For Prince Saheed Kekere-Ekun, popularly known as “The King of Small Chops,” the declaration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election was more than just another political victory—it was the culmination of days of mobilization, solidarity and unwavering support for a leader he believes has transformed the state.

Kekere-Ekun, who actively participated in the APC campaign activities and attended the party’s grand finale rally in Ado-Ekiti alongside top national leaders, welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Governor Oyebanji as the winner of the election, describing the outcome as “a victory for continuity, good governance and the people of Ekiti State.”

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Governor Oyebanji secured a commanding victory at the polls, defeating his closest challengers with a wide margin in an election that reaffirmed the confidence of Ekiti voters in his administration.

Reacting to the result, Prince Kekere-Ekun congratulated the governor, saying the victory reflected the people’s appreciation of his performance in office.

“I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, on this well-deserved victory. The people have spoken clearly, and they have chosen continuity because they have seen results. This is a victory for every Ekiti son and daughter who believes in progress, peace and development.”

The businessman and philanthropist, who was seen on the campaign trail with party leaders and supporters throughout the election period, said he was proud to have identified with a campaign built around performance and continuity.

“I joined this campaign because I believe in purposeful leadership. Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated capacity, humility and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people. Supporting him was never about politics alone—it was about supporting good governance.”

Prince Kekere-Ekun also commended APC supporters across the state for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the election.

“I want to thank the people of Ekiti for demonstrating political maturity. Democracy thrives when citizens participate peacefully, and this election has once again shown the strength of our democratic process.”

He urged residents to put politics behind them and support the governor as he begins another term in office.

“Now that the election is over, it is time for everyone to unite behind Governor Oyebanji. Development requires collective effort, and I have no doubt that greater achievements lie ahead for Ekiti State.”

Known across Nigeria as “The King of Small Chops” for building the Saheeto Signature brand into one of the country’s leading hospitality names, Prince Saheed Kekere-Ekun has also remained actively engaged in public affairs and community development, often lending his voice and support to initiatives that promote progress and national development.

With Governor Oyebanji’s decisive victory now confirmed, Kekere-Ekun says his hope is that the renewed mandate will translate into even greater prosperity for the people of Ekiti.

“The work continues. I wish His Excellency wisdom, strength and God’s guidance as he leads Ekiti into another chapter of growth and development.”

The Osun State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has called on security agencies in the state to ensure full compliance with a recent Federal High Court judgment concerning the local government crisis.

The party, in a statement by its chairman, Odesola Titus, on Sunday, also insisted that the ruling affirmed the authority of the legally elected council officials.

Odesola said the court, sitting in Osogbo, had declared the continued occupation of council offices by the APC chairmen and councillors unconstitutional.

The party, however, noted that the judgment did not invalidate the local government election conducted on February 22, 2025.

“We serve this notice to all security agencies operating within Osun State concerning the recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Osogbo. The court has unequivocally declared the continuance of the Yes or No (APC) chairmen and councillors as unconstitutional,” he said.

The party stressed that the judgment underscored the need to recognise and protect the authority of the legally elected chairmen and councillors and warned against any form of illegal interference with their mandates.

“In light of this ruling, we urge all relevant security agencies to take immediate action to ensure compliance with this judgment. It is crucial to safeguard peace, law and order within our communities and to protect the mandate of those who have been duly elected by the citizens of Osun State,” he said.

The APP also called on security agencies to remain committed to preserving democratic values and maintaining stability across the state’s local government areas in line with the court’s pronouncement.

The party expressed appreciation for the cooperation of security agencies and their commitment to upholding the rule of law, adding that it expected the democratic process in Osun State to be respected and maintained.

The appeal is coming after Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, vowed that the local government council officials elected under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on February 22, 2025, will resume office on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The state government had conducted council polls on February 22, 2025, across the state, which were won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had also, on February 23, 2025, sworn in the elected officials and urged them not to resume at the council secretariats in order to avoid violence.

However, the elected officials under the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose tenure expired on October 22, 2025, had approached the Federal High Court, Osogbo, seeking tenure elongation.

The court, in a judgment delivered on Monday, June 15, 2026, dismissed the application seeking tenure elongation for the chairmen and ruled that they lacked the legal standing to institute the suit.