morganable politics/Governance
Tinubu commended Oyebanji for his leadership style, particularly his commitment to inclusiveness, humility and accessibility.
KaNo—
President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians in Ekiti State against premature declarations of interest in the 2030 governorship election, saying such political ambitions could distract Governor Biodun Oyebanji from delivering good governance during his second term.
The President urged political stakeholders to prioritise the development of the state over personal ambitions, warning that early succession struggles could create divisions and undermine the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of residents.
Tinubu gave the warning on Sunday during a special thanksgiving service marking Oyebanji’s second-term inauguration at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti.
The President, represented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, maintained that politicians seeking to succeed the governor should exercise patience and allow him to concentrate on fulfilling his electoral promises.
He described premature political campaigns as unnecessary distractions capable of creating internal disagreements within the political class and slowing development.
According to Tinubu, loyalty to the governor should reflect a commitment to the collective progress of Ekiti State rather than individual political interests.
“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 won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early.
“Let me say this: whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction.
“Don’t let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti,” the President said.
Tinubu further urged political leaders to demonstrate unity and support for the administration, stressing that the governor required a peaceful political environment to consolidate the achievements recorded during his first term.
He commended Oyebanji for his leadership style, particularly his commitment to inclusiveness, humility and accessibility.
The President advised the governor against allowing the privileges associated with a second term to change his character or weaken his relationship with the people.
“I appeal to you, continue to be who you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups- change who you are,” he stated.
Tinubu also praised the governor for securing another mandate, describing his political success as an opportunity to strengthen continuity in governance.
He urged Oyebanji to work towards establishing a sustainable development framework that would benefit the state beyond his administration.
“You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, you are the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace.
“Whoever breaks the jinx of a second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better,” Tinubu added.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term on Friday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti.
The ceremony was attended by political leaders and other dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu.
Speaking during Sunday’s thanksgiving service, Oyebanji expressed appreciation to residents for their overwhelming support and pledged to intensify efforts towards economic transformation.
The governor said his administration would prioritise industrialisation, employment generation and poverty reduction as major components of its second-term development agenda.
He explained that investments in infrastructure during his first term were intended to create an enabling environment for private investors and industrial development.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term, with emphasis on industrialisation and prosperity for our people.
“In our first term, we had put infrastructure in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here, and everyone will prosper,” Oyebanji said.
The governor, however, emphasised that achieving the administration’s industrialisation objectives would require cooperation among government institutions, traditional rulers and local communities.
He identified access to land as an important requirement for attracting investors, explaining that communities must be willing to support industrial projects.
According to him, the government is already engaging traditional rulers to address land-related challenges that could discourage potential investors.
“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release land, and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problems. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here,” he stated.
Oyebanji acknowledged the responsibility accompanying his electoral victory, noting that the overwhelming support received from voters had strengthened his determination to serve the state.
He promised to remain humble, accessible and responsive to the needs of residents throughout his second term.
The governor also expressed his desire to leave behind a positive legacy that would earn him public respect after leaving office.
Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Andrew Ajayi, urged Oyebanji to regard political power as a responsibility entrusted to him by the people.
Delivering his homily, Ajayi reminded the governor that leadership was temporary and should be exercised with humility, integrity and accountability.
He encouraged Oyebanji to maintain the principles that earned him public confidence during his first term.
The cleric also called on residents to support government programmes by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, including payment of taxes and compliance with existing laws.
He stressed that sustainable development required cooperation between the government and the governed.
The thanksgiving service featured a special musical presentation by the Ekiti State First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, alongside a team of choristers.
Dignitaries at the event included former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni, while former Governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his wife, Bisi Fayemi.
National Assembly members in attendance included Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba and Biodun Omoleye.
