RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has been sworn in for a second consecutive four-year term, promising to consolidate the achievements of his administration and accelerate development across the state.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, took the oaths of allegiance and office on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The oaths were administered by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries.
The inauguration marked the beginning of another four-year administration following Oyebanji’s victory in the June 20, 2026, governorship election.
In his address, the governor pledged to build on the progress recorded during his first tenure and pursue policies aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of residents.
He reaffirmed his commitment to delivering greater benefits of democratic governance through infrastructure development, improved public services, economic opportunities and programmes designed to support communities across the state.
SHETTIMA REPRESENTS TINUBU AT INAUGURATION
Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the inauguration on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima arrived in Ado-Ekiti on Friday and was received at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport by Governor Oyebanji and other senior political figures.
Among the prominent dignitaries representing the ceremony were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and governors from several states.
The event also attracted leading members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
Other political figures listed among the attendees included former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande.
Members of the Vice President’s delegation included senior officials of the Presidency, federal ministers and lawmakers.
The gathering reflected the political significance of Oyebanji’s re-election and the APC’s continued control of Ekiti State.
OYEBANJI SECURED OVER 319,000 VOTES IN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
Oyebanji’s second term follows his victory in the June 20 governorship election conducted across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.
According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC candidate secured 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 40,543 votes.
Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) finished third with 12,872 votes.
The results were announced by the returning officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
The election gave Oyebanji a fresh mandate to continue governing the state until October 2030, subject to the constitutional provisions governing his tenure.
TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR ON RE-ELECTION
Following the announcement of the election results in June, President Tinubu congratulated Oyebanji and commended the people of Ekiti State for their participation in the democratic process.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the conduct of the election and acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace.
Tinubu attributed the governor’s electoral success to public support for his administration’s development programmes.
He cited investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and rural development as areas in which the state government had sought to improve residents’ welfare.
The President also urged Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and work with political stakeholders, including members of opposition parties, in the interest of the state.
SECOND TERM TO FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE, HEALTHCARE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Ahead of the inauguration, the Ekiti State Government outlined several priorities for Oyebanji’s second term.
These include improved healthcare services, electricity supply, road construction, water infrastructure, agricultural development and expanded economic opportunities.
The administration also plans to strengthen human capital development, encourage investment and improve access to essential services in rural communities.
During preparations for the inauguration, the state government said the new administration would intensify development efforts under its shared prosperity agenda.
Oyebanji is also expected to constitute a new State Executive Council following the dissolution of his first-term cabinet on October 12.
The governor had expressed appreciation to outgoing commissioners and other political appointees for their contributions during the previous four years.
HISTORIC CONSECUTIVE SECOND TERM
Oyebanji’s inauguration represents an important milestone in Ekiti State’s political history.
He is the first elected governor of the state to secure a second consecutive four-year term since Ekiti was created in 1996.
Although former governors Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi each served two terms, their tenures were separated by periods outside office.
Oyebanji, who first assumed office on October 16, 2022, has now secured an uninterrupted second term following his re-election.
His administration faces expectations to translate its renewed electoral mandate into improved public services, greater economic opportunities and sustainable development.
The governor’s second tenure is scheduled to run until October 16, 2030.
