Nigerian Gazette

Ado Ekiti, Nigeria - January 2, 2026 By Olarewaju Ayodeji Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has joyfully welcomed back Professor Adekunle Àjàyí, a distinguished medical luminary, who has returned from his  leave of absence at the Federal Teaching Hospital  Ido-Ekiti(FETHI), where he held the esteemed position of Chief Medical Director (CMD). Upon resuming his duties at EKSUTH today, Professor Àjàyí expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve at FETHI, characterizing his experience as "remarkable."  He attributed his successful stewardship of the institution to divine providence, stating, "It has been wonderful, and I thank God for enabling me to accomplish the modest contributions I made by His grace. Although it was not without challenges, what truly matters is the success achieved, and I am elated to have led effectively and concluded my tenure successfully." During his administration at FETHI, Professor Àjàyí spearhe...

December 21, 2025  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put to rest lingering beerpalour speculations around the Ekiti State governorship ticket as he openly affirmed that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for a second term. The affirmation came on Saturday in a birthday message issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as Governor Oyebanji marked his 58th birthday. In the congratulatory message, President Tinubu not only celebrated Oyebanji’s personal milestone but also clearly stated that the Ekiti governor “has already secured the All Progressives Congress’ nomination to contest for a second term in office in 2026.” The presidential acknowledgment effectively douses the wave of rumours and political conjectures, making the rounds by followers of a disqualified aspirant over the APC ticket in Ekiti State. President Tinubu, in the message, reflected on Governor Oyebanji’s lo...

…As APC Spokesperson Reiterates Official Candidate List Ahead of Publication The APC Integrity Caucus has moved to dismiss what it describes as a reckless and senseless rumour being circulated by a few individuals posing as party members. The gossip, they said, claims that the party “does not intend to submit” the name of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement released on Thursday, November 14, 2025, the caucus said such claims are baseless and should be ignored by every well-meaning member of the public. “Since the successful conduct of our governorship primary on October 27 and the ratification by authorised delegates on October 29, some mischief makers have been whispering that the party will not submit Governor Oyebanji’s name to INEC. This is completely false,” the statement read. The caucus emphasized that the APC operates according to a clearly defined timetable, which specifies the dates for submissio...

The Trade Union Congress, TUC Ekiti State council has joined in the celebration of Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary and 29 years of the creation of Ekiti State. The TUC in a statement by its Chairperson, Dr Omotola Farotimi noted that the anniversary was a time for sober reflection and a period to fashion out a way forward for Nigeria and Ekiti State. "These past 65 years have presented us with many things to reflect on both on positive and negative sides. We experienced the civil war, military regimes that came with so many challenges, religion and communal clashes which had devastating effects on our economic and political life as a people. "The roads have not been rosy but neither Nigeria or Ekiti are stagnant, both of them are making progress so we should be grateful to God for how far He has led us". Dr Farotimi stressed the need for leaders both at the National and Ekiti State to prioritize good living standards for citizens so that the coun...

October 25, 2025 A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo (née Okeya), who was duly screened and cleared by the party’s National Screening Committee, has demonstrated uncommon party loyalty by stepping down for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and actively participating in the delegate congress held today in her Eporo Ward, Emure Local Government Area. Mrs. Omolayo, who was warmly received with an Ọ̀wọ̀ song by jubilant party members, expressed appreciation to her ward for the support they gave her when she initially declared her intention to contest for governor. She explained that her decision to step down for Governor Oyebanji was informed by his wide acceptability across the state, sterling performances in office, and commitment to Ekiti’s growth and development, which she described as derivatives of continuity. While addressing the crowd, Mrs. Omolayo urged party members in Eporo Ward...

…says No Governor Has Influenced Federal Opportunities for Ekiti Like Oyebanji Ado Ekiti October 10, 2025 Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his numerous developmental strides across the country, describing them as clear evidence of the President’s commitment to good governance and his deep affection for Ekiti State. Speaking on Fresh FM in Ado Ekiti, Ojo highlighted several of the President’s major initiatives, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the establishment of cancer treatment centres across the six geopolitical zones, financial autonomy for local governments, the introduction of over loan support for students, and renewed efforts toward regional development, agriculture, and road construction; including key projects like the Ikere - Akure road and other critical coaster routes. On the ongoing Igede - Itawure road project, the former lawmaker assured listeners that President Tinubu is al...

…says Governor Oyebanji Is a Tiwantiwa Leader Loved by All Ado Ekiti October 10, 2025 The member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Richard Olufemi Bamishile, popularly known as Bafem, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in very high esteem, saying the President “won’t allow anyone to stress his son, Oyebanji.” Bafem made this known while featuring on the popular radio programme Ṣe Ẹ Mọ BAO Dáadáa? on New Cruise 92.7 FM, Ikere Ekiti, where he clarified that the recent disqualification of some unqualified aspirants was in line with the party’s guidelines and the President’s commitment to discipline and internal order within the APC. “President Tinubu confided in many of us that BAO is his son that he stands firmly with him. Yesterday’s disqualification of unqualified aspirants was a presidential directive. The President doesn’t want anyone to stress his son, Oyebanji,” Ba...

...warns against returning Ekiti to an era of crisis Ado Ekiti October 9, 2025 A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has declared that Governor Biodun Oyebanji commands the total structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary election. Daramola, who featured on the popular Adaba FM programme Ṣé O Mọ́ BAO Dáadáa on Thursday, said all party structures across Ekiti State; including former governors, serving and past members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, and ward executives are solidly behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He said the APC in Ekiti has reached a level of maturity where unity of purpose has become the party’s greatest strength, adding that the adoption of Option A4 direct primary will further demonstrate where the people’s loyalty lies. “This is not the kind of election where you support Aspirant A in the day and vote Aspirant B in the dark...

...Says Governor’s personal commitment to APC welfare makes him unbeatable ahead of the primary election October 7, 2025 Former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dapo Karounwi, has commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for personally financing the construction of a new All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Ekiti State, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the political history of the state. Karounwi, who spoke on Monday evening during the popular Ekiti FM 91.5 political programme Ṣé O mọ BAO, described Governor Oyebanji as the first governor in Ekiti history to pay salaries to party executives, even from his personal purse, calling the gesture a reflection of deep loyalty and personal sacrifice for the progress of the APC. The APC stalwart, who traced his political journey back to 1996 as the first Vice Chairman of Efon Local Government and later served as a House of Assembly member, said his experience as a founding secretary...

...as Oyebanji Personally Funds Party Executives from His Purse October 6, 2025 Former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi, has described the forthcoming APC governorship primary in Ekiti as a “carnival-like celebration” for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, noting that the governor’s popularity has made the contest more of a formality than a competition. Karounwi, who spoke during Ṣ’óo mọ BAO, a radio programme aired on Voice FM, Ado Ekiti, said that the party’s adoption of direct primaries reflects the strength of its internal democracy and the confidence of members in the leadership of Governor Oyebanji. “All card-carrying members of the APC will queue behind their chosen aspirants in their wards. From all indications, Ekiti people have already decided to stand firmly behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji,” he said. He said the forthcoming primary is going to be a “carnival-like ...

...says Party Members to Decide through Direct Primaries, BAO’s Victory Inevitable October 6, 2025 The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Ekiti State will hold across the state’s 177 wards, not in Abuja and will be conducted through direct primaries, where every registered party member will have the chance to participate. This clarification was made by former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and prominent APC stalwart, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi, during a political program called Ṣ'óo mọ BAO, which aired on Voice FM, Ado Ekiti, on Monday. Karounwi, regarded as one of the most grounded voices in Ekiti APC politics, explained that the party’s constitution provides for three methods of choosing candidates, namely, consensus, direct, and indirect primaries, but for the 2025 governorship election in Ekiti, direct primary will be adopted. “All card-carrying members of the APC will queue behind their chosen aspirants in their war...

NigerianGazette  October 2, 2025  Ahead of the October 27 APC governorship primaries in Ekiti, revalidated party members have thrown their weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji, declaring that his consistent presence and humility set him apart from other aspirants. Party faithful in Ward 13, Ado Ekiti, Mr. Toyin Fatukesi, speaking at the Farm Settlement, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji and assured the BAO Primary Election Committee of their unflinching support. Similarly, Hon. Tayo Olu James from Ward 1, Ado Ekiti, pledged the ward’s total support for the governor in the forthcoming APC governorship primary election. Also, Mrs. Motunrayo Ajibola, a resident of Ward 2, Ado Ekiti, affirmed that the people of her ward remain fully behind Oyebanji ahead of the primary. In the same vein, Hon. Femi Fadahunsi, popularly known as Eba, gave assurance of their complete backing for Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy. According to members, no lofty promises could erase th...

NigerianGazette October 1, 2025 With the Governorship Primary Election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State drawing near, the campaign committee of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has called on all revalidated members of the party who are financially up to date to stand firm with the governor, describing him as the only aspirant truly on ground. In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, the BAO Primary Election Campaign Committee outlined Oyebanji’s track record of loyalty to the APC and commitment to its structures, noting that his approach to governance and party affairs sets him apart from other aspirants. The committee pointed out that Oyebanji remains the only aspirant who has designed and sustained a welfare package for APC executives from ward to state level, prioritizes ward meetings across the state, and declared his governorship ambition from the ward level as a mark of respect for party structures. It further noted that the govern...

…Promises to Lead Campaign Across 16 LGAs of Ekiti State   September 26, 2025  The cordial relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) was brought into focus on Friday when Honourable Oyetunji Ojo, Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority and son-in-law to President Tinubu, visited the Ekiti State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ojo told the State Executive Council that President Tinubu was firmly backing Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, describing the bond between the two leaders as “smooth, cordial and unwavering.” He stressed that the relationship between the Presidency and the Government of Ekiti State would only grow stronger in the years ahead. The FHA Chairman hailed Oyebanji as a “tested, trusted, and people-focused leader” who has delivered on his promises through achievements in infrastructure, human capital development and inclusive governance.  He pledged t...

September 26, 2025  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the report of its governorship aspirant screening exercise for the 2026 election in Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji securing full clearance to contest the party’s primary. According to the screening committee’s report, presented after its sitting at Amor Hotel, Katampe, Abuja, on September 23 and 24, Oyebanji was declared cleared, having “satisfied all constitutional and party requirements.” Businessman, and perennial contestant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, was granted provisional clearance, with the committee referring his case to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration. The report cited several petitions against Ojo, particularly his failure to meet the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government, a deficiency the committee said could lead to litigation. Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi was, however, disqualified on the grou...

Nigerian Gazette  September 25, 2025  A socio-cultural group, Eki Reformers, has congratulated its President, Asipa Ayodeji Adarabierin, on his appointment as Secretary, State Primary Election Committee for the reelection of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Omooba Leke Aribasoye, the group described the appointment as “an honour well deserved,” noting that Adarabierin has consistently demonstrated commitment to good governance and community development. The statement highlighted the achievements of Eki Reformers, a socio-cultural organization with a rich history of enthroning good governance and touching lives across Ekiti State, stressing that Adarabierin’s new role is a continuation of his service to the people. “We are confident that he will bring his trademark energy, excellence, and integrity into this new assignment,” the statement added.

The Camp of Engr. Kayode Ojo, a Gubernatorial Aspirant under the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti is currently in a State of uneasiness following the failure of the Gubernatorial Aspirant to fulfil promises made to a number of government appointees who resigned from BAO's cabinet to join the EKO Camp. Recall that a number of appointees of the incumbent Governor had resigned to join the EKO Camp while the Governor also fired some for dereliction of duty; although, observers have noted it was as a result of disloyalty. Nigeria Gazette has now learnt from insider sources within Engr. Kayode Ojo's camp of the current ongoing imbroglio in the camp, following the failure of Engr Kayode Ojo to fulfil promises made to entice BAO's appointees who switched to his side. One of the loyalists of the resignees who followed his Boss to Ojo's camp has lamented how he(Ojo) no longer pick up his Boss calls after switching to his side.  "EKO no longer pick up Oga's ...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has declared that it will only support aspirants with strong ties to the party structure and genuine commitment to its growth and stability. The party, through its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Segun Dipe, said the position represents the collective stand of the State Executive Committee (Exco), as no member has come out to fault his statement. According to the party, only aspirants who have built personal relationships with the Exco, formally visited the Party Secretariat to declare their ambition, and contributed meaningfully to the welfare of the party in the state will enjoy its support. The APC Exco faulted certain tendencies within the party, noting that some aspirants who have never visited the party Secretariat, dragged the party to court up to the Supreme Court, and even called for the dissolution of the Exco, are now seeking to hijack the party structure for personal ambition. “The same person cannot see anythin...

...sustaining the gains requires continuity under Oyebanji - Observers Ado - Ekiti  Ekiti State has recorded another major milestone as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirmed that the state now has the lowest Food Index in the entire Southwest region. The development means food is more affordable for families, farmers are producing more and thriving, while households can eat better without breaking the bank. Reacting to the feat, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, attributed the achievement to the resilience of farmers, the support of communities, and the deliberate agricultural policies of the present administration under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). “This milestone is a clear testament to the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to ensuring that no family goes to bed hungry. We are building a food-secure and prosperous Ekiti,” Boluwade stated. Political observers say the NBS confirmation ...

…Group says Ojo’s comments show arrogance, immaturity, and disregard for Ekiti’s history. Ado-Ekiti A major controversy has erupted in Ekiti politics following remarks by governorship aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo, who openly rubbished the legacies of past governors of the state. Ojo, while addressing the press yesterday, accused successive administrations of “holding Ekiti down” and claimed that the state ranked 29th among Nigeria’s 36 states in education. His comments have been met with sharp criticism, particularly from a political advocacy group, Renewed Media Agenda, which described the remarks as “false, reckless, arrogant, and deeply disrespectful.” In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the group said Ojo’s utterances amount to a direct insult to all civilian governors who have served Ekiti - from Otunba Niyi Adebayo to Governor Biodun Oyebanji. “This careless and reckless speech is the height of irresponsibility and a clear sign that Ojo lacks the temperamen...