Historic victory as Oyebanji becomes first Ekiti governor re-elected for a second term

Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti State, has taken the oath of office for a second time, thus making him the first governor in Ekiti State to be elected for two successive tenures in office.

He took the oath of office together with his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, on Friday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of the state.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.

The governor took the oaths of office and allegiance at 1:40 p.m. before a large gathering of dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers and supporters who converged on the venue to witness the historic event.

Oyebanji’s inauguration marks the beginning of his second term as governor, following his return to office for another four years.

He subsequently signed the necessary documents formalising his inauguration as governor for another four-year term.

His deputy, Afuye, had earlier taken the oaths of office and allegiance at 1:28 pm before signing the relevant documents.

Oyebanji’s re-election and inauguration marked a historic milestone in Ekiti’s political history, as he broke the state’s succession jinx, with previous administrations unable to secure a consecutive term for their occupants.

The ceremony attracted prominent political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dele Alake.

Governors and representatives of state governments also attended the event, alongside former Ekiti State governors, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, Kayode Fayemi, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

Among governors present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and Kwara State Governor, Abulrazaq Abdulrahman, as well as representatives of other state governments.

Also in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Adam Oshiomhole, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

More details to follow…