Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, in a political shake-up that sources say is linked to internal party dynamics, recent political revelations, and pressure from Abuja to restructure his government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, the affected Commissioners and Special Advisers were directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
However, the dissolution spares several key officials, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as Commissioners for Health, Agriculture, Education, Works, and Trade, alongside Special Advisers on Special Education and Lands. Directors General who are part of the State Executive Council also retained their positions.
Multiple APC sources in Ekiti told our correspondent that the dissolution is not merely administrative but deeply political, aimed at sidelining loyalists of former governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is widely regarded as Oyebanji’s political benefactor.
According to insiders, Abuja power brokers have been pressuring Oyebanji to distance himself from Fayemi’s camp to secure both his second-term ticket and to align more closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
The move comes on the heels of a political storm sparked by former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, Rotimi Amaechi, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and declared his presidential ambition. Amaechi, in a startling revelation, alleged that he and Fayemi were co-founders of the coalition that birthed the ADC.
This revelation has reignited debates over Fayemi’s alleged history of anti-party activities in Ekiti, with whispers of his ties to opposition elements. Although Fayemi’s media office has since denied Amaechi’s claims, the political damage appears to have fueled renewed scrutiny within APC circles.
Party insiders believe the cabinet shake-up is a strategic move by Oyebanji to tighten control of the state’s political machinery, replace potentially disloyal elements, and prove his loyalty to the APC national leadership.
It will be recalled that Oyebanji formally launched his reelection bid just weeks ago, in an event attended by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and several party stakeholders, where pledges were made to deliver a united front for both his second term and Tinubu’s 2027 victory.
With the dissolution now in effect, attention will turn to the governor’s next appointments, expected to feature figures considered firmly aligned with his vision, the APC’s national leadership, and the 2027 strategic roadmap.
