*As community raises over N1bn for Oba’s palace project
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, assuring the people of Ikogosi-Ekiti and other communities across the state of sustained government attention to initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and promoting community growth.
The Governor also called on Ekiti people to mobilise massive support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election, describing the President’s continued leadership as critical to sustaining the development strides being recorded in the state.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Saturday at his hometown, Ikogosi-Ekiti, during the 2026 Ikogosi Day celebration and the fundraising for the construction of a N1 billion Oba’s Palace. He highlighted the importance of community participation, political support and collective responsibility in advancing development at the grassroots.
Clarifying that the Ekiti State Government did not contribute a dime to the funds raised for the palace project, Governor Oyebanji expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman and Chief Launcher of the event, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, for mobilising his friends and associates across the country to support the initiative, with contributions amounting to N906 million.
He urged the community leadership to ensure the judicious utilisation of the funds for the purpose for which they were raised, expressing optimism that the palace project would be completed and commissioned by the next Ikogosi Day celebration in 2027.
The Governor also called on all sons and daughters of Ikogosi to remain united and sustain their collective commitment to the development of their community, while supporting initiatives that would promote its growth and prosperity.
“On behalf of Ikogosi community, we are extremely grateful to the Chairman and Chief Launcher, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, and his friends for what they have done for us. I am particularly grateful that he informed us that he reached out to his friends, who willingly made their donations directly to the community’s account. The funds raised today, therefore, have nothing to do with the Ekiti State Government.
“Let me also remind us that January 16 is the presidential election, and we must come out en masse to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is a President who has assisted our state tremendously, and we must double the votes we secured during the governorship election for him,” the Governor said.
Speaking on his contribution to the project, Dr Tunji Olowolafe disclosed that following Governor Oyebanji’s invitation to serve as Chairman and Chief Launcher of the 2026 Ikogosi Day celebration, he reached out to friends and associates across the country, who willingly contributed N906 million towards the construction of the Oba’s Palace. He said the money raised has been deposited in the town’s project account with a commercial bank.
He explained that the donors responded enthusiastically because of their confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and his commitment to community development. He described the impressive response as a reflection of the goodwill and trust the Governor had built among the people.
Dr Olowolafe also commended the transformation of Ikogosi community, particularly the development of the Ikogosi Warm Springs and other infrastructural improvements recorded over the past four years. He said the contributions towards the palace project reflected a shared commitment to consolidating the progress made in the community.
Speaking on behalf of the community’s Regent, the Asaoye of Ikogosi, Chief Ayo Ademilua, said the town had witnessed remarkable development over the past four years. She thanked Governor Oyebanji for his affection, commitment and contributions to the progress of the community, describing him as a worthy son of the soil whose achievements had brought pride to the town.
The Regent urged sons and daughters of Ikogosi to remain united and committed to the development of their homeland. She also appreciated Dr Olowolafe for his generosity and efforts in mobilising funds for the palace project, as well as other dignitaries and well-wishers who travelled from different parts of the country to celebrate with the community.
Beyond the N906 million announced by the Chief Launcher, additional donations were made by individuals, invited guests, indigenes and various groups, bringing the total amount raised beyond the N1 billion target set for the palace project.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; members of the State Executive Council; members of the House of Assembly; and other prominent guests.
