Oyebanji Begins Second Term
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, have been sworn in for a second term in office, with the governor pledging to expand economic opportunities, strengthen public services and ensure development reaches communities across the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, with the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, administering the oaths of office.
Afuye took her oath at about 1:25 p.m., while Oyebanji was sworn in at approximately 1:35 p.m. The governor subsequently inspected the guard of honour.
The two officials secured re-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the state’s June 20 off-cycle governorship election.
In his inaugural address, Oyebanji pledged to pursue inclusive development, insisting that economic growth must extend beyond the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, to towns, villages and farming communities.
He promised to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs, traders, artisans, persons with disabilities and young people whose talents, he said, often exceed the opportunities available to them.
The governor also identified tourism, agriculture, transportation, hospitality and the creative industry as sectors capable of generating jobs and improving livelihoods.
According to him, Ekiti’s natural landscapes, hills, springs, history and cultural traditions offer opportunities for economic growth if properly developed.
Oyebanji said increased tourism could create a chain of economic benefits, allowing farmers to supply food, artisans to sell their products, transport operators to serve visitors and hotels to employ more workers.
He pledged to make it easier for visitors to travel across the state, access accommodation and experience its cultural and natural attractions.
The governor also promised to sustain attention to essential public services, including education, healthcare, community safety, timely payment of salaries and pensions, and responsible management of public funds.
Turning to national politics, Oyebanji called on Ekiti residents to support President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 presidential election, as they seek re-election on the APC platform.
He argued that the state had benefited from federal projects and interventions, particularly in road infrastructure.
The governor cited the Itawure–Aramoko–Igede–Ado-Ekiti Road and the Ado–Ijan–Ilumoba–Ijesa-Isu–Ikole Road, saying they had been awarded and contractors were on site. He also referred to ongoing work on the Akure–Ado road.
Oyebanji maintained that completing these projects would be important to Ekiti’s economic development, urging residents to support the continuation of federal interventions.
President Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by Vice President Shettima, congratulated the governor and his deputy on their re-election and urged them to make public service their priority over the next four years.
Shettima said renewed electoral support carried greater responsibility, stressing that the administration must demonstrate its commitment through decisions and actions that improve people’s lives.
He also praised Oyebanji’s approach to governance, citing his respect for public institutions and attention to the everyday concerns of residents.
The ceremony attracted prominent political leaders, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
Those present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo.
Former governors, federal lawmakers, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and traditional rulers from Ekiti State also attended.
As Oyebanji begins his second term, the administration faces expectations to translate its promises into measurable improvements in employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic opportunities for residents across Ekiti State.
