By Wasiu Owolewa
There are some people that are referred to as an extraordinary being or creature. They are extraordinary because of some special trait in them. In Yorubaland we refer to them as “Awon Akanda Eledunmare” meaning, “Specially created”. Such can be said of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji popular called, “BAO” by his admirers.
It will not be an understatement to describe BAO as a politician with an uncommon trait. He has demonstrated it both in word and action that he is a special breed.
Assessing him politically, Gov. Oyebanji political life style is quite different from other politicians. He chose a different political path. He practices what we called politics of no bitterness.
During the period of his electioneering campaign, he ensured that his campaign was issue based. He chose not to attack any political opponent but unveiled his agenda to Ekiti people. Even in face of provocation, he maintained his calmness and even embraced his co-contestants warmly at any political function or event. What he used to say is that Ekiti comes first before anything. He sees his co-contestants in the likes of Engineer Segun Oni, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, Kayode Ojo and others as true sons of Ekiti that is committed to the development and progress of the state. He doesn’t allow political ambition to create a wedge between him and them. He related with them as brothers.
After his electoral victory in the June 18 governorship election, this Ikogosi-Ekiti born politician embarked on a, “thank you and familiarization” visit to prominent sons and daughters of Ekiti within and outside the state irrespective of political affiliations. Those he visited included former Governor Ayodele Fayose, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka and his co-contestant, Otunba Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). His visitation to these politicians who are not of the same political party with him shows clearly how politically matured he is.
During his visit to the former deputy governor of Ekiti state, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka at his Ikere-Ekiti country home to commiserate with him on the death of his father, Pa. Joshua Ojo Eleka, the university Don turned politician marveled at the governor’s warm disposition towards political opponents which he is described as true manifestation of brotherly love.
He said, “We are glad that you are here. It shows the kind of brotherly love you are manifesting which goes beyond party affiliation. As a leader you have proved that you are a governor for all”
The Governor had during his visit to his rival in the last governorship election, Bisi Kolawole said that party differences doesn’t translate to enmity that politics should be played without bitterness.
He said, “We need to let our people know that party differences doesn’t translate to enmity”
Gov. Oyebanji has with his style of politics changed people’s mindset that politics is a game that should be played without creating unnecessary animosity.
He has taken some steps that has proven him as a matured minded politician with an uncommon trait. In recent time, he was in a warm embrace of a former APC governorship aspirant, Engr. Kayode Ojo who challenged his candidacy up to Supreme Court. It took many by surprise seeing him in warm embrace with the Ikoro-Ekiti born politician. He chose not to act in the proverbial way that says “A kin ti kootu wa sore” meaning, “You don’t return from court and become friends”
The same thing played out again on Tuesday, 2nd May when the Governor visited his rival in the June 18 governorship election, Engr. Segun Oni at his Ifaki-Ekiti residence. Despite the fact that the SDP governorship candidate took him to court, he visited and even commended him for exercising his civil right. This is very uncommon and prove the governor as a pure democrat with good heart.
During his visit he said, “I am here to debunk the notion that you don’t return from court and become friends. I am here to greet my senior brother and my leader whom I have great respect for.
“For me, I believe litigation is part of electoral process and I appreciate His Excellency for pursuing the electoral matter up till the apex court and not recourse to self help”
This statement clearly shows the uncommon trait in him. He has proved himself as an exemplary democrat and leader that is worthy of emulation.
The governor has conducted himself in a very humble way without allowing the ego of political office to becloud his sense of responsibility to those that entrusted him with their votes. He has been matching his words with actions which is evidenced in his brilliant performance within the shortest period of assuming office.
With the way governor Oyebanji has started, there is optimism that better days are ahead of us in the land of honour.