By Gbenga Sodeinde
The Yoruba adage which says: ” Bi ale se maa ri, Aaro laa tii mo”, meaning: “the morning period shows how eventful the night will be”, The recent activities of the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji shortly after his declaration as the winner of the June 18, governorship poll have made it manifest that Ekiti has not made a wrong choice.
This is because Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has started laying sound foundations for his Government. He has taken some laudable steps which are already signaling to the kind of government his would be.
Firstly, in spite of his experience, competency, academic records, unrivaled pedigree as a versatile technocrat, administrative wizard and a grassroots man to the core, Oyebanji humbled himself and has been seeking the collaboration of all stakeholders in the Ekiti project.
He has extended the hands of fellowship to stakeholders in Ekiti project, who are past leaders and prominent Ekiti people who have excelled in their chosen careers. These are people whose collaboration with his government will definitely take Ekiti to greater heights.
From all indications, it is crystal clear now that this Ilufemiloye 2 will run an all inclusive government without underestimating or underrating any one irrespective of their political parties, social status, religion or age.
In his first step that shows his humility, the Governor-Elect had in the past few days paid visits to elder statemen, stakeholders and opposition leaders, extending the hands of fellowship to them with the understanding that he Is going to run an all inclusive Government that would not exclude them but will also accord the elders, other stakeholders their deserving respect.
Oyebanji also took his consultation visit to Ekiti Elite both within and outside the country. A few of them captured in the news are; H.E John Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor of Ekiti State, HRM, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, who served as contact point to other traditional rulers in Ekiti State; H.E Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo H.E and Peter Ayodele Fayose.
Others are; Pa Deji Fasuan, Chairman Committee on, Creation of Ekiti State, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Barr. Femi Falana, SAN, Mr Dele Adesina, SAN, Former Minister of Health, Adelusi Adeluyi, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, Ekiti PDP Governorship Candidate, and of course his opponent Otunba Bisi Kolawole, among others.
The Governor- Elect did not stop at that, but continued with Thank-you visits to all communities in the state and this is ongoing. During each of these meetings, he keeps restating his commitment to prioritize the welfare of the people with a strong promise to continue to accord traditional rulers and elders in the state their due respect.
“I made a commitment before my election and I am here today to reaffirm that commitment before man and God. The commitment is that I will reference you, respect you and give priority to your welfare in my administration”
Oyebanji said his administration would assist promoters of small scale businesses and artisans in the area of funding. He also promised to tackle the issue of insecurity that have been one of the major challenges facing the state.
He called for unity among party leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti state, pointing out that any leader or member creating faction within the party is not doing the party any favour.
Hear what he has to say in one of such visits: “Any leader that is promoting factional groups is not doing well for the party. I don’t know any other faction than APC and my loyalty is to the entire state because I’m governor for all. Therefore, I urge you to give way for unity and peace in the party and in the State” he added.
We need no soothsayer or rocket science to now be convinced that Oyebanji’s government is fully prepared for an all inclusive governance that is committed to a collective rescue mission towards taking Ekiti to much greater heights in all ramifications.