Oyebanji's Three-Year Legacy: Hope Meets Reality

Raheem Akingbolu details the political journey of Ekiti Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the actions that secured his party, the All Progress...

Raheem Akingboludetails the political journey of Ekiti Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the actions that secured his party, the All Progressives Congress, a smooth second term nomination.

The rise of Biodun Oyebanji as the governor of Ekiti State stirred certain emotional responses that, despite any doubts, could not be overlooked. This became significant, particularly in a state where there is considerable emotional investment in the origin of individuals holding leadership roles.

Oyebanji was the first locally developed governor since 1999. Not only did he complete all his academic studies within the state, but he was also notably the secretary of the committee responsible for establishing the state nearly 29 years ago.

Future generations have a tendency to recognize commitment and selflessness, as Oyebanji later served as a Personal Assistant to the state's first civilian Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

But it went even further than that. His loyalty and commitment to the progressive movement should never be overlooked. He never strayed from the progressive path, even as the party experienced various transformations—he stayed faithful to the progressive mission.

There is a common belief that positions of power do not necessarily shape those who hold them. Instead, it is the individuals who occupy these roles who shape the office itself. This idea is evident in how Oyebanji has redefined the governor's position. He avoids an air of arrogance, and has effectively established a servant-leader image for the role. He is not only accessible to his staff and key stakeholders, but also maintains strong ties with regular citizens.

Sources near the government headquarters in Ekiti state claim that you cannot provide Oyebanji with information that does not accurately represent the actual conditions in the state. He is well-informed and will inform you that these are still the accurate portrayals of events, rather than what he is being told.

His practical style of leadership has enabled him to gather the sentiments and opinions of the state's residents, allowing him to better serve them and deliver the advantages of efficient administration directly to their homes.

Before the latest disputes over the governorship nomination of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the 2026 state gubernatorial election, the state had experienced what can most accurately be called a period of stable political unity.

Oyebanji has reached out with gestures of friendship to previous governors in the state, regardless of their political affiliations. He has also offered similar outreach to key stakeholders and political and influential leaders. He has managed to convince them that Ekiti requires their involvement for progress and encourages them to move past traditional political loyalties. For the first time, at least two former governors have expressed admiration for him, reflecting how he has guided the state's affairs over the past three years. Even his most vocal critics would acknowledge that this situation is without precedent in the state's history.

Some critics claim that Oyebanji took this stance due to fear of competition and a desire for universal support. This viewpoint not only ignores the reality that political hostility was successfully removed from the state, which is a significant burden for any incumbent governor, but it also fails to acknowledge Oyebanji's genuine qualities as a 'Omoluabi'!

In addition, it is evident that Oyebanji did not follow the usual path taken by many in his position: he overlooked the fact that governance is an ongoing process. Upon taking office, he did not abandon any of the initiatives launched by his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. One of the key projects was the state airport. Oyebanji carried on with this project and saw it through to completion. The airport has now received certification from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and is approved to offer commercial flight services. This is a significant achievement for the state. Although critics may claim the airport might not be commercially sustainable, one thing remains clear: the era of prominent figures arriving by air and needing to first travel to Akure to then proceed by road to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, is over.

It should also be mentioned that Oyebanji is transforming the appearance of the state capital through improved traffic control. The elevated bridge stretching from Ajilosun to Ijigbo and Old Garage will not only facilitate vehicle movement within the state but also enhance commercial activities, as transportation plays a vital role in successful business operations, particularly in a rapidly expanding city such as Ado-Ekiti.

Once finished, it will allow individuals to travel from Ajilosun to Basiri (via the old Iyin road) in ten minutes or less. This is truly impressive.

As the governor celebrates three years in power, Ekiti has seen positive changes. There is a quiet but highly efficient handling of the state's security system, with violent crimes slowly fading into history. Abduction is increasingly a thing of the past, and the days when traveling to Ekiti would leave you in constant fear are gone.

This was not accidental. It resulted from strategic efforts behind the scenes to reduce insecurity and guarantee that individuals could move freely without fear of being kidnapped or having their belongings forcefully taken.

The path may not have been entirely easy, but it has been one of hope that is positively balanced by a clear sense of reality. The next four years following this are likely to be improved.

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