President Bola Tinubu has warned politicians in Ekiti State against declaring their ambitions for the 2030 governorship election while Governor Biodun Oyebanji begins his second term, saying early political campaigns could distract the administration and affect effective governance.
Tinubu issued the warning on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised to mark Oyebanji’s second-term inauguration. At the event, the governor promised to step up efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment, promote industrialisation and boost economic growth.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, were sworn in for another term on Friday at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti. The ceremony was attended by the President.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, called on politicians to prioritise the collective interest of the state over their personal ambitions.
He praised Oyebanji for completing his first term and encouraged him to maintain his inclusive leadership style and continue treating all citizens with respect.
“To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction.
“Don’t let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti.”
The President also urged Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and approachable throughout his second term.
“I appeal to you, continue to be whom you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups change whom you are,” he said.
Tinubu described Oyebanji’s re-election as an opportunity to build on the achievements of his first administration, stressing that continuity in leadership should result in improved performance.
“You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, you were the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace,” he said.
“Whoever breaks the jinx of second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better.”
In his remarks, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti for their support, promising that his second administration would deliver greater benefits, particularly through industrialisation and shared prosperity.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term with emphasis on industrialisation and prosperity for our people. In our first, we had put infrastructures in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper,” the governor said.
He noted, however, that achieving the industrialisation goal would require collaboration between the state government, traditional rulers and local communities, especially in making land available to investors.
“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release lands and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problem. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged the responsibility attached to the overwhelming support he received during the last election, pledging to lead with humility and remain connected to the people.
“I know I am confronted with the burden of 87.7% of total votes cast you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is for me to serve Ekiti in the way that glorifies God.
“I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you,” he said.
Oyebanji further expressed his desire to leave office with a record that would earn him the respect of the people and his predecessors.
“It is my desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing,” he said.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged the governor to see his position as a responsibility entrusted to him for the benefit of the people.
Ajayi said Oyebanji should dedicate his second term to serving God and humanity, noting that public office comes with obligations for which leaders would eventually be held accountable.
“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term, it is for you to serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward,” the bishop said.
He also encouraged the governor to preserve his integrity and continue demonstrating the qualities that had earned him public confidence.
“People are talking good things about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity, you must know this,” he said.
The First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, led choristers in a special rendition during the thanksgiving service.
Prominent attendees included former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni. Former Governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Others present were Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi, as well as members of the House of Representatives, Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba and Biodun Omoleye.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour representatives, traders and civil servants also attended the event.
