Ekiti speaker emerges E-11 chairman, as group appoints Oyebanji, Adebayo, Bamidele patrons

The elite sociocultural group, E-11, has elected the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye, as chairman of its executive committee at the annual general meeting held on December 28, 2025, in Ikogosi.

The meeting, held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre, attracted personalities from Ekiti political, professional and traditional circles.

The meeting also featured the appointment of leaders into the group’s advisory hierarchy.

Former Governor Niyi Adabayo was named grand patron, while the incumbent governor of the state, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, were appointed as patrons of the association.

A major highlight of the event was the Ekiti Leadership and Achievement Awards, organised to honour outstanding individuals for their contributions to the development of Ekiti and the nation.

Former Governor Kayode Fayemi led the list of awardees, alongside the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ajakaye and his wife, Olori Toyin.

Others who received Lifetime achievement awards included Dr. Femi Thomas, Chief Kola Akosile, OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, Honourable Adetunji Orisalade, Tunde Dada and Mr. Adeleke Adeniran. Awards in Business and Enterprise were presented to Mr. Niyi John Olajide and Dapo Kolawole in recognition of their entrepreneurial impact.

The ceremony was conducted with traditional flair by the Life Grand Matron of E-11, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who commended the award recipients for their dedication to service.

The group also inducted 10 new members drawn from key sectors of governance, academia and business.

Among them were the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Oyeniyi Adebayo; outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Professor Victor Femi Adeoluwa; and the Managing Director of Abound Oil and Gas, Mr. Gbenga Ojo.

In his acceptance speech, Aribasoye expressed gratitude to members for the trust reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful leadership that will enhance the group’s sociocultural relevance and community development initiatives.