Oyebanji: Building on Fayemi’s Legacy in Ekiti

Gbenga Sodeinde writes that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has succeeded in building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, through the execution of programmes and projects to improve the living standards of the citizenry.

Comparing ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state with his successor, Biodun Oyebanji, is like comparing two hefty elephants, or a plantain and its offshoot.

The duo are rich in intellect, political wizardry, profound act of governance and patriotism to their fatherland.

Fayemi, an erudite scholar and renowned public administrator, is by all standards, exceptionally brilliant. He is not a flippant individual. He doesn’t beat retreat easily, no matter the criticisms, while pursuing altruistic mission that will benefit the masses.

He tried his best possible in bringing to bear, those uncommon attributes of his, in the way and manner he ruled Ekiti state for a record eight years.

However, as much as possible, he succeeded in winning scores of souls to his side, while a number of residents, especially civil servants, misconstrued his radical approach to governance, and as a result, picked holes in his style, and had since perceived him as an enemy.

One of the reasons why Ekiti workers, and residents alike, may not forgive him in a hurry, was his decision to ensure that teachers write competency test, and ridding of service of age-long criminal act of age falsification in personnel records by civil servants, among several others.

To some of Ekiti residents, they would want to know why Fayemi had the audacity to ask every house owner to compulsorily have toilets, attached to their buildings, why residents must no longer bury their dead at home, within same compound that has drinking well, and why butchers must pay certain taxes on every cow slaughtered in a day, as part of efforts to keep the Ekiti Environment clean and buoy the tax profile.

In the contrary, when he assumed office as Fayemi’s successor on October 16, 2022, Oyebanji never made any attempt to betray his boss, as he continued to embrace his policies and programmes.

It is on record that Oyebanji was at different times commissioner and  Secretary to the State Government (SSG), when Fayemi was governor.

Oyebanji would never want to be branded a traitor, or a betrayer, as was the case in some states of Nigeria, where regular fights have become the order of the day between the god-fathers, and god-sons.

In a witty and intelligent fashion, he never made any attempt to puncture, nor rubbish the structures, and apparatuses of governance, and even political structures, put in place by Fayemi, up till present moment. Rather, Oyebanji has continually consolidated on those legacies of his former boss, but with modifications.

Those who readily know Oyebanji will agree that he is not given to crisis. He would apply all subtle means possible to have his way, in any difficult situations, if only to make sure Ekiti moves forward.

No wonder, many have wondered how Oyebanji was able to steal the hard hearts of the ebullient Ayo Fayose. Fayose is a former Ekiti governor and nationally renowned major opposition leader, who so much loves Oyebanji, that he declared recently that Oyebanji will return by all means as Ekiti governor in 2026.

Most astounding was the highly principled Chief Segun Oni, also a former governor, and chieftain of Social Democratic Party, (SDP), who also recently declared that he would no longer contest gubernatorial election in Ekiti, because of same Oyebanji.

That is why today, many residents still marvel at why Fayemi is still a subject of discourse, because Oyebanji has relentlessly tried to protect the image of his former boss and political benefactor by maintaining 100 percent loyalty.

There is a notable development ongoing in the state capital,  Ado Ekiti worth mentioning here, because by the time it is completed, it will not only change the face of the state capital but will also guarantee safety of lives and properties. Atikankan is a place that can best be described as the biggest slum or the most notorious ghetto in Ado Ekiti where the bad, the ugly and the most unsavoury things outshine few positive things happening there on daily basis. Many regard Atikankan as a hideout and hangout for people referred to as “hard guys.”

When you mention Atikankan, what comes to mind is negativity. What comes to mind is activities of the underworld, dingy brothels, dark alleys, filth, dirt, refuse, smokes and stench and the place is also synonymous with juvenile delinquency, petty crimes, big crimes and all manners of criminality. Ubiquitous street urchins reeking of alcohol and Indian hemp abound there and it is a place where hard drugs is  smoked, sniffed and hawked openly.

In what has become impossible for previous administrations to do as after several failed attempts as a result of lack of political will, fear of losing future elections, considering deeply entrenched interests, lack of readiness to pay huge compensation and possible backlash from the restive youths who may not be ready to be displaced from their hideouts, Governor lOyebanji  has demolished all the old, derelict and dilapidated structures in the area after paying compensation  to owners of structures around the notorious slum.

This bold move of the Governor has so far not drawn any backlash or protests from any quarter. The reason for is not far fetched. It is simply responsible for the Governor’s humility. He listens to the people and ensures that their voices are heard, in decision-making processes, by making sure every community, including their traditional rulers, have inputs in governance in addition to his character of fostering peace among the people and uniting all past leaders, irrespective of political differences and giving them their due respect.

So, It is expected that when the proposed Atikankan development project is completed, the notorious swampy, shanty slum in the heart of the Ekiti State capital  would have been  transformed  into a World Class Central Business District that will be made up of exquisite shopping malls, ultra modern buildings and other state-of-the-art facilities that would  bring the dream of Oyebanji’s modern Ado-Ekiti into fruition.

The Governor had said: “One of the cardinal objectives of my administration is ‘the transformation of urban slums into befitting central hubs that will boost economic opportunities.’ This spurred the acquisition of Atikankan/Igbehin area.

“The proposed project will be one of the major trading hubs in the state where government, private individuals, business and corporate organizations can buy and sell goods and services in a decent and more coordinated manner.

“The project will have impact and improve the living standards of the people as it is capable of generating employments for the youths.”

From all indices, it is now crystal clear that Oyebanji is an archetypal of development, who doesn’t pander nor given to flippancy. His entire heart  and all his intentions, are genuine, and tailored towards developing, and uplifting Ekiti state.