- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It was an outpouring of encomium and celebrations galore in Okemesi-Ekiti, the headquarters of Okemesi /Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Tuesday the 28th of October, 2025 as the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi; HRM Gbadebo Adedeji (CON), immediate past Ekiti Attorney General and Commission of Justice; Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), and the national president; Federation of Okemesi Improvement Union; Chief Nathaniel Olaoye commended the sterling performance of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, describing his administration as visionary, impactful and people-centred.
They gave the commendation during the official commissioning of the Itawure–Okemesi Road, the Okemesi General Hospital, Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA Secretariat complex and the electricity of the town, as part of activities marking Oyebanji’s third year in office.
Expressing immense delight and a deep sense of brotherhood, Governor Aiyedatiwa hailed Oyebanji as a dynamic leader who had turned campaign promises into tangible development across Ekiti State.
According to Aiyedatiwa: “This celebration is more than a mark of time; it is a testament to transformative leadership, to steady hands at the helm, and to an administration that has turned promises into progress,” the Governor said.
He commended the Oyebanji administration for its “unprecedented infrastructural renewal, improved social services and governance anchored on integrity, accountability and compassion that continually put the people at the core of policies and programmes.”
According to him, the newly inaugurated Itawure–Okemesi Road and the Okemesi General Hospital were not just physical structures but “symbols of vision, commitment and humanity.
“These projects represent the lifeblood of progress: roads that connect opportunities and hospitals that preserve lives. They are enduring legacies of a leader who listens, plans and delivers,” the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the road would enhance trade, accessibility and prosperity in the area, while the hospital would further demonstrate the sanctity of life and the compassion of Oyebanji’s government.
“For us in Ondo State, this is also a celebration of brotherhood and regional solidarity. The bond between Ondo and Ekiti transcends boundaries, it is one of shared heritage, shared destiny and shared aspiration for the renaissance of the Yoruba nation within the Nigerian federation,” he added.
He lauded Oyebanji’s achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and youth empowerment, describing them as evidence of progressive governance.
“The testimonies of your people speak louder than any campaign slogan. As Ekiti journeys toward another election season next year, your good works have already spoken for you. The roads you have built, the lives you have touched and the hope you have rekindled will echo powerfully at the ballot box.
“The entire South-West is proud of your record, and we, your brothers in Ondo State, rejoice with you today in faith and fellowship,” he affirmed.
The Governor also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his bold, people-centred reforms and unwavering commitment to national progress.
According to him, Tinubu’s policies were repositioning Nigeria on the path of economic stability, infrastructural renewal and social transformation.
“We in Ondo State, and indeed across the South-West, remain proud partners in this national journey of renewal. We are confident that the President’s visionary leadership will continue to usher in a new era of prosperity and hope for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Aiyedatiwa described Oyebanji’s third anniversary as the beginning of a greater and more prosperous dispensation for Ekiti State.
“It is my singular honour and rare privilege to commission the Itawure–Okemesi Road and the Okemesi General Hospital to the glory of God and the benefit of the good people of Ekiti State,” he declared.
In their remarks, both Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, Wale Fapohunda (SAN), and Chief Nathaniel Olaoye applauded Governor Oyebanji for his outstanding performance within the space of three years in office.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji has indeed done us proud and we are grateful for this honour in our town as this will boost and increase the economic situation of Okemesi community.”
They thanked all sons and daughters of Okemesi to continue support for the government of Ekiti State in order to move the state forward as they also pray that God will credit the governor’s life with sound health.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji, expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa and congratulated the people of the state on the completion of the projects.
He credited the success of the projects to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, according to him, provided funds for the state’s developmental efforts.
The Ekiti governor challenged critics of his administration to “come home and see the good works being done,” noting that his government’s impact was visible across the state. He urged residents of Okemesi community to guide jealously all the projects commissioned.
