Ekiti Residents and Nollywood Stars Rally Behind Governor Oyebanji's Re-election Bid
As Ekiti State prepares for the June 20 governorship election, a groundswell of support is emerging for Governor Biodun Oyebanji's bid for a second term. In a notable departure from traditional political dynamics, non-partisan residents, including People With Disabilities (PWDs), are actively championing his re-election, driven by his impressive track record in key sectors.
Grassroots Support and Project Impact
Residents, many from non-elite backgrounds, have taken ownership of the campaign, openly advocating for Oyebanji. They highlight that unlike previous administrations, project execution under his leadership has been shaped by inputs from town hall meetings, ensuring community needs are met. While acknowledging the governor is not perfect, they express concerns that electing a new candidate could disrupt ongoing initiatives and set the state back.
During a three-day tour of completed projects, journalists witnessed the transformative effects of Oyebanji's policies. Key sites included the Ekiti Cargo Airport, multiple intra-state roads, a Skill Acquisition Centre for PWDs, and an 80-bed hospital complex at the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital. Alhaja Folasade Ademola and Olorufemi Ogunsakin, speaking for PWDs, praised the governor's vocational training programs and monthly stipends, stating, "We are no longer living on charity," and pledging their support.
Community members also lauded improvements in road networks, healthcare, and agriculture. Farmer Mr. Bayo Olanipekun commended the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Ise-Agbado road, while taxi driver Ojo Adeleye noted reduced travel times due to better infrastructure. With projects like the 1.2km Okeyinmi-Ijigbo flyover bridge nearing completion, Oyebanji's focus on tangible, people-centric development has garnered widespread trust.
Nollywood Endorsement and Airport Success
In a significant boost, a delegation of prominent Nollywood actors and actresses, led by Yomi Fash-lanso and including Wumi Ajiboye, Baba Tee, Adeniyi Johnson, Dayo Amusa, and Doyin Kukoyi, has endorsed Oyebanji. After touring projects such as the airport and flyover bridge, Fash-lanso commended the governor's "giant strides" across sectors, emphasizing that the tour revealed a picture of developmental governance contrary to social media portrayals. He highlighted the equitable spread of projects across all 16 local government areas, ensuring both urban and rural communities benefit.
The Nollywood stars urged Ekiti residents to sustain their support, expressing confidence that continuity would consolidate and accelerate development. They also called on Oyebanji to maintain infrastructure provision if re-elected, warning that failure to do so would betray public trust.
Addressing criticisms of the Ekiti International Cargo Airport as a white elephant project, Commercial Manager Mr. Olawale Odoko reported strong performance since its December 10, 2025 launch. He stated that over 4,000 passengers have used the airport, with consistent flight schedules and minimal cancellations. Odoko added that Overland Airways plans to join operations by April 26, and revenue streams like private jet landings and retail have generated over N100 million in three months.
Political Opposition and Counterclaims
Despite the endorsements, Dr. Wole Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the June 20 election, has criticized Oyebanji's performance, arguing that the state has not improved since he took office in October 2022. Oluyede dismissed projects like the flyover bridge, comparing it unfavorably to faster constructions abroad, and stated, "Ekiti is not doing better than it was three years ago... Oyebanji has no business being the governor."
In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed Oluyede's claims. Ekiti State APC Publicity Secretary Mr. Segun Dipe described Oluyede as a stranger lacking knowledge of the state, saying, "He doesn't understand the Ekiti terrain... The general consensus is that Oyebanji has done very well and deserves a second term." Dipe emphasized that Oyebanji governs with empathy and a human face, resonating with residents.
As the election approaches, Oyebanji's popularity shows no signs of waning, with diverse groups rallying behind his candidacy to ensure continuity and further progress in Ekiti State.
