Oyebanji Sworn in as Ekiti Gov, Promises Prosperity, Abundance

*Tinubu urges Ekiti people to reject Atiku, Obi, seeks 95% of votes from state

By Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The new Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, was  Sunday inaugurated into office for a four -year tenure, promising to run an  all-inclusive governance that would make Ekiti a land where prosperity, abundance, unity and equity will  thrive and blossom. 

Oyebanji stated that his government will place high premium on Human Capital Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Infrastructure and  Industrialization ,Arts, Culture and Tourism, and good Governance to transform Ekiti and make it a microcosm of  development .

Oyebanji polled a total of 187, 057 to defeat his closest rival, Engr Segun Oni and candidate of the Social Democratic Party, who polled 82, 459 votes , in the keenly contested June 18 poll. 

The inauguration was attended by the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and many governors.

The outgone governor, Fayemi and his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, as well as ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose graced the inauguration ceremony.

First to take the oath of office and allegiance, was the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye and was followed by Oyebanji, who was accompanied by  his wife, Dr. Yemisi Oyebanji, who is a Lecturer at the University of Ibadan.

The oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye.

Before the oath was administered on him, his predecessor, Dr.  Kayode Fayemi, handed over the Pen of Authority to Oyebanji , which was happening for the first time, since the advent of democracy in 1999. 

Amidst tulmutous crowd and loud ovation, Oyebanji sauntered into the arena of the swearing-in held at the Ekiti State Pavillion along new Iyin road around 12.08pm and went round while being cheered.

The 10,000 capacity Pavillion was filled to capacity as traditional rulers, politicians and admirers, who adorned in different Aso Ebi were on hand to witness the inauguration. 

Addressing the crowd after the Guard of Parade, Oyebanji eulogised those who had led the state before him in various capacities, saying they must have done that under different political parties, but stated that the mission was one and which was solely  to develop the state.

Oyebanji particularly commended Fayemi for ushering in strong and enviable development to the state, promising to consolidate further and  use the legacy as a springboard to catapult Ekiti to a higher economic and social pedestals.

He said he shared the views that Ekiti people shared different political views and political inclinations, saying he wont allow his political leaning to influence his relationships with all Ekiti or jettison the principle of fairness, equity and fair-play. 

The new Governor added that he will promote the spirit of oneness Ekiti was renowned for , and which had been The binding force since the pre-colonial era to promote peace, unity  and stability in the state.

“Ekiti Kete! Today is a great day for us, and we should all be proud. Today, we are observing history being made, and a new chapter of our story being written. 

“It was in this spirit of oneness that they bound together as a united Ekiti confederacy and emerged victorious against external forces that sought to subjugate us in our own land. In unity of purpose, they fought and contained attempts to dominate us at different epochs in our history.

“This same spirit of unity has been passed down generations, and guided the founding fathers and mothers who built on efforts made since the Second Republic, and led the successful struggle for the creation of our own Ekiti State. This was a struggle led by our revered traditional rulers and prominent citizens which resulted in Ekiti becoming the only entirely homogeneous state in Nigeria”.

Oyebanji posited that his vision is to make Ekiti a land of prosperity, where equity,justice, fair-play and stability will thrive.

“My vision is for Ekiti State to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace and progress. A land in which transformed people and communities can reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety. A land of honour where integrity matters. For this vision to be actualised we need to focus on a roadmap to get there”.

He said he will zealously prosecute the recently unveiled vision 2050 economic roadmap initiated by Fayemi to make Ekiti a model, saying : “I assure you that by God’s grace and the support of our people , together With You, We Will Keep Ekiti Working.” .

In his short message at the event, the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urged Ekiti electorate to continually support the All Progressives Congress in all elections, especially in 2023.

He said he expected Ekiti voters to deliver 95 percent of votes to him,knowing that he remains the best among all the contenders for the presidential seat.

“Someone called himself Abubakar Atiku while someone said he is Peter Obi, if they come to you, tell them you don’t know them. Tell them the only person you know is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

“I commend  you for voting Biodun Oyebanji in the governorship election. Some termites came in the name of politics to steal your votes, but you resisted them. In 2023, shine your eyes and prevent vote riggers from stealing your votes. Vote APC, It is the only party that can give you good governance”.

Aside Tinubu, dignitaries at the event include; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu,Governor of Jigawa, Abubakar Badaru, Governor of Plateau , Simon Lalong, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, represented by his Deputy Benedict Alabi, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor and his Borno State  counterpart. 

Others include: former Zamfara State Governor,  Abdulazis Yau Yari, Minister of Trade, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Yayi , Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Deputy Consular General, United Kingdom, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, among others.