President Bola Tinubu has cautioned members of the political class in Ekiti State against unnecessarily distracting the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, by declaring interest early in the 2030 governorship contest, saying such declarations could create internal contradictions capable of derailing governance.
The President gave the admonition as Oyebanji promised to undertake more transformative initiatives to rejig the economy and tackle poverty, unemployment and deprivation as his second term begins.
Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term at a well-attended inauguration ceremony graced by Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti on Friday.
Speaking on Sunday during a special second term inauguration thanksgiving service, held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu appealed to politicians to consider the larger interest of the state, rather than having a primordial entitlement to contest for the governorship seat.
The President, represented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Oyebanji for ending the first term gloriously, urging him to continue to pilot the affairs of the state with the spirit of inclusivity and respect for all citizens as demonstrated in the first term.
Speaking against an early declaration of intent for governorship in 2030, Tinubu declared that it would be a great disservice for anyone to exhibit such within the next three years, so that the governor could remain focused on delivering democracy dividends to the people.
“To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early.
“Let me say this: whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction.
“Don’t let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti,” he said.
Tinubu, who urged Governor Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and accessible as he demonstrated in his first term, urged the governor to resist the temptation of changing character from good to bad in his second term.
“I appeal to you, continue to be who you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups- change who you are.
“You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, you are the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace.
“Whoever breaks the jinx of a second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better,” the President said.
Addressing the congregants, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti citizens for their solid backing and assured that he would deliver more democracy dividends, by focusing chiefly on industrialisation and shared prosperity for the people.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term, with emphasis on industrialisation and prosperity for our people.
“In our first term, we had put infrastructure in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here, and everyone will prosper.
“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release land, and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problems. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here.
“I know I am confronted with the burden of 87.7% of the total votes you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is for me to serve Ekiti in the way that glorifies God. I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you.
“I desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing,” he said.
In his homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Andrew Ajayi, urged the governor to perceive the position he occupies as being held in trust for the people, showering encomiums on him for ending the first term gloriously.
To smoothen governance in the second term, the cleric appealed to the citizens to fulfil their obligations through payment of all taxes and levies, as well as complying strictly with laws guiding governance.
“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term? It is for you to serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must give reverence to the Being who will judge you. Nobody can deceive God, so you must fear Him who enthrones you. This position is for you to serve God and humanity.
“The second one is about power. You know that power is transient. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You shouldn’t change your principle.
“I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principle amounts to nothing. Render selfless service and help the people grow better.
“People are talking good things about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity; you must know this. You don’t deceive people; that is why Ekiti people trust you”.
The First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji and her team of choristers rendered a special number, demonstrating her unshakeable belief in God as the pillar and cornerstone of Oyebanji’s second-term tenure.
At the event were former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, and Kayode Fayemi, represented by his wife, Bisi Fayemi.
Members of the National Assembly at the event included Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba, and Biodun Omoleye.
Also at the service were former commissioners, former governor’s aides, traditional rulers, faith leaders, leaders of organised labour, traders, civil servants, among others.
Meanwhile, Oyebanji has expressed appreciation to Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians at large for their support and goodwill during the inauguration of his second term in office on Friday.
Oyebanji said he was “deeply humbled by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and goodwill that accompanied the historic occasion.”
This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, made available in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.
The governor was sworn in for a second term on Friday, at a ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, governors, party leaders and Ekiti people.
Appreciating the solidarity and support, Oyebanji said that the successful inauguration marked the beginning of another phase of service to Ekiti people, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of the first term and pursuing policies and programmes that would promote shared prosperity, inclusive development and improved living standards for all citizens of the state.
“Together, we shall continue to work towards shared prosperity for all Ekiti citizens and make our dear state the number-one destination of choice for those seeking a place to live, work, invest and relax,” Oyebanji said.
The governor stated, “We owe Mr President a huge debt of gratitude for his love and support for Ekiti State. The impact of his policies and the resources made available to subnational governments have contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by our administration.”
He also expressed appreciation to Vice President Shettima for attending the inauguration on behalf of the President and presiding over the ceremony, noting that the VP’s presence marked his third visit to Ekiti State in 2026.
Oyebanji also appreciated the Senate President, Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; APC national chairman, Prof. Yilwatda; and members of the party’s National Working Committee for their support and participation in the historic event.
He also thanked the state governors and deputy governors in attendance; former governors of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, for their presence and support; former governors from other states, as well as National and state Assembly members who graced the event.
He also expressed appreciation to the judiciary in Ekiti State, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, for its support, with particular acknowledgement of Justice Ogunmoye for administering the oaths of office and allegiance during the inauguration, as well as the retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, for her presence and support.
Oyebanji was also thankful to traditional rulers including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado; and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejuyigbe; and other eminent personalities, political leaders and co-contestants in the 2026 Ekiti governorship election, who honoured him with their presence at the inauguration.