Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his exceptional leadership and performance, describing him as a worthy successor. Fayemi highlighted Oyebanji’s ability to unite leaders of various political backgrounds within the state, a feat not easily achieved by many in such a short time.
In a statement released on Monday, Fayemi expressed these sentiments during the commissioning of two road projects in Ado Ekiti on Sunday. The projects—Agric Olope-Odo Ado-Moferere road and GRA 3rd extension road (phase one)—were initiated by Fayemi’s administration and completed by Oyebanji.
Fayemi also commended Oyebanji for adhering to the Ekiti State Transition Law, which prevents succeeding administrations from abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors, calling it a hallmark of excellent leadership.
The statement read, “I am surprised with the way you have been uniting all the political leaders of Ekiti State. Not all leaders are blessed or endowed with such skill, not all of us. To me, it is good for the system, because we need peace and unity to drive development.”
He urged Oyebanji to continue with the pace of excellent delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state, even as he aligned himself with the gale of second-term endorsements for the Governor, by different groups and personalities.
“I am very proud of Governor Oyebanji. He is a soft and compassionate leader. All the road projects that we started like Itapa-Omu-Ijelu, GRA third extension, Ado-Ifaki, and others were being attended to by his government. We thank God that continuity has become a blessing to us in Ekiti.
“We had a bad experience before. When I left in 2014, all uncompleted road projects and others were abandoned. We later revisited them when I came back in 2018. That was why I campaigned on the mantra of continuity that we are now seeing the gains.
“I am happy that the governor is ready to pay minimum wage. He is paying the salaries, pensions and gratuity of retirees. I am happy about this. The Hallmark of leadership is successive generation building.
“Most interesting was that, the governor didn’t change the contractors handling the projects. Those who started them completed them and they did a good job, if not they would have been revoked. Everything went well, this is the hallmark of good leadership”, Fayemi said.
Responding, Oyebanji, hailed Fayemi for laying a solid foundation for his administration to thrive on, by embarking on projects that serve as a launchpad for economic prosperity of the state at the twilight of his tenure.
“Governor Kayode Fayemi, you are a good mentor and coach. You have laid your bed very well. You were about to go when you awarded these road projects. You fought hard and won the election for me, which made it possible for me to continue with these roads.
“When I took over, I said to myself that before I start my own projects, I will complete whatever my predecessor started. All these projects belong to Ekiti like Governor Fayemi used to say, so let us protect them”, Oyebanji stated.
Speaking on the significance of the roads commissioned by Fayemi, the State Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, said they connect major suburban areas of the capital city and will boost transportation and open a new vista of opportunities for farmers, traders, and commuters.
Adebayo noted that Oyebanji was committed to constructing a network of roads that would expand the scope of economic activities and upscale the local economy for employment generation and smoothening of emergency services by health institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, the President, of the League of Imams and Alfas, Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, saluted the governor for prioritizing the road, which now has a modern marker and street lights.
He said the people of the area would work hard to ensure Oyebanji’s re-election so the state could continue to benefit from his development strides.
