a strong security environment requires more than mobility.

Continued investment in personnel, intelligence gathering, communication systems, technology, training and community engagement will remain essential to sustaining security gains across the state.

Cooperation among conventional security agencies, Amotekun and community-based security structures will also remain crucial, particularly in farming communities and rural areas.

The ultimate objective is not simply to deploy more vehicles on the roads, but to build a security system that is adequately equipped, coordinated and capable of responding effectively to the needs of the people.

For Ekiti, security is closely connected to the future of its people. A safer environment gives farmers greater confidence to work, enables businesses to operate with reduced fear, encourages investment and creates a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

It also provides the government with a stronger foundation upon which other development initiatives can thrive.

The significance of the latest intervention therefore lies not only in the number of vehicles presented, but also in the broader objective of strengthening the operational capacity of the institutions entrusted with protecting the people.

As the newly presented vehicles are deployed for operational duties, the intervention represents another step in the state government’s continuing efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property.

The broader message from the initiative is that security remains an important component of the administration’s development strategy, with the objective of creating an environment where residents can live, work, invest and pursue their aspirations with greater confidence.