*I’ll serve with more humility, patience, Oyebanji assures
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned members of the political class in Ekiti State against constituting unnecessary distraction to Governor Biodun Oyebanji through early declaration of interest in the 2030 governorship contest, saying such declaration could cause internal contradictions capable of derailing governance.
The President gave the admonition as Oyebanji promised to undertake more transformative initiatives to rejig the economy and tackle poverty, unemployment and deprivation as his second term begins.
Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term at a well attended inauguration ceremony graced by President Tinubu, held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti on Friday.
Speaking on Sunday during a special second term inauguration thanksgiving service, held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu appealed to politicians to consider the larger interest of the state, rather than having a primordial entitlement of being eligible to contest for the governorship seat.
The President, represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Governor Oyebanji for ending the first term gloriously, urging him to continue to pilot the affairs of the State with the spirit of inclusivity and respect for all citizens as demonstrated in the first term.
Speaking against early declaration of intents for governorship in 2030, Tinubu declared that it would be a great disservice for anyone to exhibit such within the next three years, so that the governor can remain focused to deliver democracy dividends to the people.
“To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early.
“Let me say this, whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction. Don’t let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti “.
Tinubu , who urged Governor Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and accessible the way he demonstrated in his first term, urged the governor to resist the temptation of changing character from good to bad in his second term.
“I appeal to you, continue to be whom you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups change whom you are. You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, You were the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace.
“Whoever breaks the jinx of second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better”.
Addressing the congregants, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti citizens for their solid backing and assured that he will deliver more democracy dividends, by focusing chiefly on Industrialisation and shared prosperity to the people.
However, the Governor said industrialisation can only thrive and expand geometrically when people cooperate on issue of land acquisition, saying there are sacrifices to make when development processes are being aggressively undertaken.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term with emphasis on Industrialisation and prosperity for our people. In our first, we had put infrastructures in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper.
“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release lands and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problem. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here.
“I know I am confronted with the burden of 87.7% of total votes cast you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is for me to serve Ekiti in the way that glorifies God. I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you.
“It is my desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing”.
In his homily , the Bishop, Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged the Governor to perceive the position he occupies as being held in trust for the people, showering encomiums on him for ending the first term gloriously.
To smoothen governance in the second term , the Cleric appealed to the citizens to fulfil their obligations through payment of all taxes and levies, as well as complying strictly to laws guiding governance.
“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term, it is for you to serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must give reverence to the man who will judge you. Nobody can deceive God, so you must fear than man that enthrones you. This position is for you to serve God and humanity.
“The second one is about power. You know that power is transient. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You shouldn’t change your principle. I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principle amounts to nothing. Render selfless service and help the people to grow better.
“People are talking good things about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity, you must know this. Two things must go together : integrity of heart and stiffness of hands. You don’t deceive people that is why Ekiti people trust you”.
At the spiritual procession, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji and her team of choristers rendered a special number, demonstrating her unshakeable belief in God as the pillar and cornerstone of Governor Oyebanji’s second term tenure.
At the event were former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi, represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Members of the National Assembly that graced the service included Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Hon Femi Bamisile, Hon Sola Fatoba, Hon Biodun Omoleye,
Others dignitaries included : former commissioners, former Special Advisers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, leaders of organised labour, traders, civil servants, among others.
