Former Ekiti Governor Adebayo Vows to Spearhead Oyebanji’s 2026 Bid Amid Road Inauguration
Oyebanji: Achievements Will Drive My 2026 Campaign Success
Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State’s inaugural civilian leader who served from 1999 to 2003 under the now-defunct Alliance for Democracy, has committed to heading the reelection efforts for current Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the upcoming 2026 polls. This promise stems from his admiration for Oyebanji’s outstanding governance, which has brought tangible benefits to the state’s residents.
Adebayo emphasized that his involvement isn’t driven by political party ties but by Oyebanji’s impressive track record and dedication to the people of Ekiti since assuming office in 2022.
These remarks were made during the official opening of the newly built 20-kilometer road linking Ikole, Ara, and Isinbode in Ikole Ekiti. The event was one of several marking the third year of Oyebanji’s administration. Adebayo, a past Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment, highlighted the governor’s strong performance across key areas like transportation networks, energy supply, medical services, farming initiatives, and workforce enhancement.
He expressed gratitude to Oyebanji for his unwavering support during Adebayo’s own term and for the continued respect shown afterward. Adebayo shared his disappointment over not being able to rebuild the Ara-Isinbode-Ikole route back then due to budget constraints, making its completion now particularly meaningful. Commissioning the project years later brought him a sense of accomplishment.
Praising Oyebanji’s broad economic advancements, Adebayo encouraged voters to support the governor’s continuation in office through 2030. “Our governor is a remarkable individual whom divine favor has positioned to uplift Ekiti,” he stated. “I’ve always been eager about his endeavors because of our close bond. When I started my political path in Ekiti in 1998, Oyebanji was the first to align with me, contributing to our victory. He remained loyal even after my 2003 defeat, and that connection endures. Thank you for your commitment to Ekiti’s progress. I’ll take a leading role in your 2026 campaign because you’ve exceeded expectations.”
Reflecting on the project’s origins, Governor Oyebanji explained that he prioritized it knowing how much it had troubled Adebayo during his time in office. He also noted that former Governor Segun Oni had attempted the reconstruction but faced unexpected hurdles.
This road marked the seventh initiative unveiled for the administration’s third anniversary. Oyebanji assured residents that efforts would intensify to improve the federal-owned Ikole-Ijesa Isu road for safer travel.
To maintain the new road’s longevity, he announced plans for protective barriers and urged the community to avoid activities like lighting fires on the surface, which could cause harm. “Safeguarding this infrastructure is a shared duty,” he added. Beyond roads, the governor pointed to expansions in electricity coverage for Ikole Local Government, the elevation of the local specialist hospital to a Federal Medical Centre status, and the finished link between Ikole Ekiti and Igbemo.
The state’s Works Commissioner, Mr. Sola Adebayo, underscored the road’s role in stimulating rural commerce, supporting agricultural growth, and reducing security threats like abductions in the area. He affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to upgrading major highways, local routes, and connectors to ensure balanced development statewide.
On behalf of Dromo International Company Limited, the firm handling the construction, Engineer Folorunso Omoya commended Oyebanji for engaging local firms, which inspired them to deliver top-quality work and showcase regional capabilities.
Local monarchs, including the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Fasiku; the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Samuel Fatoba; and the Onisin of Isinbode, Oba Akinyemi Adesoji, hailed the project as a breakthrough for a long-neglected stretch that seemed cursed by its poor condition. They described the workmanship as unmatched in the state.
