Uche Cecil Izuora
No fewer than 130 Pan Yoruba groups have formally adopted Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji as their preferred candidate for a second term in office.
This significant endorsement came during a meeting organized by the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), the largest coalition of civil society, community-based, and Pan Yoruba groups representing the old Western Region—inclusive of Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, and parts of Delta and Edo States.
Described by AYDM as a “beacon of hope” not only for Ekiti State but also for the entire Yoruba Nation and Nigeria at large, Oyebanji’s leadership continues to garner widespread acclaim.
Guest Speaker Adewale Adeoye, a seasoned journalist, emphasized the importance of organized collective action for political and economic progress.
He praised the formation of non-formal political blocs that seek to shape a common future, highlighting the current structural challenges faced by the Southwest, including food insecurity and moral decline.
The coalition underscored Governor Oyebanji’s exceptional track record, lauding his embodiment of the Yoruba values encapsulated by the concept of Omoluabi—integrity, humility, and responsibility. From education and road construction to public health, agriculture, and transparent governance, Oyebanji’s milestones stand as a striking example for other states to emulate.
The event, held in Lagos and attended by over 1,000 people, concluded with a communique stressing the critical regional importance of elections within Yoruba indigenous territories. In response, the AYDM established a South West Election Working Group (EWOG), tasked with launching door-to-door campaigns across Ekiti once official political campaigns commence.
Highlighting the need for political uniformity among the Yoruba people—who share a common history, culture, and civilization—the AYDM declared its commitment to supporting Oyebanji to ensure sustainable regional development. The coalition emphasized that a unified political voice strengthens regional integration and prosperity, mobilizing both residents of Ekiti and the diaspora registered to vote in the state.
The coalition’s message underscored that elections in one Yoruba state resonate throughout the old Western Region, akin to a cobweb where any disturbance affects the whole. AYDM called for active political participation, warning against passivity and advocating for Yoruba people to take decisive control of their future.
After conducting extensive research into Ekiti’s social, political, and economic progress over the past two years, the AYDM expressed admiration for the state despite its status as one of Nigeria’s lowest beneficiaries of federal allocations. Governor Oyebanji has managed to deepen democracy and transform Ekiti with limited resources, making impressive strides in agriculture, tourism, education, infrastructure, job creation, youth empowerment, and human rights.
His administration’s achievements include elevating Ekiti State University (EKSU) to 12th place out of 270 Nigerian universities, and ranking Ekiti at the top of the nation’s fiscal transparency index according to independent assessments like BudgIT. Notably, the governor himself has been honored with the Vanguard Personality of the Year (Good Governance) Award and the Energy Times’ Energy Governor of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contribution to Nigeria’s development.
The AYDM’s resolution calls on all affiliate groups across the Southwest to prepare for massive mobilization efforts as soon as campaign restrictions lift. With plans for vigorous house-to-house campaigns, the coalition aims to secure a decisive victory for Governor Oyebanji—potentially the highest margin in Ekiti’s electoral history.
As the next gubernatorial election approaches, the coming months will reveal how this unprecedented political alliance influences the future of Ekiti State and the broader Yoruba region, ushering in an era of unity, development, and sustained democratic progress.