* Pic 1: Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi and Wife, Erelu Wuraola Obafemi, arriving at Iodi Quarter, his ancestral home in Ikole Ekiti, last Friday.
* Pic 2: Olori Obinrin Ile (2nd left) praying while Otunba Obafemi; Princess Cecilia Ebiesuwa, a member of OPO Campaign Organisation (3rd left) and others answered Amen to the prayers.
* Pic 3: Chairman of OPO Campaign Organisation, Prince Afolayan Akutupu(right), giving a vote of thanks.
* Pic 4: Mr. Kunle Ogunjobi, the Director-general of OPO Campaign Organisation (left); Iodi women and Prince Akutupu (right) at the occasion.
* Pic 5: Cross section of Iodi women.
* Pic 6: Otunba Obafemi dancing with the Iodi women while Erelu Wuraola (left), Princess Ebiesuwa (2nd right), and Engr (Mrs)Bukola, a member of OPO Campaign Organisation (right) watch.
By Michael Olagunju, Ado Ekiti
Monday, May 12, 2025
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The people of Ikole-Ekiti on Friday rolled out a warm reception for one of their own, renowned businessman and political figure, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, as he returned home to commence formal prayers and consultations ahead of his anticipated bid for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election.
According to a press statement issued by the OPO Media Vanguard and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Obafemi’s first stop was his ancestral hometown, Iodi in Ikole-Ekiti, where men and women groups gathered in solidarity, offering intense prayers and declaring their unflinching support for his ambition.
“This is more than a homecoming,” said one of the women leaders in the community. “We are happy that one of the glorious products of Iodi is back home. We believe Otunba is the light Ekiti has been waiting for.”
Speaking to a cheering crowd of supporters, Obafemi reaffirmed his longstanding ties with the people of Iodi, recalling the legacy of his family, the Ogunlaye dynasty, in the development of the community.
“My roots run deep in this soil,” he said. “The Ogunlaye family has always prioritized the progress of Iodi and Ikole. Today, I return not just as a son, but as a servant prepared to give his all to the people of Ekiti State.”
While not making a formal declaration, Obafemi gave a clear indication of his intentions to vie for the state’s top seat, citing his vast experience, extensive contact network, and a clear vision for Ekiti’s future.
“We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect different results,” he said. “I am prepared, I am connected, and I am determined to lead our state into a new era of prosperity.”
Many residents who spoke during the gathering praised Obafemi for his long-standing commitment to the community. Several recounted personal and communal assistance they had received from him over the years.
“He is a giver, a doer, and a man of his word,” said a local youth leader. “We are especially grateful for his pledge to complete the construction of our community hall, a project that has stalled for some time.”
Following the endorsement in Iodi, Obafemi also paid visits to some traditional rulers in the axis, including the Olotin of Ikole-Ekiti, High Chief Oluwasayo Okunola, and the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oba David Akingbade as a proper son of the soil ahead of a wider state-wide consultation tour.
“Ikòlé is about to speak,” said One of the chiefs in Ikole who pleaded anonymity. “It is now time for Ekiti to listen.”
Obafemi is expected to announce the next leg of his consultations in the coming weeks, as political momentum gathers ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
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