….monarch predicts victory for gov’s second term ambition
Adeola Olayemi
To propel him to victory in the June 20, 2026 poll, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has solicited the support of the traditional rulers across the 140 towns for his second term ambition to afford him the opportunity of consolidating democracy dividends for the populace.
Oyebanji, who vowed not to politicize the traditional institution, appealed to the monarchs to bring their experiences to bear and entrench peace in their domains during the governorship election to forestall violence and bloodshed that could tinker negatively with the current tempo of development.
The governor , who spoke in Ijero Ekiti, on Monday, while commissioning the ultra modern Owa Ajero Palace built for Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, described the facility as part of the sustained efforts to add modernity to traditional institution.
Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, harped on the expediency of Ekiti electorate trooping out en masse to participate in the impending election to nurture the country’s fledging democracy and elevate it to an enviable pedestal.
“Kabiyesis, the June 20, 2026 governorship election is another opportunity for the electorate to participate actively in the electoral system. We appeal to our people to be eager to participate as part of their sacred constitutional duties.
“We have witnessed good governance in the last three and half years through concerted actions and sacrifices made by our leader and the pilot of the moving train, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
“On this premise, let us file out on election day and renew his mandate, so that the ongoing development that is renewing our hope in government and service to humanity could continue till 2030 to consolidate democracy dividends for our people .
“We are also appealing to our traditional rulers to ensure peace in their domains by counselling the political actors and their backers to play by the rules, because we have no other state to run to, except Ekiti, which we all regard as our Jerusalem”.
The governor saluted the communal spirit that abounds in Ijero kingdom, making it one of the most peaceful and progressive areas in the State, appreciating the meaningful contributions of Owa Ajero for the sustenance of the rich cultural history of his kingdom, Ekiti at large, and the entire Yoruba race.
Oyebanji appreciated the fact that Ajero has not betrayed the confidence reposed in him as one of the shining and frontline traditional rulers in Yorubaland, praising his strides to ensuring cohesion within the kingdom and the preservation of long standing history of his people
“I am indeed happy that part of the policies of Governor Biodun Oyebanji is manifesting here today, which is to ensure respect and comfort for traditional rulers, so that they can discharge their duties with utmost honesty, zeal and sincerity.
“You could all bear testimony to the fact that Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration holds the traditional rulers in high regard, which has been obviously demonstrated through fanatical belief in the independence of the traditional institution.
“It is on record that the present government had in the last three and half years installed 11 traditional rulers in various communities across the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State. We can boastfully say that the government neither impose, nor interfere in the selection processes leading to the emergence of these traditional rulers.
“Let me point out that Governor Oyebanji was of the unbending opinion that the selection of a king in any community remains the primary duty of the kingmakers and this accounted for why they were installed to undertake such sacred traditional duty.
“This government was quite aware of this customary duty and had restrained itself from meddling in the selection process, so that there can be peace and stability in our communities. This has also ensured the maintenance and sustenance of respect for traditional institution as strategic partner in governance”.
Tracing the trajectory of how the project began 30 years ago, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, showered encomiums on Governor Oyebanji for intervening for the speedy completion of the edifice, saying his financial contributions saved the situation.
On the impending governorship poll, the monarch predicted landslide victory for the governor, saying he has performed excellently well and commands strong support base to ensure his return for a second term.
“That the governor became the candidate of APC was a product of the collective prayers of the traditional rulers. The governor has demonstrated that he is a good leader. He had increased the sitting allowances of all the monarchs. He is respecting us and he deserves our support .
“I am confident that he shall return to spend the second term. Do you think it is easy for someone to get a second term ticket as a governor without opposition ? No. It shows the prayers of traditional rulers were answered. It shows that the government is a man of the people and I believe he will win again”.
About the significance of the palace to the town, Oba Adewole, revealed that the completion represented the symbol of resilience, commitment and industry the kingdom was known and respected for from time immemorial.
“The foundation was laid 30 years ago. Though the completion was late, but we thank God for where we are today. We appreciate God. I thank those who contributed to the completion. You have made us proud. I know our forefathers will be proud of us today for this achievement”.
Oba Adewole said he assumed the royal stool in the midst of crisis in 1991, but weathered the storm, with a promise to work vigorously to deliver a palace that can accommodate him and those who came after his reign.
On the February 11, 2026 rainstorm that hit the town and destroyed hundreds of houses, the monarch sympathised with the victims, urging them to take solace in the fact that no life was lost during the incident.
Present at the occasion were: the member representing Ijero Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Ademola Ojo, Chairman of Ijero Local Government, Abayomi Folowosele, Commissioners for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Olaiya Atibioke, Local Government Affairs, Hon.. Folorunso Oyebode, Environment, Hon Tosin Aluko, Special Adviser on Mobilisation , Hon Kemi Olaleye, traditional rulers, politicians, members of Ajero-in-Council, community leaders, religious leaders, among others.