Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji Pledges More Jobs And Better Services As He Is Sworn In For Historic Second Term

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, have been sworn in for a second term in office, with Oyebanji becoming the first governor in the state’s history to secure two consecutive terms.

The swearing-in ceremony was performed by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.

Afuye took her oath of office at 1:28 pm, while Oyebanji took his at 1:40 pm before a large crowd of dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers and supporters.

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

Oyebanji described his renewed mandate as another opportunity to deepen service and advance development across the state.

“A new chapter, a renewed mandate, and a greater commitment to serve,” he said. “I am deeply grateful to God and everyone who has believed in me and entrusted me with the privilege to serve once again”.

In his inauguration address, the governor pledged to prioritise job creation, skills development, agriculture, electricity, healthcare and infrastructure in his second term.

He said his administration would focus on translating public investments into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

“The measure of our second term will be how much of investment we have made improve the lives of our people,” Oyebanji said.

The governor also called for unity across political divides, stressing that disagreements should not undermine the state’s development.

“Our political differences must never become comparable to our common progress. Election may place us in different camps, but we are welcome because we must all work to bring us together,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, congratulated Oyebanji on his inauguration and urged him to consolidate on his previous achievements.

Shettima described the second-term mandate as a reflection of democratic accountability and the confidence of the electorate.

“The first mandate may be inspired by promise, but the second is earned through the judgement of those who have experienced our leadership,” the Vice President said.

The ceremony attracted prominent political leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dele Alake.

Former Ekiti State governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi were also in attendance, along with governors and representatives from other states.

Oyebanji was re-elected in the June 20, 2026 governorship election, securing 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Oluwole Oluyede of the PDP, who polled 40,543 votes.

The governor’s re-election marked a historic milestone in Ekiti’s political history, as previous administrations had been unable to secure a consecutive term for their occupants since the state’s creation in 1996.