Many times in Nigeria, elections are often seen as ‘war’ that must be won at all cost. This accounted for thuggery and all forms of malpractices that accompanied elections in the country, resulting in acrimonious legal tussles.
But this is about to change with the coming governorship election in Ekiti State. This is not to say that there will not be competition but it is almost a settled election, as there is unanimity among the people that the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, should be allowed to spend eight years at a stretch for the first time in the history of the state. Almost all the segments of the state, including opposition leaders who could have provided the most needed opposition, are lined up behind the governor to help him realise his second term ambition.
To these political gladiators, Oyebanji has lived up to expectation, particularly in the area of infrastructural development, prudent management of the state finances and for giving all stakeholders a sense of belonging in the scheme of things.
While this may come as a surprise to many outsiders, it is indeed a product of hard work embarked upon by the governor since he assumed office. He was able to bring on board notable leaders like Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Deji Fasuan and a host of others who are not politicians. He visited them regularly to brief them on the programmes of his administration. They in turn advise him and buy-in into what he is doing to improve the lot of the people.
Having participated in different administrations since the return of democracy, Oyebanji understands the politics of the state like any other local boy. He is the first governor that could be regarded as a local boy. He schooled and grew up in the state unlike his predecessors.
He started as Special Assistant on Parliamentary Affairs to former governor Niyi Adebayo, rising to the position of Chief of Staff to the governor. He later served as commissioners in different ministries under the administration of former governor Kayode Fayemi and ended it as Secretary to the State Government.
His experience in these positions became handy as the governor of the state. He not only played the street cards to bring everybody on board his government, he was able to get opposition leaders who could have proved a stumbling block to his second term ambition to line behind his administration. These include the former governor of the state, Ayo Fayose; former deputy governor, Senator Biodun Olujimi and many others. These people sing his praises everywhere they go as the best thing to have happened to the state.
Fayose at different fora described him as “the best person to govern the state currently.” He said Oyebanji has become a bridge-builder who brought all on board his administration and made himself accessible to all leaders. He believed that Oyebanji will not break his record in office but surpass it. It was therefore not a surprise that he joined other stakeholders in the state to endorse his second term ambition.
What actually surprised many is the fact Oyebanji had always carried himself in many positions he occupied as a technocrat who would never seek electoral office. Though, he distinguished himself very well in his former offices to the admiration of many. Before he contested for the position of the governor, many may have doubted that he would ever contest for elective office because of his usual refrain “I ‘m not a politician” for which he was known. His decision to seek the governorship position came to many as a surprise, having distanced himself from the ordinary Nigerian politician. His ambition at that time was not helped by the fact that he has always been seen as a frank and blunt personality who does not hide his feelings or position on any issue. Agree or disagree with him, he does not queue behind the crowd and would speak out his mind on any issue.
He was also a different politician that would not sugar-coat any position he has on any issue. Oyebanji will speak his mind bluntly, not minding who is offended. But the fact that he has weathered the storm and come out as the only candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will always surprise many.
Apparently, his integrity, humility and empathy made way for him. He often displayed his omoluabi attributes, which attracted both the young and old who regularly flooded his country home in Ikogosi every weekend to interact with him.
As a man of the people who daily goes on the streets to get firsthand information about the needs of the people, Oyebanji is fully abreast of developments in the state. This has earned him the support and the respect of the people. He knew that the failure of his predecessors to get elected following the expiration of their first term stemmed from their limited interaction with the people.
So, Oyebanji would not allow this to stop his second term ambition as he listened and personally interacted with the people. He is easily accessible through his telephone lines as he regularly attends to calls by the people.
Aside from unifying the political gladiators and the people behind him, Oyebanji has been praised for his prudent economic management of the state. He was credited to have paid gratuities to retirees to the tune of N14.6 billion while pensions are regularly paid to enable them live a better life in retirement.
Recently, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ahmed Usman Ododo were in the state to commission some of the roads constructed by Oyebanji. They were full of praise for him for having lived up to the expectations of his people. Also, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, who commissioned the state revenue building, was amazed that the governor has not failed to deliver on his electoral promises.
As the state enters into election mood, the stage is set for an amazing time devoid of any act of crisis that could mar the next governorship election. More importantly, all the former governors of the state, Niyi Adebayo, Ayo Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi, though belonging to different political parties, have already endorsed his second term ambition.
Besides the political gladiators, various unions and associations have made their position known that they will support the governor, thereby giving an impression that the state will for the first have a successful election devoid of any acrimony.
