Jubilation in Ado-Ekiti as Oyebanji, Deputy Receive Certificates of Return

… Pledges Focus on Citizens’ Welfare, Economic Growth, Infrastructural Development

By Joseph Sunday

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, following their re-election victory.

The certificates were presented by INEC National Commissioner for Oyo, Ekiti, and Osun States, Mr. Sam Olumekun, at the commission’s state office.

Oyebanji, who contested on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, polled 319,224 votes in the June 20 governorship election, becoming the first governor in Ekiti’s history to secure two consecutive terms.

A large crowd of supporters thronged the INEC complex and adjoining streets to witness the ceremony.

Speaking after receiving the certificate alongside his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the governor thanked Ekiti people for renewing his mandate, describing the outcome as a strong vote of confidence. He pledged to consolidate his first-term achievements, with renewed focus on citizens’ welfare, economic growth, and infrastructure development.

Oyebanji commended INEC, security agencies, and electoral officials for delivering a peaceful and credible election, adding that the amended Electoral Act had enhanced the process. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the new law into effect and lauded Ekiti residents for their peaceful conduct during the polls.

Describing the victory as one for all Ekiti people, he called on other contestants to join hands with his administration to move the state forward.

INEC National Commissioner Olumekun described the poll as a model of democratic practice and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections. The Ekiti Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the certificate symbolizes both victory and the trust reposed in the governor.

Dignitaries at the event included Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator Cyril Fasuyi; APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; members of the state executive council, lawmakers, and local government chairmen.