Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former Governor Ayo Fayose, and other prominent leaders on Wednesday stormed Ado-Ekiti for the 2024 Udiroko festival.
The dignitaries were led to the Ewi’s palace, venue of the event , by Govenor Oyebanji who called on all Ado-Ekiti descendants home and in the Diaspora to use the platform provided by the Udiroko festival to strengthen the bonds of love, empathy, and brotherhood that bind them together, stressing that these values are essential for the unity and progress of the community.
Governor Oyebanji urged the people to see the festival as a reminder of the enduring cultural legacy of the Ekiti people and the importance of coming together to build a brighter future for the state.
Governor Oyebanji, spoke just as a former Governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose publicly declared support for the Governor’s second term bid.
The former Governor who addressed the audience in Ekiti dialect, said he looked forward to seeing Governor Oyebanji as Governor of Ekiti State till 2030, based on the excellent performance of the Governor coupled with his deep understanding of governance.
“Kabiyesi I congratulate you on the success of this year’s Udiroko Festival and I look forward to seeing you and Governor Oyebanji during next year’s edition. In 2025, I will attend and I will see you and the Governor; in 2026, I will attend and celebrate with you and Governor Oyebanji; In 2027, I will see you and the Governor; in 2028, I will see you and the Governor; in 2029, I will see you and the Governor. In 2030, I will attend, I will celebrate with you and tell Governor Oyebanji, welldone.” The former Governor declared, in apparent reference to Oyebanji’s second term ( 2026- 2030).
Fayose’s speech was greeted with a wild jubilation by the audience many of whom sang: “BAO till 2030”, “No Vacancy till 2030” and dancing round the arena.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril Barau ( who represented the Senate President) and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in their separate addresses, commended the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe for his unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of Ado- Ekiti, and the state in general. They also praised Governor Oyebanji for creating a conducive environment for socioeconomic development and growth.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji who thanked the Deputy Senate President, the Senate Leader and former Governor Fayose for gracing the event, congratulated Oba Adejugbe and Ado Ekiti indigenes for the success of the annual event.
Oyebanji described the Ado-Ekiti monarch as a beacon of wisdom and leadership, whose influence has significantly contributed to the peace and stability of the town.
Highlighting the monarchs role in fostering unity among divers groups within the community and ensuring that Ado Ekiti remains a center of cultural heritage, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting cultural values and supporting initiatives that would enhance the socio-economic development of the state.
“I congratulate you Kabiyesi. This is extremely beautiful and I thank God I am here today, your time is good for us in Ekiti and in Ado Ekiti and it will continue to please us, I pray for long life for you on the throne, you have toiled for this state, the state will serve you and this state will make you proud. I am so happy that Udiroko is taking an international dimension during your time.”
The Governor urged the people of the state to continue to live in peace and show love to one another. “Please, as we celebrate, lets love one another, those that have enough, lets share with others, all of us that God has blessed, let’s help the less privileged. I urge us, lets show love to one another, don’t let the love end at the Udiroko festival”. The Governor asserted.