*As Ekiti indigenes in Ondo bow to deliver over 6,000 votes for his re-election
Ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the implications of breaking the succession jinx in the State is to end the era of trial by error.
Oyebanji said that the forthcoming poll is beyond victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but geared towards sustaining meaningful developments in line with his administration’s policy trust, strategies and priorities.
The Governor made the declaration, on Friday, in Akure, during the 2026 Ekiti Day Celebration organized in his honour by Ekiti indigenes living in Ondo State.
His words: “June 20 is not just a day of voting, it’s a day that Ekiti people want to break a jinx. You will realize that since the creation of Ekiti State, no governor has run two terms consecutively.
“All those things have implications for development. When there is a stoppage in government, there is a change in policy, change in strategy and change in priorities of government. So, a new government that comes will want to implement his own programs.
“If by the special grace of God and by your grace, we are able to break that jinx on June 20, that means for the first time since the creation of Ekiti State 29 years ago, we will have a government that has been running for 12 years.
“The implications of that for policies is that once we go back, we know what we want to do. We have been in saddle for four years and we know what we have done and areas we need to improve upon. We don’t have to do trial by error. That is the implication of June 20 for Ekiti people.
“It’s not about just winning an election but the culture of 10 steps forward and 30 steps backwards must stop. I’m glad that my people in Ondo State have taken this baton that enough is enough.”
While thanking Ekiti indigenes in Ondo State for the honour bestowed on him and supporting his re-election ambition, the governor pleaded with them to continue to support his counterpart in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“He is appreciative of your support and I plead with you that you continue to support him in all his future endeavours and to also thank you for putting your resources together to organize this program. When I got here and saw that these are people that have PVCs, I told myself that my people are ready for business.”
On his part, Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, commended Governor Oyebanji for his impactful leadership and inclusive governance in the state.
The Governor noted that an executive order has been given to all Ekiti indigenes in Ondo State with Ekiti PVCs to cast their votes, adding his victory at the poll will be overwhelming across the 16 local government areas.
Earlier in his welcome address, Coordinator of Ekiti Diaspora for BAO in Ondo State, Kehinde Ojo appreciated the governor for his dedication, vision and service in driving development in the state.
The Coordinator reaffirmed their commitment to support his re-election ambition, saying that over 6,000 Ekiti voters living in Ondo State will be mobilized for the poll.
According to him, “Your tenure has shown dedication, vision, and service. You’ve led with integrity and passion, uniting Ekiti State driving development, and uplifting communities. As a leader, you have fostered unity among Ekiti people, driven progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, empowered communities through innovative programs.
“We applaud your efforts, especially the Christmas and New Year gifts. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting your vision. We’ve gathered over six thousand Ekiti indigene to come out and vote for your second term again.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo, Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Chief Jide Awe, Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Omotosho, ALGON Chairman in Ekiti State, Hon Olusegun Olugbogi lauded the Ekiti indigenes in Ondo State for standing solidly behind the governor’s second term.
Highlights of the auspicious occasion is an Award of Excellence bestowed on the governor for his development strides in the state, including cultural display, among others.