Governor Biodun Oyebanji says God used Sani Abacha to create Ekiti State and that the state owes the former military ruler gratitude
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said the creation of the state would not have happened without former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, describing the former ruler as part of the history for which Ekiti owes gratitude.
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Oyebanji made the remarks on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during the ‘Ekiti at 30 Future Summit’ in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, as the state marked three decades since its creation.
Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996, from the old Ondo State during the military administration of Abacha.
The governor said the people of Ekiti had distinguished themselves across several sectors even before the state was created, particularly in education, public administration, commerce, agriculture, culture and national service.
He noted that persistent advocacy by Ekiti leaders and stakeholders eventually strengthened the case for the creation of a separate state where the aspirations of its people could be pursued more effectively.
Oyebanji also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors and women’s organisations to the campaign for statehood.
“We therefore owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the founding fathers of Ekiti State, to the traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, political actors, and women organisations whose sacrifices made the creation possible,” he said.
The governor then singled out Abacha, whose administration announced the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.
“Some people will not like to hear my next statement but that is the truth, we owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Sani Abacha who was the Head of State when the state was created,” Oyebanji said.
“Without that man, Abacha, we will not be here. Kabiyisi will tell you what they contended with but God used Abacha and we are grateful.”
Oyebanji’s remarks formed part of reflections on Ekiti’s journey since its creation and the contributions of individuals and groups whose efforts shaped the movement for statehood.
The governor said the achievements of Ekiti people over the years demonstrated the strength of the state’s human capital and the determination of its people to advance their collective aspirations.
As Ekiti looks beyond its first 30 years, the summit provided an opportunity for political and community leaders to reflect on the state’s origins while discussing its future development.
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The governor’s comments also placed Abacha’s role in the creation of Ekiti within the broader historical account of the state’s emergence from the old Ondo State.
