Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has been sworn in for a second term, becoming the first governor in the state to complete a full tenure and succeed himself in office.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti on Friday, where the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, administered the oath of office to Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, amid cheers from supporters and dignitaries.
Oyebanji secured re-election in the governorship poll, polling 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who received 40,543 votes. Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came third with 12,872 votes.
Born in Ikogosi-Ekiti, Oyebanji has held several political positions in the state over the years, including special assistant, chief of staff to the governor, commissioner, director-general and secretary to the state government, before becoming governor.
Speaking after taking the oath, Oyebanji thanked the people of Ekiti State for renewing his mandate and pledged to build on the achievements of his first administration.
He said his second term would focus on strengthening the six pillars of his administration to sustain development and improve the prosperity of residents.
The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, promising to deepen collaboration with the federal government, particularly to complete ongoing efforts aimed at improving electricity supply in the state.
Oyebanji further pledged to remain accessible to the people, listen to their concerns, accept advice and corrections, and ensure that his government remains close to the electorate.
President Tinubu, represented at the ceremony by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, congratulated the governor and the people of Ekiti State on the re-election.
He described Oyebanji’s renewed mandate as well deserved, citing the governor’s performance during his first term and his willingness to listen to the people.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; former Ekiti governors Segun Oni, Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo; and governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
Others included the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, alongside federal ministers and other political and traditional leaders.
