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Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged to deliver more dividends of democracy in his second term.
He promises to consolidate his administration’s achievements and ensure that the benefits of governance reach more households across the state.
Oyebanji gave the assurance on Friday shortly after his inauguration for another four-year term at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, which was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; as well as serving and former governors; among other dignitaries.
The governor, the first in Ekiti to win re-election and be inaugurated for two consecutive terms, solicited the support of citizens at home and in the diaspora to make the state a model of good governance and shared prosperity.
He said his administration would build on achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human capital development while correcting shortcomings and addressing residents’ hardships.
“Ekiti-Kete, this second mandate brings a greater responsibility to deliver. I know that public trust must be earned afresh every day. I will remain accessible. I will listen. I will welcome honest counsel and work with people across our political and social divides,” he said.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to Oyebanji at 1.34pm. His deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, had been sworn in at 1.29pm.
Oyebanji paid tribute to former governors for their contributions to the state’s development and extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents in the last governorship election, including Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress, Isaac Alade of the Social Democratic Party and Joseph Anifowose of the Allied People’s Movement.
He pledged to correct areas of weakness, seek practical solutions to hardship and create more opportunities for residents.
“Where we have done well, we will build further. Where we have fallen short, we will make corrections. Where our people still face hardship, we will keep seeking practical answers,” he said.
The governor urged Ekiti indigenes in Nigeria and abroad to contribute their expertise, investments and networks to the state’s development.
He also promised to promote technology, innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence, while linking education more closely to enterprise and practical skills. He cited the ongoing construction of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone as part of efforts to prepare young people for emerging economic opportunities.
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Oyebanji further pledged to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, persons with disabilities and young people.
The governor, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting his first-term administration, urged Ekiti residents to re-elect the President and Shettima in 2027.
Shettima, who spoke on behalf of Tinubu, expressed confidence that Oyebanji would perform better in his second term,. He stated that the governor had earned the people’s trust through his first-term achievements.
“We are very optimistic that his second term shall be more prosperous. He promised you prosperity in his first term and he delivered. Be rest assured that the second term shall be better,” Tinubu said.
The President also appealed for patience amid economic difficulties, assuring Nigerians that his administration’s measures to stabilise the economy would bring greater prosperity.
The colorful inauguration was witnessed by a star-studded gathering of political leaders, royal fathers, and captai of industries.
Prominent serving governors present included Nigeria Governors Forum Chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Progressives Governors Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Umar Bago (Niger State).
Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Uba Sani of Kaduna were represented by their respective deputies, Kola Adewusi and Dr. Hadiza Balarabe.
The federal delegation and party hierarchy were led by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; Cabinet Ministers Dr. Tunji Alausa (Education) and Dele Alake (Mineral Resources’), alongside NPA Chairman Senator Dayo Adeyeye.
Former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi were joined by former governors Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) in demonstrating solidarity.
Traditional institutions were prominently represented by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Mohammed Haliru Dantoro; Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe.
The event was also graced by former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly , Adeoye Aribasoye, Osun State, First Lady Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, former Ekiti First Lady Erelu Bisi Fayemi, corporate leaders Dr. John Olajide and Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, among other eminent personalities.
