Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for intervention of the Ekiti Council of Elders in moderating the activities of the political gladiators as the June 20, 2026 governorship poll gathers steam. 

The governor said  that the wise counsels of the elders, who are majorly apolitical, and regular interfaces on issues that could inflame the polity, are required  to regulate the political climate,  maintain peace and stability during the electioneering period.

Oyebanji said this yesterday  while inaugurating the Board of Trustees(BoT) for the Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi Wellness Centre, a subsidiary of the Ekiti Elders’ Resort in  Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital. 

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the council for its unwavering patriotism, developmental strides and concerned for accelerated Ekiti development, which members have exhibited since inception.

Oyebanji expressed willingness to adhere strictly to their wise counsels on issues of governance, saying his inclusive style will endure and become more entrenched, with elders joining the fray to run a government where all citizens can make meaningful inputs.

“As you are all aware, the 2026 governorship election is around the corner. We will be relying heavily on your wise counsels, so that the political parties and their gladiators can play by the rules and embrace peace and civility.

Paying glowing tribute to the President of the Council, Prof Joseph  Oluwasanmi, an ex-Health Commissioner, on his 93rd birthday ceremony, the governor, described the elderstatesman, as a thoroughbred academic colossus, who was one of the pillars of support to the government.

“Without sounding immodest, Prof Oluwasanmi remains one of those citizens that gave Ekiti the name “Fountain of Knowledge.”

 He has brought honour, respect, and recognition to Ekiti State as a respectable academic and foremost  Plastic  Surgeon, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa continent. 

“We want to say loudly and without fear that the governor and the government of Ekiti State are proud of his achievements in all fields of human endeavour. We wish you more sound health and good mental state to live the rest of your life.”

Oyebanji added that his government will continually “walk the talk” to usher in glory, development, peace and security to Ekiti State in all respects, by partnering the stakeholders to launch the state to a lofty height of economic prosperity and social harmony.

Responding, the council, through some of his  high profile figures, saluted the governor for being prudent , humble and accommodating in his approaches to  politics and governance, saying this has laid a solid foundation for peace and harmony. 

The speakers include: President of the Council, Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi, his deputy, Chief Deji Fasuan, former Commissioner in the old Ondo State, Sir Jacob Elekolusi, Bishop Joseph Odu, Sir Lawrence Eegunjobi, Prince Adetunji Omodara, Pa Joseph Daramola, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, and Mr. Borisade Fajembola, who prayed for the success of the Oyebanji’s administration.

To tackle some noticeable social crises, the elders called for total reform of the education sector and herald a functional system that can accommodate skills development, moral upbringing, and entrepreneurial ingenuity, that can propel self reliance and stem the tide of unemployment. 

They commended the governor for elevating the concept of gender equality and inclusivity, that gave women the leverage to secure prominent positions in government and politics, describing this as a novelty in Ekiti history. 

“We are apolitical, we are not politicians. But if we see something that is good, we embrace, support and acknowledge it. governor Biodun Oyebanji is good. His approach to governance is different. He is accommodating to all political interests. He is doing something that is uncommon. Good governance is the hallmark of your administration.

“You are laying a good foundation for those coming behind you. In fact, your government will be a reference point for those coming behind you,” they said.

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