“He has brought honour, respect and recognition to Ekiti State as a respectable academic and foremost plastic surgeon, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa continent. We wish you more sound health and good mental state to live the rest of your life”
By Nudoiba Ojen
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has celebrated the the President of Ekiti Council of Elders, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, a plastic surgeon, on attainment of the age of 93.
Oyebanji, while paid glowing tributes to Prof. Oluwasanmi, a former health commissioner, described the elder statesman, as “a thoroughbred academic colossus and one of the pillars of support to our government”.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke in Ado Ekiti during the inauguration of the Board of Trustees for the Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi Wellness Centre, a subsidiary of the Ekiti Elders’ Resort in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Oyebanji said, “Without sounding immodest, Prof Oluwasanmi remains one of those citizens that gave Ekiti the name ‘Fountain of Knowledge’. He has brought honour, respect and recognition to Ekiti State as a respectable academic and foremost plastic surgeon, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa continent.
“We want to say loudly and without fear that the governor and the government of Ekiti State are proud of his achievements in all fields of human endeavour. We wish you more sound health and good mental state to live the rest of your life”.
Oyebanji hailed the Council of Elders for its contributions to the creation and development of the state, urging members to intervene in moderating the activities the political gladiators in events leading to the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Oyebanji said that the elders’ wise counsels and regular interfaces on issues that could inflame the polity, were required to regulate the political climate, maintain peace and stability during the electioneering period.
He lauded the council for its unwavering patriotism, developmental strides and concern for accelerated Ekiti development, which members have exhibited since inception.
The governor expressed willingness to adhere strictly to the elders’ wise counsels on issues of governance, saying, “My inclusive style will endure and become more entrenched with elders joining the fray to run a government where all citizens can make meaningful inputs”.
Oyebanji assured that his government would continually ‘walk the talk’ to usher in glory, development, peace and security to Ekiti State in all respects, by partnering the stakeholders to launch the state to a lofty height of economic prosperity and social harmony.
He said, “As you are all aware, the 2026 governorship election is around the corner. We will be relying heavily on your wise counsels, so that the political parties and their gladiators can play by the rules and embrace peace and civility”.
The elders lauded Governor Oyebanji for elevating the concept of gender equality and inclusivity that gave women the leverage to secure prominent positions in government and politics, describing this as a novelty in Ekiti history.
They stated, “We are apolitical, we are not politicians. But if we see something that is good, we embrace, support and acknowledge it. Governor Biodun Oyebanji is good. His approach to governance is different. He is accommodating to all political interests. He is doing something that is uncommon. Good governance is the hallmark of your administration.
“You are laying a good foundation for those coming behind you. In fact, your government will be a reference point for those coming behind you”, the elders said.
The elders,who spoke including their President, Prof Oluwasanmi; Co-Chairman, Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan; former Commissioner in the old Ondo State, Sir Jacob Elekolusi; Bishop Joseph Odu; Sir Lawrence Eegunjobi; Prince Adetunji Omodara; Pa Joseph Daramola; Mrs Ronke Okusanya; and Mr Borisade Fajembola, prayed for the success of the Oyeb
