By Oba Matthew
Since his assumption of office as the Chief Executive of Ekiti State,His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji has demonstrated uncommon commitment to good governance and development of the State through his unique policy of inclusion, which provides a veritable platform for all stakeholders to make input into the development efforts.
Immediately he was sworn Governor Oyebanji left no one in doubt of his pathway to development as embarked on fence mending moves which saw him reaching out to critical stakeholders and opposition figures in the state.
This deft political move rattled political pundits , who felt his romance with the opposition is ” uncalled for, unnecessary and unwarranted” as there was no justification for such exercise. As a matter of fact Ekiti politics is adversarial in nature. But BAO as he is fondly called appears eager to change the narratives by reaching out to all and inviting them to be part off the development processes.
Governor Oyebanji was undeterred as he continued to meet all former Governors of the state-including those that served on the platforms of opposition parties. He also reached out to the elites as well as as the elder statesmen and women, sharing his vision and mission with them, and getting their buying in.
He made it entirely clear that he embarked upon the meeting in order to sell his agenda to them and seek their opinions on several state matters. Their cooperation, which was freely given, has been responsible largely to the growth and development as well as the peaceful environment in the state.
Whereas many skeptics were initially opposed to the Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, the attendant peaceful coexistence of Ekiti people coupled with the progress recorded in critical sectors within the first few months of the BAO administration has made them change their minds. the move has been yielding positive results as his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now the dominant political party in the state.
Elder statesmen like Chief Afe Babalola (SAN),a Lawyer of international repute and owner of Afe Babalola University; Chief Wole Olanipekun ( SAN), former NBA President; Chief Deji Fasuan, Chairman Committeefor the Creation of Ekiti State and other prominent leaders have at different fora lauded Governor Oyebanji’s inclusive initiative and for rallying all stakeholders for the development of the state. To these fathers of the State, never had the state been so united as it does under Governor Oyebanji and they are happy to be living witnesses to the new and exciting development which also comes with growth and development.
Several Ekiti sons and daughters have also applauded Mr Governor for this unique style of governance as his strategic partnership with stakeholders, national and state assembly members, federal agencies, international development agencies are yielding dividends.
Even those who contested against him at the primary election of the party then have all indicated that they will not contest his re election with him. This position was orchestrated by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who declared publicly at a recent event that he would not contest the next governorship election in the state, and would instead lead the re- election campaign of Governor BAO. Former Governor Segun Oni who marked his 70th birthday recently also declared that he is yet to see any candidate that could match BAO’s credentials in the coming election, even as he hailed the Governor for his unique Omoluabi politics.
The development has virtually put all major opposition parties are at cross road as HE Oyebanji is seen as delivering on his campaign promises as well as uniting the people for a progressive Ekiti, with dividends of good governance pouring in torrents via infrastructure development, human capital development, industrialization and agribusiness.
Oba, is Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor,
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