Biodun Oyebanji, the new governor of Ekiti State, was sworn in on Sunday for a four-year term. He promised to lead an inclusive government that would make Ekiti a place where prosperity, abundance, unity, and equity would flourish.
According to Oyebanji, in order to restructure Ekiti and make it a microcosm of development, his government will place a strong priority on human capital development, agriculture and rural development, infrastructure and industrialization, arts, culture, and tourism, and good governance.
In the hotly contested June 18 election, Oyebanji received 187,057 votes to defeat Engr Segun Oni, a candidate for the Social Democratic Party, who received 82,459 votes.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, and many governors were present for the swearing-in.
The ceremony for the new governor was attended by the outgoing governor, Fayemi, and his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, as well as former governor Ayodele Fayose.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, took the oath of office and loyalty first, followed by Oyebanji, who was joined by his wife, Dr. Yemisi Oyebanji, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan.
Justice John Adeyeye, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, gave the oath.
It was the first time since the beginning of democracy in 1999 that his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, turned over the Pen of Authority to Oyebanji before the oath was administered to him.
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Around 12.08 p.m., Oyebanji entered the swearing-in arena at the Ekiti State Pavillion on New Iyin Road and made his way around while being applauded by a large throng.
Traditional leaders, legislators, and supporters wearing various Aso Ebi were present to witness the inauguration, filling the 10,000-seat Pavillion to capacity.
After the Guard of Parade, Oyebanji addressed the gathering and paid tribute to those who had served as the state’s leaders in the past. He noted that while they must have done so while affiliated with different political parties, their objective was still the same: to advance the state.
Oyebanji, in particular, praised Fayemi for bringing about the state’s strong and enviable growth. He pledged to build on this heritage and use it as a springboard to raise Ekiti to higher economic and social pedestals.
He stated that he agreed that Ekiti people had a variety of political philosophies and political tendencies, but he would not let his political ideas affect how he interacted with other Ekiti or compromise the value of justice, equity, and fair play.
The incoming governor continued by saying that he would work to foster the spirit of unity for which Ekiti was known and which had served as the state’s unifying principle ever since the pre-colonial period.
Ekiti Kete!” We should all be proud of today since it is a great day for us. A new chapter of our tale is being written as we see history being made.
“They united as the united Ekiti confederacy and overcame the outside powers who attempted to enslave us in our own land in this spirit of oneness. At various points in our history, they battled and thwarted attempts to dominate us while working toward a common goal.
The founding fathers and mothers who built on the work done since the Second Republic and led the successful fight for the establishment of our own Ekiti State were guided by the same spirit of solidarity that had been passed down through the generations. Our esteemed traditional leaders and notable residents spearheaded this fight, and as a result, Ekiti is now the only completely homogeneous state in Nigeria.
Oyebanji stated that his goal is to transform Ekiti into a prosperous nation where stability, equity, justice, and fair play shall flourish.
“My goal is to make Ekiti State a place of prosperity, opportunity, peace, and advancement. a place where communities and people who have undergone transformation can enjoy the results of their labor in safety, health, and dignity. a place of honor where morality counts. We must concentrate on a path to get there in order for this vision to become reality.
I assure you that by God’s grace and the support of our people, together With You, We Will Keep Ekiti Working. Fayemi’s recently released vision 2050 economic strategy was begun by him to make Ekiti a model.
In a brief speech at the occasion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, asked the people of Ekiti to continue supporting the APC in all elections, particularly the one in 2023.
He claimed that since he was still the best candidate among the candidates running for president, he anticipated receiving 95% of the votes from Ekiti people.
“Someone claimed to be Peter Obi, while another claimed to be Abubakar Atiku; if either of these people approach you, tell them you don’t know them. Inform them that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only person you are aware of.
“I applaud you for choosing Biodun Oyebanji to run for governor. You battled some termites who came to take your votes in the name of politics. Shine your eyes in 2023 and stop vote thieves from stealing your votes. Vote for the APC; it is the only party capable of delivering effective government.
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Along with Tinubu, other dignitaries present at the event include: Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos; Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun; Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo; Atiku Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi; Abubakar Badaru, the governor of Jigawa; Simon Lalong, the governor of the Plateau
Others include former Zamfara State Governor Abdulazis Yau Yari, Minister of Trade Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Teslim Folarin, Babafemi Ojudu, Solomon Olamilekan Yayi, and Musiliu Obanikoro, as well as former Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff Gabriel Olonisakin and Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.
