Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has signed into law two far-reaching pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, improving justice delivery and deepening institutional reforms across the state.
The new laws; the Ekiti State Local Government (First Amendment) Law, 2026, and the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice (Second Amendment) Law, 2026; were assented to on Thursday at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Seventh Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Governor Oyebanji described the legislation as strategic reforms designed to enhance accountability, professionalism and efficiency in public administration.
He said the amendments reflect his administration’s determination to build strong institutions capable of driving sustainable development and meeting the aspirations of the people.
According to him, the Local Government Amendment Law will strengthen governance at the grassroots by establishing legislative departments in all local government councils, a move expected to improve lawmaking, record keeping and oversight functions at the council level.
The governor noted that effective local government administration remains critical to delivering development directly to communities, stressing that councils are the closest tier of government to the people.
He explained that the introduction of dedicated legislative structures would ensure greater professionalism in council administration and enhance the capacity of local governments to provide essential services and democratic dividends to residents across the state.
On the Administration of Criminal Justice Amendment Law, Oyebanji said the reform aligns Ekiti State’s justice system with international best practices through the adoption of restorative justice principles.
He explained that the new framework seeks to balance punishment with rehabilitation, victim support and community healing.
According to him, the justice system must not only hold offenders accountable but also provide pathways for reform while ensuring that victims are heard and communities are restored.
The governor praised the Seventh Assembly for what he described as a productive partnership with the executive arm, noting that the legislature has played a significant role in advancing reforms under his administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda.
He said the cordial relationship between both arms of government has demonstrated that governance can thrive through collaboration rather than conflict.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, described the signing of the bills as a major milestone in the state’s governance journey.
He said the reforms would strengthen local government institutions, improve the administration of justice and promote more effective service delivery.
Aribasoye added that the laws represent a collective commitment by both the executive and legislative arms to build a more accountable, inclusive and responsive government for the people of Ekiti State.
