A newly inaugurated socio-cultural organisation, the Ekamefa Leaders Forum (ELF), has pledged its support for the re-election bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The forum, comprising political leaders, opinion moulders and elites from the six Ekamefa towns of Ipao, Oke Ako, Itapaji, Iyemero, Irele and Ijowa in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said it would mobilise voters in the area in support of the governor.
Speaking after the inaugural meeting of the group, the Protem Secretary of the forum, Mr Nelson Ikusagba, described the body as a “child of necessity” established to promote the collective interests of the Ekamefa people in Wards 11 and 12 of Ikole Local Government Area.
Ikusagba said members reviewed the socio-political situation of the area and observed that the six towns had not adequately benefited from democratic governance since 1999 despite their contributions to the political development of the state.
According to him, the Ekamefa bloc accounts for about 25 per cent of the total votes in Ikole Local Government, making it a significant political force in the area.
He explained that the forum resolved to support Oyebanji because of his administration’s response to security challenges in the area and efforts at creating opportunities for residents.
“Unity is key to the development of Ekamefa. We have resolved to queue behind Governor Oyebanji for his swift response to issues of insecurity in our area and his efforts in opening the gate of certain opportunities to our people,” Ikusagba said.
The forum, however, noted that the benefits reaching the area from government were still inadequate when compared with what obtains in some other wards within the zone, stressing that Ekamefa had remained politically disadvantaged despite its longstanding support for progressive politics.
It disclosed plans to seek an audience with the state government to formally present the developmental needs and expectations of the people, with a view to securing greater representation and attracting more projects to the area.
Members at the meeting also resolved to strengthen unity among the six towns and work towards ending political divisions, which they identified as a major obstacle to development in the Ekamefa axis. The forum maintained that a united front would enhance the area’s chances of attracting government attention and accelerating socio-economic growth.
