Oyebanji visited political leaders in Ekiti: Ojudu, Fayose and others

By Simbo Olorunfemi

A few weeks from now, our friend and Schoolmate, Abiodun Oyebanji, will assume office as the Governor of Ekiti State.

Months before the Governorship elections, a group of friends under the leadership and guidance of Dr Olusoji Ehinlanwo had come together in support and advancement of his aspiration.

The thoughtfulness of that endeavour was quite touching for me, even if I couldn’t be a part of it, as I was otherwise engaged with competing activities.

I am glad it turned out a victorious run. In many ways, his aspiration and success at the polls is historic. But what struck me more about it was his trajectory to that office.

Even though he had been in and around the corridors of power in the State since 1999, he had not come across as positioning or jostling for the office. In fact, it just happened that he had not previously run for office, even though vastly experienced as a former Commissioner and Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Before assuming power, in and out of it, he has remained himself – humble and reserved, yet genial. Seeing him last week, the first in a long time, he was just the same old Abbey. Warm and thoughtful.

In the days after the election, I have watched, from afar, how he, as Governor-elect has carried himself. I find particularly striking his visits to the Distinguished persons and political leaders from the State.

Against the backdrop of the recent political history of the state, his visits to estranged political actors from his immediate political family and even those outside his party is significant. It signals a willingness for the turning of a new leaf in the complicated political history and relationships within the State.

That he has chosen to embark on such fence-mending missions speak eloquently to the measure of the man. That speaks, in a way, to the temperament and vision of the man, as he assumes office.

If the morning is any cue on what to expect, BAO reinforces our hope that he will devote himself to the task of building on what has been done, moving Ekiti forward, while drawing in those who might have felt alienated.

I have no hesitation in saying that Ekiti is in good hands. We can only wish him well in the face of the enormous task at hand. I do. I wish my friend well.