Former APC Senator Anthony Adeniyi Passes Away at 75
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed profound grief over the death of prominent lawyer and influential All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Senator Anthony Ademuyiwa Adeniyi. The former senator, who represented the Ekiti South senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate from 2011 to 2015, died at the age of 75 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Governor Oyebanji's Tribute to the Late Senator
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described the demise of Senator Adeniyi as a great loss to Ekiti State, Nigeria, the legal profession, and the APC. The governor recalled that Adeniyi was instrumental in restoring the mandate of progressives in Ekiti, which led to the swearing-in of former Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2010. According to Oyebanji, the late senator's legal expertise was pivotal in that achievement.
Governor Oyebanji also noted that Adeniyi provided result-oriented and vibrant representation to the people of Ekiti South during his tenure in the Senate. He championed issues such as constitutional reform, judicial independence, electoral reforms, attracting investment into Nigeria's economy, and improving services by telecommunications providers.
Reactions to Oyebanji's Re-election Amid Adeniyi's Death
Adeniyi's death came just days after Governor Oyebanji won his re-election, a development that sparked varied reactions from Nigerians. Many took to social media to express their views, with some congratulating the governor while others raised concerns about development and healthcare in Ekiti State.
One user, Green, congratulated the governor but urged him to address the issue of health workers' salaries: "Congratulations, Sir. Please don’t forget that Ekiti State health workers are still earning below the federal standard implemented this year. People are leaving for better-paying centres, and the work is increasing for those left. Please look into this urgently."
Another user, Olóyè, criticized the re-election, stating: "This state is just not ready for any change. Honestly, we are not ready for anything; we are so backwards, like it’s hurtful, and the sad thing is that they think they know best. How will you vote again for this man? EKSU doesn’t have light; we don’t have cities. You may want to call Ado a city, but that’s a lie."
Kay Soyemi offered congratulations with a request: "Congratulations on your reelection, Sir. I have a simple, but important stake in Ekiti as a Yoruba man from Abeokuta. And it comes with just ONE REQUEST. Please make Yorubaland proud by doing your best to remove the toga of 'underdeveloped State' from it, please."
Modupe Adeboye-Ayoroh simply said: "Congratulations, Governor Oyebanji! Ekiti Kete has spoken."
Political Context and Projections
Legit.ng earlier reported that the APC had been projected to maintain power in Ekiti's 2026 governorship election despite potential opposition challenges. Political commentator Olajumoke Victor emphasized caution in his election projections, citing influential factors like voter turnout. In the election, incumbent Governor Oyebanji faced competition from 15 parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
