Tight Security as Oyebanji Begins Second Term in Ekiti

 

Security was beefed up around the Ado-Ekiti Pavilion on Friday as Governor Biodun Oyebanji prepared for his second-term inauguration.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic locations around the venue to ensure a peaceful ceremony.

 

Some security operatives were also stationed at designated locations across Ado-Ekiti metropolis as early as 8 a.m., while vehicles entering the pavilion were subjected to thorough security checks.

 

The inauguration venue was filled to capacity, with residents and supporters of the All Progressives Congress from the state’s 16 local government areas in attendance.

 

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Governor Segun Oni; and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

Others were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose.

 

Ahead of the inauguration, the Ekiti State Police Command had assured residents of adequate security and urged them to remain calm and law-abiding.

 

The command’s spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement that the deployment of sufficient personnel was aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring the smooth conduct of the ceremony.

 

Oyebanji was re-elected in the June 20 governorship election, securing another term in office.