Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, has urged the people of Ekiti State to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office to guarantee the continuation of development programmes that have positively changed the state over the last three years.
Aiyedatiwa made the plea yesterday in Ikole Ekiti at St. Paul’s Anglican Church during the funeral ceremony for High Chief Mathew Okunola, the late father of Court of Appeal Justice Oyebisi Omoleye.
Describing Oyebanji as a trustworthy leader who has brought stability, unity, and development to the state, Aiyedatiwa stated that granting him another term would allow him to “deepen the people-oriented programmes that have touched lives across the state.”
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He further stressed the crucial need for ongoing support for Oyebanji, whom he hailed as a divine blessing guiding the state toward progress.
Aiyedatiwa called on Ekiti indigenes both within and outside the state to increase their prayers for the state’s development under Oyebanji’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of both state leaders, Aiyedatiwa told the congregation: “The only thing I want to say is that, please continue to support Oyebanji because he has performed excellently well, and if given another chance, he will do more. This is our work and it is a big one, and we cannot do it alone. Just be patient with us.”
While commiserating with Justice Omoleye and her family on the loss of their patriarch, whom he acknowledged as a respected community figure, Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of upholding the deceased’s “legacy of integrity and service.”
However, Oyebanji himself paid tribute to the late High Chief Okunola, recognising him as a “trailblazer and an achiever on several fronts” who will be remembered for his dedication to community development and his influence on the Ikole traditional council and the church.
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In his sermon, Venerable Ajao Mathew of St Silas, Anglican Church, Omuo Ekiti, remembered the deceased as a devoted man of God known for his wisdom and godly counsel.
The funeral service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Ekiti State Attorney General, Dayo Apata, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, the Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi, and a large representation from the Bar and Bench.
