Ekiti 2026: Now it’s clear to me!

By Sunday Osanyintuyi

For a very strange reason, I was in my home state (Ekiti) last weekend. Strange reason, not because I don’t travel home from my base, but as a few hours before the journey, it was not in the plan. Another strange reason is hardly do I travel to Ekiti without driving my car. I joined the public bus last weekend. It was not convenient but worth it.

But last week Thursday, April 24th, 2025, I went home for an emergency but deep discussions with my octogenarian father. He insisted I must come home because it is not a phone call matter. Thank God I did because I learnt immensely.

Now, back to the issue. First and foremost, I am not a member of any political party as of today because my former political party (PDP) is on life support. I don’t hope to join any party as well. I also don’t need offers from any party. I stated this for the children of social media who will move straight to the market square nakedly with abuses and insults. Hence, every opinion expressed in this remains mine for no gain or profit.

The truth is that the atmosphere of politics is obvious in Ekiti as the 2026 election draws closer. I can boldly say that the people are simply waiting for the INEC to lift the ban on the campaign.

The current governor, Egbon Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) got certain things right about the politics of the state. OMOLUABI traits, which Ekiti sons and daughters are largely known for, are not missing from his life. He is focused on what he promised during his 2021 / 2022 campaigns.

More importantly, I hold the view that BAO has elevated governance in Ekiti beyond the meat and breed level. Discussions and expectations are far above the “stomach infrastructure” charade Ekiti was known for between 2014 – 2018. Is the idea of stomach infrastructure bad? Not at all, but it should be an addendum to human capital development as well as building lasting legacies without deception.

Moving from Igbara Odo, Ilawe, Igede via Iyin and Ado to my hometown town Ikere, the love for BAO is intimidating. Yes, Intimidating! Below were my observations.

1. No other politician has his or her banner anywhere.
2. Every major junction observed has BAO’s banners mounted as produced by the community. At Iyin Ekiti major Okada Park, the Okada community made a very big BAO banner for all to see where they belong.
3. At Ilawe, from Senator Yemi Adaramodu’s house, which is on the outskirts of the town, BAO 4+4=8 banners adorned every household.
4. Every artisan, including meat sellers, has sizeable BAO banners installed on their shops, stressing their support for his reelection bid.
5. In my town, Ikere Ekiti, where the deputy governor hails from, needless to say, no one is talking about any other party but APC and BAO.
6. Motor parks are filled with BAO banners of reelection. So, I asked a few local politicians, and their conclusions shocked me.
7. The real local voters are with BAO, no doubt.
8. Contest with BAO if you have the money to waste. Having participated actively in the last elections in Ekiti State, I know local politicians made up their minds on whom to vote and turn others to ATM.

As the INEC gets ready to lift the ban on the race towards Oke Ayoba 2026, all indications point to BAO’s reelection bid smooth victory. When he wins, he must get to deliver more dividends of democracy for our people.

Ekiti First Above All Sentiments!

Sunday Osanyintuyi (SO)
Afao/Kajola Ward
Ikere Constituency 1
Ikere Ekiti
Ekiti South Senatorial District