Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians at large for their support and goodwill during the successful inauguration of his second term in office on Friday, October 16, 2026.
The Governor, in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and goodwill that accompanied the historic occasion.
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, Governor Oyebanji conveyed his profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support for the state, which, he said, continues to translate into tangible growth and development across various sectors.
He noted that the remarkable milestones recorded by his administration during its first term would not have been possible without the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, which had increased the financial resources available to subnational governments for development.
The Governor said: “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.”
Governor Oyebanji also expressed appreciation to the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, for attending the inauguration on behalf of the President and presiding over the ceremony. He noted that the Vice President’s presence marked his third visit to Ekiti State in 2026, adding that he had witnessed firsthand some of the tangible outcomes of the administration’s development efforts during his previous visits.
The Governor extended special appreciation to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their support and participation in the historic event.
He equally thanked his colleagues across the country who honoured the state with their presence, 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, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dr Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
He also appreciated the Governors of Osun and Kaduna States, who were represented at the ceremony by their deputies.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to former Governors of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Engr. Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as Erelu Bisi Fayemi, for their presence and support.
He also acknowledged the contributions of distinguished national leaders and eminent personalities, including former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba; former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Rahman Mimiko; former APC National Vice Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN; Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Hon. Bisi Kolawole; and Osun State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke.
The Governor further appreciated the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; serving and former members of the National Assembly; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the State Assembly; and former members of the State Executive Council.
He reserved special commendation for the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Borgu, Dr Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro, for honouring the 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.
Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the judiciary in Ekiti State, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, for its support. He particularly acknowledged Justice Ogunmoye for administering the oaths of office and allegiance during the inauguration, as well as the retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, for her presence and support.
He also commended the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, for its continued cooperation with his administration. Special appreciation went to all traditional rulers in the state, particularly the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, for their royal presence at the inauguration programmes and their sustained support for the government.
The Governor equally thanked the heads of security agencies in the state for their effective collaboration, which ensured a peaceful and hitch-free week-long inauguration programme.
He extended his appreciation to heads of institutions, managing directors and chief executives of banks and other financial institutions, labour leaders, professional bodies, trade associations, the media, drivers’ unions, commercial motorcycle operators, market leaders, Iyalajes and Iyalojas for their contributions to the success of the event.
Governor Oyebanji also acknowledged the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Wole Oluyede; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Chief Joseph Anifowose; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Isaac Alade, for their goodwill.
He said the successful inauguration marked the beginning of another phase of service to the people, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of the first term and pursuing policies and programmes that would promote shared prosperity, inclusive development and improved living standards for all Ekiti citizens.
“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,” the Governor said.
He concluded by reiterating his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and goodwill towards Ekiti State.
“Once again, we thank our dear President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“May God continue to bless Ekiti State. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”, the statement added .
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