By Joy Yesufu
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, was on Friday sworn in for a second term, marking a milestone in the state’s political history as the first governor to secure consecutive terms in office.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, took their oaths of office and allegiance at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.
Oyebanji took his oaths at 1:40 p.m. before signing the relevant documents formalising his return for another four-year term. Afuye had earlier taken her oaths at 1:28 p.m. and signed the necessary documents.
The ceremony attracted a large gathering of political leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and supporters, who converged on the venue to witness the inauguration.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Other dignitaries included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
Governors and their representatives were also present, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Former Ekiti governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi also attended, alongside leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers and other political stakeholders.
Other notable attendees included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole; and Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
Oyebanji’s inauguration follows his re-election and marks the beginning of his second four-year tenure as governor of Ekiti State.
