I have severally said in my many articles how I came to know Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO).
Apart from being one of his aides in a strategic sector, I remain an ardent supporter and foot soldier because of my strong conviction that he is a man of trust, dignity, and vision.
Beyond this, I have had the privilege of working closely with all the past Governors of Ekiti State since 1999—first as a labour leader, later as a public servant, and consistently as an opinion leader. While I give each of them their due credit, I strongly believe that Oyebanji is the God-sent leader to rescue and reposition Ekiti at this critical time.
For a number of reasons:
- It has never happened in the history of Ekiti State for ALL past Governors to openly endorse a sitting Governor.
- It has never happened for ALL Senators, Representatives, and Members of the House of Assembly to work in peace with the Governor.
- It has never happened that virtually all opinion leaders in Ekiti State stand united in support of a Governor.
Having seen these rare alignments, I am reminded of the scripture in Luke 22:71: “Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.’”
Yet, I still wonder how some people, driven by inordinate ambition, think.
In Osi Ekiti, a town very close to my own community, Iropora, there is a song often sung during the Olua Festival to chastise those who are never visible at home:
“Owale oro, owale odun, omode yi o seriusi (serious).”
The English interpretation goes thus: “You did not come home during the Oro festival, you did not come home during the Odun festival—children like you are not serious.”
This same song perfectly describes the latter-day, self-styled politicians who believe they can just appear from nowhere and take power. For where?
These desperate individuals spin daily propaganda—one day, one story—to deceive the people. But Ekiti people are not gullible. Recently, they even brought entertainers to deliberately ply a bad portion of a federal road to make a point. They failed woefully.
Unverified information suggests they are secretly romancing with those aggrieved about appointments or unhappy with their given portfolios. I have reasons to believe this, considering the careless comments of some known party members.
But I need not bother you with the countless developmental strides of BAO within just three years. The empirical data is overwhelming and very positive—pointing clearly to victory for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Omo Oyebanji, in his second term.
Let it be known: having realized that they cannot defeat him in a free and fair election or through genuine electioneering campaigns, if they now resort to thuggery, blackmail, or any evil plan, they will still fail disastrously. Ekiti people are wiser, BAO’s support base is broader, and no evil plot can override the will of the people.
This is why I must call on all Oyebanji supporters: silence is no longer golden. As I wrote yesterday, we must not allow their falsehoods to go unanswered. Wherever they spread lies, we must counter with the truth. Wherever they attack, we must defend with facts. We are far more than them in number, capacity, credibility, and integrity.
Let every supporter of BAO rise to counter these baseless media attacks. Together, we will expose their desperation, and together we will defend the mandate of progress.
Unfortunately for them, it will be too late when they realize the truth:
“Kooyi kaaro, eni a jiire ti jiire.”
Indeed, any evil plan against BAO will surely fail!
FATOMILUYI Kayode
