By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, Taiwo Olatunbosun, has described calls by many Ekiti indigenes for Governor Biodun Oyebanji to seek re-election in 2026 as “a reflection of the confidence that Ekiti people have in his leadership.”
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on a radio programme tagged ‘People’s Platform’, the Commissioner noted that the people of Ekiti State on different political, social and religious platforms, had been calling on Oyebanji to seek re-election following what the Commissioner described as his sterling performances in the last two years of his administration.
Olatunbosun, who stated that though the governor had not officially indicated intention to seek re-election, added that “Oyebanji’s inclusive governance and the various unprecedented all-round infrastructural development have endeared the governor to the hearts of Ekiti people.”
According to him, there was no doubt that the governor had performed well to earn a second term as echoed by Ekiti people.
“It is Governor Oyebanji’s inalienable right to contest for a second term. Ekiti people have been talking about it. They gave him their mandate and I can tell you categorically that he has done well to earn a second term.
“The reward for good work is more works and people have started giving commendations that since he has been doing well in the last two years, he should be allowed to continue till 2030,” Olatunbosun said.
He attributed the successes recorded by the Oyebanji-led administration to “the governor’s perfect understanding of Ekiti terrain, its people and their needs,” which, according to him, had translated to the developmental strides and transformation across the state.
Olatunbosun highlighted some of the efforts of the Oyebanji administration to develop the state to include the ongoing transformation of the notorious Atikankan slum in Ado-Ekiti which was once a centre of criminal activities, adding that government took a bold step in taking possession of the area, duly compensated the hitherto property owners and commenced the process of turning it to a befitting Central Business District in the state capital.
He added that the government had also continued to facilitate soft loans for Ekiti traders; thus protecting them from taking loans with excessively high interest rates and activities of loan sharks, stressing that the focus was to enable traders concentrate on developing their businesses and so contribute to enhancing commercial activities and development in the state.
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of residents and assured that the state government would continue to be responsive and responsible.
