Governor Biodun Oyebanji has stepped up consultations with traditional rulers across Ekiti State’s 140 towns as he prepares for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
The governor made his latest appeal in Ijero Ekiti on Monday during the commissioning of the new Owa Ajero Palace built for the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole.
Represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji told monarchs that his administration would not drag the traditional institution into partisan politics. He said the government remained committed to respecting royal authority and protecting the independence of kingmakers.
With less than four months to the election, the governor urged traditional rulers to use their influence to maintain peace before, during and after the polls. He warned that violence could slow down development and unsettle communities.
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He described the forthcoming election as another chance to strengthen democracy in the state. He called on eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and fulfil what he termed their constitutional duty at the ballot box.
According to him, his administration has recorded steady progress in infrastructure, governance and public service delivery over the past three and a half years. He said continuity would allow ongoing projects to be completed and new reforms to take root.
“We have witnessed good governance through collective effort and sacrifice,” he said. “Let us renew the mandate so that development can continue until 2030.”
Oyebanji stressed that his government had not interfered in the selection of traditional rulers. He noted that 11 monarchs had been installed across the three senatorial districts since 2022 without state intrusion into the process.
“The choice of a king rests with kingmakers,” he said, adding that non-interference had strengthened trust between the government and royal fathers.
He praised Ijero Kingdom for its record of stability and cooperation, describing it as one of the most orderly communities in Ekiti. He also commended Oba Adewole for promoting unity and safeguarding the cultural identity of his people.
In his remarks, Oba Adewole traced the palace project back three decades. He said the vision began about 30 years ago but faced funding setbacks. He thanked the governor for financial support that sped up its completion.
The monarch said he ascended the throne in 1991 during a turbulent period but made a promise to build a befitting palace for the kingdom. He described the new structure as a symbol of endurance and collective effort.
Oba Adewole also expressed confidence in the governor’s re-election bid. He predicted victory at the polls, saying traditional rulers had offered prayers that contributed to Oyebanji’s emergence as candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
“He respects us and has shown leadership,” the monarch said. “I believe he will win again.”
The royal father used the occasion to sympathise with residents affected by the February 11, 2026 rainstorm that damaged hundreds of houses in Ijero. He urged victims to remain thankful that no lives were lost.
Dignitaries at the event included the lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Ijero Local Government Chairman, Abayomi Folowosele; commissioners; political leaders; members of the Ajero-in-Council; and community representatives.
As the 2026 race gathers pace, the governor’s outreach to traditional rulers signals a strategy built on consensus and grassroots support. In Ekiti politics, royal endorsement carries weight. Whether that backing will translate into votes will be decided on June 20.
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