Ekiti Workers Rally in Support of Oyebanji Ahead of June 20 Poll

By Kemi Folarin 

As anticipation builds for the June 20, 2026 gubernatorial election, thousands of Ekiti State workers has marched through Ado-Ekiti streets to show strong backing for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. They praised his administration’s sweeping improvements in worker welfare, transparency, and public service transformation.

The solidarity walk started at the Terminal Bus Stop, drawing leaders from various labour unions and over 1,000 members. It went through Fajuyi Roundabout before ending at the Government Office.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ekiti Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, addressed the crowd, spotlighting key reforms. 

He lauded the full rollout of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with adjustments across all grade levels, plus free palliative buses in Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti to cut transport costs for workers and students. 

Kolapo also noted ₦4.5 billion in loans for car and housing needs among teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) Chairman, Comrade Femi Ajoloko highlighted the gross salary policy, which ended withheld deductions and boosted take-home pay for cooperatives and personal finances. 

Salaries and pensions now arrive consistently by the 22nd of each month. On pensions, he pointed to ₦14.6 billion in gratuities clearing arrears from 2013-2016, plus free health insurance via the Ulerawa Health Scheme for over 9,000 pensioners.

Governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Kayode Fatomiluyi, emphasized merit-based promotions and appointments using Computer-Based Tests (CBT), ending “godfatherism” in the civil service.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) State Chairperson, Comrade Omotola Farotimi called the event a stand for good governance, urging workers to honor leaders prioritizing welfare.

Governor Oyebanji, receiving the group, called their support humbling and tied his successes to reforms under President Bola Tinubu, with Ekiti always a priority. 

He promised to tackle remaining issues and rallied workers to vote All Progressives Congress (APC) en masse on June 20 for his re-election.