Igede Ekiti community endorses Oyebanji for second term
…As Governor commissions Guest House built by Onigede for Baptist Church
Residents of Igede Ekiti community on Tuesday endorsed Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office just as the community promised to take a consensus position ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.
The endorsement was made at the palace of Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru during a visit by the Governor on his way to commission a guest house built by the monarch for the Baptist Church in the town.
The endorsement was witnessed by the Onigede- in-council, members of Drivers’ union, Okada Riders Association, market women leaders, officials of the town union and other residents of the town.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the President General of Igede Progressives Association (IPA), Mr. Austin Ibikunle hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji for bringing development to Igede-Ekiti and appointing their sons and daughters into various positions.
Ibikunle also highlighted various developmental strides of the Governor, including road and power infrastructure upgrade, welfare of citizens, security and creation of economic opportunities for the people of the state. 
The IPA President said owing to Governor Oyebanji’s unique governance, he deserved to be supported for a second term in office. A decision was then reached on the endorsement of the Governor for a second term and was unanimous done through a voice vote.
Speaking at the palace and during the commissioning of the facility, Governor Oyebanji extolled the sterling qualities of Oba Aladesuru, who is the longest reigning king in Nigeria.
He said he was drawn to the monarch because of his closeness to God.
The Governor also stressed the need for all Ekiti indigenes wherever they are to work together in order to attract development to the state . He added that his relationship with former governors and members of National Assembly has immensely helped in attracting some development programmes and projects to the state.
He urged the people to ensure that only those who can truly represent them and attract development programmes capable of lifting the state are voted as representatives in Government.
“When there is cooperation between the Governor and other players in government, the benefit will be to the people, and if there is any form of confrontation or unhealthy rivalry, the people will feel the pain. Because of the cooperation between my government and our representatives in the National Assembly, we have been able to attract development to the state. All of them are working relentlessly for us in Abuja, so, when you see me, you have seen them.
“The wisdom in all these is that when we want to elect representatives in future, let us elect only those who can represent us well, who love our community. All our representatives from Ekiti are cooperating and working together to attract development to the state. I appeal to our people, let us work together, we must not be confrontational with ourselves on any issue whatsoever,” the Governor said.
Commissioning the Guest House project, Governor Oyebanji commended the traditional ruler for his decision to sow to the work of God by building the facility for the Baptist Church .
“When Kabiyesi was celebrating his 90th birthday last year, he promised to carry out this project for the church. I marveled at his decision and there and then, I made up my mind that I will sow to the project. In doing that, I sow into longevity, kabiyesi is a fertile ground to sow into because the best life is the life of service”.
In his remarks, the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru commended Governor Oyebanji for his developmental strides in the community and called on all elected political office holders from the town to cooperate with the Governor to achieve more development in the town as well as work as a team towards the growth of Igede-Ekiti.
Also present at the event, were the Chairmen, Irepodun Ifelodun local government, Mr Oluwatuyi Gbenga; Ifedara LCDA, Mr Lawrence Ogunsanya and Araromi LCDA, Mr Adewale Alade and church leaders and members of Araromi Baptist Church.