No enemy to fight, I believe in unity, togetherness, gov assures citizens

Former Governors of Ekiti State, including Adeniyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose, have reaffirmed their support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term in office.

The governors spoke yesterday during the thanksgiving service marking the third anniversary of Oyebanji’s administration, held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti.

Fayose declared that “divisive tendencies would not rise again in Ekiti,” commending Oyebanji for uniting all past leaders of the state and fostering a rare spirit of political harmony across divides.

He said the governor’s humility and inclusive approach to governance had “healed old wounds and restored collective brotherhood” among Ekiti State leaders.

He, therefore, urged the governor to forgive perceived wrongs of the past and extend hands of fellowship to consolidate the gains of the last three years.

Also delivering goodwill messages, Adebayo described Oyebanji as “a product of consistency and humility,” commending him for sustaining the legacies of his predecessors while expanding the frontiers of development.

“I am proud of what Ekiti has become under his leadership, a peaceful, progressive, and people-centred state,” Adebayo said. Oni, who applauded Oyebanji for redefining leadership through inclusiveness and empathy, noted that Ekiti had never experienced such a stable and purpose-driven administration.

“Governor Oyebanji has restored confidence in governance. His style is calm, firm, and effective. That is the mark of a true leader,” Oni said.

Representing former Governor Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi, said Oyebanji’s tenure had shown the strength of continuity and collaboration.

“The peace and unity we are witnessing today are not accidental. They are the fruits of collective wisdom and a leader who values every stakeholder,” she said.

In his response, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the former governors and the people of Ekiti State for their prayers and continued support, describing their show of love as a divine blessing.

MEANWHILE, the governor 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 would 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.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, reassured the governor of the loyalty of the 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.