The Chairman of Ado West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adebolu Aladesanmi, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on his victory in the recently concluded governorship election.

In a congratulatory message, Aladesanmi described the governor’s re-election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust the people of Ekiti State have in his leadership, vision, and commitment to the development of the state.

The council chairman noted that Governor Oyebanji’s first term in office had been marked by significant achievements across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, adding that the electoral victory was a reward for his administration’s people-oriented policies and impactful governance.

According to him, the governor’s second-term mandate presents another opportunity to consolidate on the gains already recorded and further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

Hon. Aladesanmi expressed optimism that the renewed mandate would translate into greater progress and improved welfare for residents of Ekiti State, stressing that Ado West LCDA remains committed to supporting the governor’s developmental agenda.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Ado West LCDA, I celebrate this well-deserved victory. We look forward to sustained collaboration that will advance the welfare of our people as he prepares for the next term,” he stated.

The chairman also prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for Governor Oyebanji as he prepares to commence a second term in office, expressing confidence that the administration would continue to deliver democratic dividends to the people of the state.

He urged residents to remain supportive of the governor’s administration and work together to ensure continued peace, unity, and development in Ekiti State.

The Osun State Government has inaugurated a Standing Commission of Inquiry to investigate recent security disturbances, loss of lives, and destruction of property recorded in parts of the state.

The move follows a series of violent incidents and threats to public peace in some communities, which have generated concern among residents and stakeholders.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Governor Ademola Adeleke charged the commission to thoroughly examine both the immediate and underlying causes of the disturbances and identify individuals, groups, or institutional lapses that may have contributed to the security challenges.

Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the governor also directed the panel to recommend practical measures that would strengthen security, foster social cohesion, and promote peaceful coexistence among communities across the state.

Governor Adeleke stressed the importance of the commission’s assignment, noting that its findings would help the government address the root causes of insecurity and prevent future occurrences.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, assured the government and the people of Osun State that the panel would discharge its responsibilities with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.

Justice Adeigbe stated that the commission would be guided solely by evidence in carrying out its assignment and would make recommendations aimed at restoring harmony, enhancing public confidence, and preventing future breakdowns of law and order in the state.

The British High Commission in Nigeria has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters for the peaceful conduct of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, while expressing concerns over incidents of vote trading and technical challenges associated with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

In a statement issued on Monday, the UK mission described the election as largely orderly and peaceful, noting that it marked the first major electoral exercise conducted under the Electoral Act 2026 and its accompanying guidelines.

The commission also congratulated Ekiti voters for participating in the democratic process and exercising their civic rights. It further congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his re-election.

INEC had declared Oyebanji winner of the election after he secured 319,224 votes. His closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) received 12,872 votes.

Ahead of the election, the British High Commission said its observers engaged with key stakeholders, including INEC officials and the Nigeria Police Force, to assess preparations and understand the implementation of the new electoral law.

According to the commission, its observers witnessed effective collaboration between election officials and security personnel across polling units visited on election day, a development it said contributed significantly to the peaceful atmosphere recorded during the exercise.

The UK mission also commended efforts made to prioritise vulnerable voters at several polling units. However, it noted that many polling centres visited were not adequately accessible to persons with disabilities due to their physical layout and location.

The commission further highlighted technical issues involving the BVAS machines, stating that delays in voter accreditation were recorded in some polling units. Reports from the election indicated that some elderly voters experienced difficulties during the accreditation process, while technical glitches slowed voting in certain areas.

According to the British High Commission, such technical challenges could affect public confidence in the electoral system and discourage voter participation if not adequately addressed.

The statement also expressed concern over reports of vote buying and undue interference by party agents at some polling units.

“Our observation team was concerned to see instances of vote trading and interference by party agents at polling units visited. Vote trading erodes public confidence and undermines the democratic process. We call on all actors to take urgent steps to address this corrosive practice,” the commission stated.

The UK urged electoral stakeholders to draw lessons from the Ekiti election ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship poll and future elections across the country.

It stressed that the credibility of the 2027 general election would be critical to strengthening public trust in democratic institutions and sustaining Nigeria’s leadership role on the African continent.

The British High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development, saying it would continue to work with the government, electoral authorities, and civil society organisations to strengthen democratic institutions, promote credible elections, and encourage a more inclusive and accountable electoral system.