President Bola Tinubu has cautioned politicians in Ekiti State against declaring their governorship ambitions too early, warning that such moves could distract Governor Biodun Oyebanji from delivering on his second-term mandate.
Tinubu, represented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, gave the warning while congratulating Oyebanji on the successful completion of his first term and urging him to sustain his inclusive leadership style.
The President described premature campaigns for the 2030 governorship election as counterproductive, stressing that political actors should support the governor’s administration rather than create unnecessary distractions.
Speaking to the political class, he said, “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 also advised Oyebanji to remain humble, accessible and committed to the principles that defined his first term, warning him against changing his character during his second tenure.
“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.
Oyebanji, in his address, expressed gratitude to Ekiti residents for their support and pledged to deliver greater dividends of democracy, with industrialisation and shared prosperity as major priorities of his administration.
“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.
Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Andrew Ajayi, urged the governor to regard his office as a position held in trust for the people and to govern with integrity, humility and a commitment to serving God and humanity.
He praised Oyebanji’s first-term performance and called on residents to support effective governance by paying their taxes and levies and complying with relevant laws.
In his sermon, Ajayi said:
“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.
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“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 performed a special musical number, reflecting her faith in God as the foundation of the governor’s second-term administration.
Former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni attended the event, while former governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his wife, Bisi Fayemi.
National Assembly members present included Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba and Biodun Omoleye. Other attendees included former commissioners, former aides to the governor, traditional rulers, religious leaders, organised labour representatives, traders and civil servants.
Meanwhile, Oyebanji has thanked Tinubu, the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians for their support and goodwill during his inauguration for a second term on Friday.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, the governor said he was “deeply humbled by the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and goodwill that accompanied the historic occasion.”
The inauguration was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, All Progressives Congress National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, governors, party leaders and residents of the state.
Oyebanji said the ceremony marked the beginning of another phase of service, pledging to build on his administration’s previous achievements while pursuing policies aimed at promoting inclusive development, shared prosperity and improved living standards.
“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 expressed particular gratitude to Tinubu, acknowledging the impact of the President’s policies and the resources made available to state governments.
He said, “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 thanked Shettima for representing the President and presiding over the inauguration, noting that the Vice President’s attendance marked his third visit to Ekiti in 2026.
Other political leaders acknowledged by the governor included Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Yilwatda and members of the APC National Working Committee.
Oyebanji further appreciated the state governors and deputy governors who attended, alongside former Ekiti governors Adebayo, Fayose, Oni and Fayemi, former governors from other states, and members of the National and state assemblies.
He also commended the Ekiti State judiciary, led by Chief Judge Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye, for its support during the inauguration. He specifically acknowledged Ogunmoye for administering the oaths of office and allegiance and praised retired Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, for attending the ceremony.
Traditional rulers recognised by the governor included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado; and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejuyigbe.
He also thanked other dignitaries, political leaders and fellow contestants in the 2026 Ekiti governorship election for honouring the inauguration with their presence.