By Gbenga Sodeinde
The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, has felicitated the incoming Governor, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji and his Deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye, on their inauguration into offices, urging them to pilot the state by being fair to all citizens.
The traditional rulers, urged Oyebanji and his deputy to see themselves as co-pilots, and not rivals, to make governance more focused, purposeful and rewarding for the populace.
They commended the outgoing Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi on their impressive performance that has made Ekiti a microcosm ,cynosure and model of good governance in the comity of states, saying the people would eternally be grateful for their immense contributions .
The Council said this in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, in a statement felicitating Oyebanji and his Deputy on their inauguration into offices to take over from Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The statement, signed by its Chairman and Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Ayodele Adejuwon, CFR, exuded confidence that Oyebanji will deliver on account of his experiences in governance and having held pivotal positions in government since the advent of democracy in 1999.
Oba Adejuwon pleaded with the incoming government to align with the mantra of continuity that brought him into government, by building on the legacy established by Governor Fayemi, to accelerate development in the state.
The traditional rulers added that now that Oyebanji has mounted the podium, he should dispense favour to all Ekiti indigenes, regardless of political affiliations.
The monarchs described inclusive governance, as an impetus to good governance and great promoter and condiment for peace and stability in any democratic environment.
The monarchs said: “We congratulate the incoming Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and his Deputy, Monisade Afuye, on the occasion of their swearing- today to begin a four-year term we hope and confident will bring progress, rewards, and development to our dear state.
“We are optimistic that your reign will be memorable based on your track records as a banker, lecturer, and public servant, where you have proved your mettle as one man with vast knowledge, knack, and skills to make an impact wherever you find your feet.
“We know and we are hopeful that all Ekiti indigenes, irrespective of political leanings will be your constituency as a governor. We also do not doubt that you will expand your scope of partnerships to all relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti great.
“We are glad that all your predecessors had contributed their quotas, especially the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and we hold that unwavering belief that you will hit the ground running, by beginning your development plans where they stopped.
“The entire traditional rulers in Ekiti State are ready to partner with you, stand by you, and contribute richly to make governance under you profitable and full of meaningful accomplishments.
“We congratulate you and your Deputy and wish you a successful stay as the State’s Chief Executive for the next four years”.