The Ikogosi-Ekiti community in Ekiti State has raised more than ₦1 billion for the construction of a new palace for its traditional ruler, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji stating that the state government made no financial contribution to the project.

Oyebanji disclosed this during the 2026 Ikogosi Day celebration and fundraising event held at his hometown over the weekend, where he commended individuals and groups who supported the initiative.

The governor particularly praised the Chairman and Chief Launcher of the event, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, for mobilising friends and associates across the country, who contributed ₦906 million towards the project.

He explained that the donations were made directly into the community’s project account with a commercial bank, stressing that the funds had no connection with the Ekiti State Government.

Oyebanji urged community leaders to ensure the money was judiciously managed and used exclusively for the construction of the palace. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed and commissioned during the next Ikogosi Day celebration in 2027.

The governor also called on indigenes of the town to maintain unity and sustain their collective efforts towards community development.

He further urged residents of Ekiti State to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the January 2027 presidential election, describing the President's leadership as important to sustaining development in the state.

Speaking on the fundraising exercise, Olowolafe said he reached out to friends and associates following Oyebanji's invitation to serve as Chairman and Chief Launcher of the celebration.

He said the response was encouraging, attributing the contributions to the donors' confidence in the governor's leadership and commitment to grassroots development.

Olowolafe also commended improvements recorded in Ikogosi over the past four years, particularly the development of the Ikogosi Warm Springs and other infrastructure projects.

Representing the community's Regent, the Asaoye of Ikogosi, Chief Ayo Ademilua, described the town's development in recent years as remarkable.

She appreciated Oyebanji for his commitment to the community, describing him as a worthy son whose contributions had brought pride to the town.

Ademilua also urged indigenes to remain united and committed to the progress of their homeland, while commending Olowolafe for mobilising financial support for the palace project.

Additional donations from individuals, invited guests, indigenes and various groups pushed the total amount raised beyond the ₦1 billion target.

Other dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, Chief of Staff to the Governor Oyeniyi Adebayo, members of the State Executive Council and lawmakers.