Gov. Oyebanji restates commitment to effective governance

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to a governance system anchored on strong institutions, justice, and effective grassroots administration.

He said this on Thursday when he signed into law two bills passed by the State House of Assembly at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

These are the Ekiti State Local Government (First Amendment) law, 2026 and Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice (Second Amendment) Law, 2026.

The laws were signed as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Seventh Assembly.

Speaking shortly after assenting to the new laws, Governor Oyebanji described the two legislative instruments as critical reforms designed to enhance service delivery, promote accountability, and improve institutional effectiveness across the state. 

He noted that the amendments reflect his administration’s commitment to building strong institutions capable of meeting the aspirations of the people.

He stated further that the Local Government (First Amendments) Law would enhance effectiveness of local government administration by establishing legislative departments at the local government level, improving governance at the grassroots, and ensuring that councils are better positioned to deliver democratic dividends to their respective citizens. 

He stressed that strong local governments remain vital to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Speaking on the Administration of Criminal Justice (Second Amendment) Law, the Governor explained that the amendment aligns the state with the global best practice by embracing the principle of restorative justice.

He added that the law reflects a more humane approach to justice delivery, stressing that the people deserve a justice that does not only punish but also heals and restores.

While commending the Speaker and members of the seventh assembly for their diligence, partnership and commitment to the shared prosperity agenda of his administration, he said they have demonstrated that the legislative and executive arms of government can work together without conflict. 

Oyebanji said: “I’m honoured to join you today as we mark the third anniversary of the seventh assembly of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

“Three years ago, you received the mandate from the people of Ekiti and today that mandate is bearing fruit.

“This assembly has proven that effective lawmaking is the backbone of good governance.

“The first as the speaker enumerated is the Local Government Administration Law of 2026 by establishing a legislative office department at the local government level. 

“This law brings professionalism and structure to the very foundation of democracy. 

“Local governments are the closest arms of government to our people in the villages and towns.

“With trained legislative officers, our council will now make better laws, keep better records, and deliver better services.

“The second is Ekiti State Administration of criminal justice, second amendment law, 2026. 

“The amendment aligns Ekiti with global best practice by embracing restorative justice. 

“Our people deserve the justice system that does not only punish but also heals and restores. 

“A system where victims are heard, offenders are reformed, and communities are made whole again.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, commended Governor Oyebanji for what he described as purposeful and reform-driven governance.

Aribasoye noted that the passage and assent to the amended laws reflect a shared commitment between the executive and legislature to strengthen institutions in the state. 

He described the event as more than merely signing documents, but signing of the state’s resolve for stronger local government, a fair justice system, and a brighter future for the state.