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* I will serve with more humility and patience, Oyebanji assures
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned members of the political class in Ekiti State against being an 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 vowed to take more transformative initiatives to retool the economy and address poverty, unemployment and deprivation at the start of his second term.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, were sworn in for a second term at a well-attended inauguration ceremony, graced by President Tinubu, held on Friday at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti.
Speaking during a special thanksgiving service for the inauguration of the second term, held at the Emmanuel Anglican Cathedral, Okesa, Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Tinubu appealed to politicians to consider the larger interest of the state, rather than having the primordial right of being able to contest for the governorship seat.
The President, represented by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Governor Oyebanji for concluding his first term gloriously, urging him to continue to lead the affairs of the State with the spirit of inclusiveness and respect for all citizens as demonstrated in his first term.
Speaking against an early declaration of intent for a governorship in 2030, Tinubu said it would be a grave disservice for anyone to exhibit it within the next three years, so that the governor can remain focused on delivering democratic 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 will not distract him or start claiming to fill his seat so soon.”
“Let me say this, anyone who says they want to be governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us keep in mind that the moment you declare interest in the governorship, there will be distractions. We do not see politics as Ekiti’s only industry. Let us think of other things and look at the bigger picture and the interest of Ekiti.”
Tinubu, who urged Governor Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and approachable as he demonstrated in his first term, urged the governor to resist the temptation to change his character from good to bad in his second term.
“I appeal to you, continue to be who you are. Let no one, not traditional rulers, not former governors, not the political class, not public officials, not women or youth groups, change who 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 give yourself up. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace.”
“Whoever breaks the jinx of the second term after you will have you as a point of reference. There is power in continuity, so you have to work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you perform better.”
Addressing congregants, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti citizens for their solid support and assured that he will bring greater dividends to democracy, primarily focusing on industrialization and shared prosperity for the people.
However, the Governor said industrialization can only thrive and expand geometrically when people cooperate on the issue of land acquisition, saying there are sacrifices to be made when development processes are undertaken aggressively.
“I assure you that my second term will be better than my first, with a focus on industrialization and prosperity for our people. In our first term, we had put infrastructure in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialization, jobs will be here and everyone will prosper.
“But the government alone cannot do it, so we are cooperating with our traditional rulers on the land issue. Investors will not come when people are not ready to release the lands and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problems. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here.
“I know that I am faced with the burden of 87.7% of the total votes cast that you gave me in the last election. I know that the only path I can take is to serve Ekiti in the way that glorifies God. I promise today before God and man that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you.
“I wish that after my exit I can walk with my head held high like my predecessors do.”
In his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged the Governor to perceive the position he holds as one entrusted to the people, lavishing him with commendations for finishing his first term in office gloriously.
To facilitate governance in the second term, the Cleric appealed to citizens to fulfill their obligations through the payment of all taxes and duties, as well as strictly comply with laws governing governance.
“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term? That you serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must revere the man who will judge you. No one can deceive God, so you must fear the man who puts you on the throne. This position is for you to serve God and humanity.
“The second is about power. You know that power is transitory. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You should not change your principles. I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principles is worth nothing. Do selfless service and help people grow better.
“People speak well of you. Please continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity, you must know that. Two things must go together: integrity of heart and stiffness of hand. You do not deceive people, that is why Ekiti people trust you.”
During the spiritual procession, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji and her team of choristers performed a special number, demonstrating her unwavering faith in God as the pillar and cornerstone of Governor Oyebanji’s second tenure.
Present 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 who graced the service included Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Honorable Femi Bamisile, Honorable Sola Fatoba, Honorable Biodun Omoleye,
Other dignitaries included: former commissioners, former special advisers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, organized labor leaders, traders, civil servants, among others.
