By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated that scrambling over the 2026 governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and criticism of his government would not make him hold grudges against anybody or label any Ekiti citizen as an enemy.
Oyebanji said he is prepared to accommodate all those who are genuinely interested in pursuing a common interest of developing the State, even as he expressed appreciation to those who have consistently criticised his government constructively.
This display of leadership came to the fore, at the Emmanuel Church Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti during a special thanksgiving service held in commemoration of the third anniversary of his administration even as former Governors of the state urged Oyebanji to consolidate the gains of democracy for the people, assuring him that his re- election is a done deal.
Oyebanji who addressed the congregation, quoting copiously Psalms 136 , emphasised that it is only in forgiveness that Ekiti can triumph, prosper and develop, adding that he had nobody to fight as the governor superintending over the state in trust for the people.
“By nature, I dont bear grudges against anybody. I have forgiven those who took a different course in the process of our party’s primary . I want to use this opportunity to spread hands of fellowship to all who want to genuinely reconcile with the party and I assure them I bear no grudge against them for taking a different course in pursing their ambitions.
“For those that are objective in their criticisms, I thank you for keeping us on our toes. Let me thank the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele for prophesying that I will be a consensus candidate, it looked impossible then, but he spoke and God heard him.
“My intention is to serve God through Ekiti people. As long as I live, I will continue to serve Ekiti people faithfully, sincerely and with the fear of God. May God help me”.
Oyebanji, who branded all the former governors as his benefactors, specially thanked Dr Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo, for their mentorship and wise counsels since the advent of his political journey. He also thanked Former Governors Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose for their sundry support.
In their separate submissions at the event all the former governors of the State predicted overwhelming victory for Governor Oyebanij in next year election.
Former Governor Segun Oni, saluted Oyebanji for meandering the state towards economic prosperity , despite the meagre resources, saying it was evident the governor came prepared for governance.
He said his victory at the next governorship election was certain, given massive support by the people.
Immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi congratulated the governor and his team for not betraying the confidence reposed in his ability and the spirit of continuity. “ You have done well. Ekiti will witness greater development and prosperity in your second term.
“Mr governor, I want to congratulate you, your wife and your team. You have governed this State within the meagre resources as effectively as a possible. You have made Ekiti a respected State in Nigeria. I pray the next election goes peacefully and you will come out victorious in the mighty name of God”. He added.
Also speaking, former Governor Ayodele Fayose predicted a landslide victory for Oyebanji in 2026, saying he had succeeded in emasculating his opponents .
However, Fayose advised the governor to forgive all his traducers for Ekiti to be in peace and become a united force in the country.
“You have been a unifier among us and you have raised the bar of politics and governance by showing that there is strength in unity. Please, bear no grudge against anyone, forgive all of us. If you are not criticised, who would be criticised? You are the leader.
“What I know for sure is that, nobody can divide this state again after you. You have taken away divisive tendency from us. Our people all over the world are watching our body languages as leaders.
” Regarding your re-election, the siege is over. When we do the election, you will see the votes that will be given to you. You will win all the wards and local governments. You have no opponent and you are not contesting against anybody. I congratulate you on your achievements, God will help you”, Fayose said.
In his address, the first civilian Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo appreciated Oyebanji for uniting all the past governors despite their duels, past differences and political gulfs, saying the governor has succeeded in etching his name in the political Hall of Fame for achieving the daunting task.
Regarding the 2026 election, Adebayo said: “Ekiti people, don’t let us miss this golden opportunity. Our governor is working hard. He has done well. For the good of our state and our people, let us come out and support him in the next election”.
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reassured the governor of the loyalty of National Assembly members from the state, saluting the governor for doing the leaders proud in the last three years.
In his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Olusola Ajayi, commended Oyebanji for keeping fidelity with his promise to Ekiti people through prompt payment of salary, infrastructure and inclusivity, which have integrated all the strata of the society into his governance nucleus.
Speaking on the theme of his sermon: “Celebrating God’s Progress as Bedrock to Testimony”, the Bishop quoting copiously from Pslams 138 verse 8 and Isaiah 59 verse 11,burged Oyebanji not to forsake God in his service to the state, even in the faces of many albatrosses and tribulations, so that God can fulfil His promise of prosperity for Ekiti.
Bishop Ajayi appealed to cabinet members to maintain doubtless loyalty, for the governor to remain focused and be able to ramp up development within the next one year.