Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians for their support and goodwill during his second-term inauguration on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Oyebanji described the successful inauguration as a historic occasion, saying he was humbled by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and goodwill from political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and residents of the state.

The governor conveyed his appreciation in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in which he thanked Tinubu for his administration’s support for Ekiti State.

According to Oyebanji, the economic policies of the Tinubu administration have increased the financial resources available to state governments, enabling them to implement development projects and improve the lives of their citizens.

He said the achievements recorded by his administration during its first term would not have been possible without the support of the President and the resources made available to subnational governments.

“We owe Mr President a huge debt of gratitude for his love and support for Ekiti State. The impact of his policies and the resources made available to subnational governments have contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by our administration,” the governor said.

Oyebanji also appreciated Vice President Kashim Shettima for representing the President and presiding over the inauguration ceremony.

He noted that Shettima’s presence marked his third visit to Ekiti State in 2026, adding that the Vice President had witnessed some of the tangible results of his administration’s development efforts during previous visits.

The governor further thanked the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda; and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their participation and support.

Governors, Political Leaders Receive Appreciation

Oyebanji expressed gratitude to governors across the country who attended the inauguration, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; and governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

Others were Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto and Umar Namadi of Jigawa states.

He also appreciated the governments of Osun and Kaduna states for their representation through their deputy governors.

The governor acknowledged the presence and support of former Ekiti governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi, as well as former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi.

Other national leaders and dignitaries he recognised included former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba; former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande; former Ondo State Governor Rahman Mimiko; former APC National Vice Chairman Pius Akinyelure; and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun.

He also thanked former Ekiti Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, senior advocate Niyi Akintola, Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority Dayo Adeyeye, Bisi Kolawole and Osun State First Lady Titilola Adeleke.

Oyebanji extended his appreciation to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, serving and former members of the National Assembly, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, state lawmakers and former members of the State Executive Council.

Traditional Rulers, Judiciary, Security Agencies CommendedThe governor specially recognised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Borgu, Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro, for honouring Ekiti State with their presence.

He also thanked Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, and other members of the council for their support.

Oyebanji commended the judiciary in Ekiti State, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, for its contributions to the successful inauguration.

He particularly appreciated Ogunmoye for administering the oaths of office and allegiance, while acknowledging the presence and support of retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye.

The governor also praised the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, for its continued cooperation with his administration.

He expressed special appreciation to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, and other traditional rulers for their royal presence at the inauguration programmes and sustained support for his government.

The governor further commended heads of security agencies in the state for their collaboration, which ensured that the week-long inauguration activities were conducted peacefully and without disruption.

He also acknowledged the contributions of heads of institutions, financial institutions, labour leaders, professional bodies, trade associations, media organisations, drivers’ unions, commercial motorcycle operators, market leaders, Iyalajes and Iyalojas.

Opposition Candidates, Stakeholders Acknowledged

Oyebanji also recognised the goodwill extended by opposition governorship candidates, including Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied Peoples Movement and Isaac Alade of the Social Democratic Party.

He said the successful inauguration marked the beginning of another phase of service to the people of Ekiti State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of its first term.

According to him, the government would continue to pursue policies and programmes aimed at promoting shared prosperity, inclusive development and improved living standards for residents.

“Together, we shall continue to work towards shared prosperity for all Ekiti citizens and make our dear state the number-one destination of choice for those seeking a place to live, work, invest and relax,” he said.

The governor concluded by reiterating his gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and goodwill towards Ekiti State.