Ekiti Backs Governor for Second Term as Southwest Urge Coastal Economic Boom
..... ARG Democracy Lecture Hails Oyebanji as June 12 Legacy Keeper, Unveils Coastal Development Drive
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has received a resounding endorsement for a second term at a major Democracy Day lecture commemorating June 12. The event, jointly hosted by the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and the Ekiti State government on Thursday, saw stakeholders declare Oyebanji’s leadership “the true embodiment of the democratic ideals martyrs died for.”
The lecture’s keynote, delivered by Professor Taiwo Owoeye, laid out an ambitious blueprint titled “The Economic Imperative of South West Development Commission.”Owoeye urged the immediate development of coastal ports in Ondo and other coastal states in the South-West to decongest Lagos, coupled with the creation of industrial hubs and “coast-to-coast highways” to integrate the region into global value chains. “The world’s wealthiest nations built their fortunes coastally.
Our children’s future hinges on this shift from raw exports to tech-driven production,” he asserted.
Attendees — including government officials, advocacy groups, trade unions (Iyalojas), shoemakers, and youth coalitions spoke glowingly of the sacrifices of Chief Abiola,his wife and the people who laid down their lives to secure the democracy enjoyed by all today and unanimously rallied behind Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid- expressing support for his continuation till 2030.
Dr. Gbenga Olorunnisola a South West Development Commission (SWDC) nominee stated, “BAO’s ‘Omoluabi’ [integrity] governance fulfills the June 12 promise of accountable leadership.”EKITI state commissioner for regional development Dr. M.A. Kareem added, “His infrastructure drive and inclusive policies make opposition irrelevant in Ekiti.”
ARG Coordinator Hon. Bunmi Awotiku, in his welcome address, linked the event to Nigeria’s democratic struggle, noting that the annulled 1993 election birthed today’s democracy. He highlighted ARG’s institutional legacy: birthing the DAWN Commission (spearheaded by figures like Dr. Kayode Fayemi and BAO), which later launched the Amotekun security initiative and now champions the South-West Development Commission SWDC. “June 12 birthed this machinery. The SWDC will institutionalize true federalism,” Awotiku declared.
The event, featuring goodwill messages and a vote of thanks by the Chairman of organizing committee of the 2025 June 12 celebration Hon.Ojo Babafemi Andrew.
Attendees honoured June 12’s sacrifices while framing coastal development and Oyebanji’s leadership as critical to securing the martyrs’ unfinished vision of prosperity and equity.
