ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE — Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, has led members of the forum to the swearing-in ceremony of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his second term in office.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, following Oyebanji’s re-election in the June 20 governorship election.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of another four-year tenure for the administration. The oaths were administered by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Adekanye Ogunmoye.
Uzodimma, who attended the ceremony alongside other political leaders and dignitaries, congratulated Oyebanji on his renewed mandate, describing the outcome of the election as a reaffirmation of the confidence reposed in the governor by the people of Ekiti State.
In a congratulatory message, the Imo State governor said the people of Ekiti had made a choice that reflected their confidence in Oyebanji’s leadership and vision for the state.
He expressed optimism that the governor would sustain efforts to promote development and economic growth, while advancing the welfare and prosperity of residents.
“I am confident that he will continue to drive development and economic growth across the State, fostering prosperity and progress in line with the ideals of our great party,” Uzodimma said.
He also wished Oyebanji a successful and impactful second term, urging him to continue delivering on his promises and advancing the aspirations of the people of Ekiti State.
Oyebanji’s return to office followed his victory in the governorship election, in which he contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 40,543 votes. Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) came third with 12,872 votes.
His re-election marked a significant development in the state’s political history, making him the first governor of Ekiti State, since its creation in 1996, to win re-election and succeed himself in office.
The inauguration attracted prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, serving governors and other senior government officials.
As Oyebanji begins his second term, the administration is expected to sustain its focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, electricity, rural development and economic opportunities, areas identified by the state government as priorities for the next phase of governance.
The state government has also outlined plans to expand rural road development, with a target of delivering up to 1,500 kilometres of roads through government interventions and partnerships with development organisations.
Uzodimma’s message concluded with renewed congratulations to Oyebanji and his deputy, expressing hope that their second term would bring further progress and deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of Ekiti residents.
