Former Governors of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, Ayodele Fayose and Niyi Adebayo, on Saturday lauded the incumbent Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji for deploying the instrumentality of governance and politics to unite citizens of Ekiti State.
The former governors spoke while commissioning different projects as part of activities marking the second anniversary of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) administration in different parts of the state on Saturday.
The projects include the newly constructed Local Government Service Commission (LGSC’) office complex, the remodeled Otunba Niyi Adebayo Presidential Lodge and the Dehead/Faglo road and electrification project.
While commissioning the LGSC’ office complex, ex-Governor Oni, who started the project in 2008, maintained that the governor was exhibiting extreme leadership acumen and magnanimity with the way he has united all leaders and political tendencies in the state.
Oni harped on the expediency of a sitting governor serving as a rallying point for all the citizens, regardless of political affiliations, describing this as sine qua non to development, unity and peace, adding that.
He said “With my invitation here today, Governor Oyebanji is showing magnanimity. This is a way of bringing people together. It shows our governor believes in unity.
“I understand other former governors; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, the Osoko and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the JKF, . all around to commission projects. All of us should be ready as citizens to do things together. This is a state that was created late and we need to move faster to be able to catch up with others who came earlier before us. We must have that spirit of togetherness.
Also speaking was ex governor Ayodele Fayose, who praised Oyebanji for being steadfast in his developmental strides, describing the governor as a pride to all Ekiti citizens.
“I am very proud of you. You have done well. We will continue to be with you. You have gone far in terms of development. Let me wait for that person that will say you have not done well. I am not a member of your political party, and I will never be, but Ekiti comes first.
“Political party is just a vehicle to achieve our political goal. I am going to stand by you. In everything, Ekiti comes first. We are indeed proud of your achievements and the unique leadership style which has brought everybody together for the progress of Ekiti, our dear stst”, he said.
Commissioning the remodelled Presidential Lodge named after him, ex-Governor Niyi Adebayo, said Ekiti is lucky to have a hardworking person as a governor, who has been able to bring all Ekiti people together irrespective of political leanings.
“People shouldn’t try to create division among the leaders of this state who are ready to work together despite belonging to different parties and political persuasions. We are all together and we have the love of Ekiti at hearts. We made a lot of sacrifices for the good of the state. I am very proud of the governor and I am happy for being honoured today”, Adebayo stated, in an emotion-laden speech .
Speaking about the significance of unity to development, Oyebanji posited that the completion of the buildings were marks of honour to former Governors Oni and Adebayo, particularly for their generosity of spirit and accountability.
