Oyebanji Begins Town Hall Meetings, Pledges Security, Infrastructure in 2026 Budget -

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By Ojo Ayodeji

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has begin a series of town hall meetings across the state’s three senatorial districts as part of preparations for the 2026 budget, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructure renewal, and improved security.

Speaking at the maiden session with stakeholders in the Ekiti South Senatorial District, Oyebanji said peace and unity remain vital for the state’s sustainable development, adding that his government would continue to carry the people along in all policy and budgetary processes.

Governor Reassures Stakeholders

Oyebanji attributed his administration’s achievements so far to the cooperation of federal lawmakers, the State Assembly, and local government chairmen, stressing that their synergy has lifted Ekiti’s development profile.

Community representatives from the six local government areas in the district — Ekiti Southwest, Ikere, Ise/Orun, Emure, Ayekire, and Ekiti East — presented their priority needs, including road rehabilitation, electricity extension, transformers, potable water, health centres, palace construction, school fencing, and stronger security.

The Governor pledged to incorporate critical demands into the 2026 appropriation bill, noting that past requests made at similar forums in 2022, 2023, and 2024 were honoured, which earned his administration praise as a “promise-keeping government.”

Oyebanji on 2026 Election: ‘No Bloodshed in Ekiti’

Addressing political tensions ahead of the 2026 governorship poll, Oyebanji urged residents not to allow politics to divide the state.

“We are all one in Ekiti State and politics should not divide us. It is God that puts somebody in position. As a contestant, I want to assure you that there will be no bloodshed and it is you people that will vote for who you want.”

The Governor stressed that Ekiti’s progress requires unity, while assuring that the next election will be peaceful, transparent, and decided solely by voters.

Security and Infrastructure Top Priorities

On security, Oyebanji commended communities for releasing land for commercial agriculture, which he said helped dislodge criminal hideouts. He confirmed that work on the Army Barracks in Ikere Ekiti is ongoing, adding that once completed, over 800 soldiers would be deployed to strengthen security statewide.

The Governor also promised:

Improved welfare packages for traditional rulers
Revival of the five-kilometre-per-LGA annual road project
Completion of 500km of rural roads to aid farm produce evacuation
Inclusion of the Olowe Museum Project and a landmark project in honour of late APC chairman Chief Paul Omotoso in the 2026 budget

Transparency in Governance Recognised

In his remarks, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, said the citizens’ engagement demonstrates Oyebanji’s commitment to accountability and transparency, noting that Ekiti has retained the first position in budget transparency nationwide for six consecutive quarters.

The town hall meeting was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders, including Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Ogoga of Ikere Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, and federal lawmaker Hon. Femi Bamisile.