Oyebanji pleads with Oni to return to APC

Sets to establish council of former governors

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday, pleaded with the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the state governorship election and main challenger in the court, Chief Segun Oni, to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the request when he paid a courtesy visit to Oni at his Ifaki-Ekiti residence. Oyebanji said the visit was in fulfilment of his pledge to visit Oni, whom he described, as a brother and leader for whom he had great respect.

“I am here to debunk the notion that you don’t return from court and become friends.

“For me, I believe litigation is part of the electoral process and I appreciate His Excellency for pursuing the electoral matter up till the apex court and not recourse to self-help,” the governor said.

The meeting, which lasted an hour, saw the two leaders discussing issues bordering on socio-economic and political development of Ekiti State and how to reposition the state for greater prosperity.

Besides, Oyebanji used the opportunity to inform Oni of his intention to set up a council of former governors whose objective would be to drive development of the state.

Earlier, Oni, who together with his wife and some political associates received the governor, thanked him for the visit, which he said, confirmed the fact that Ekiti State development was of paramount interest to the governor.

Oni, who said the meeting was the best he had attended this year in view of the sincerity of the governor, stressed the need to build a virile Ekiti State based on unity of purpose because Ekiti was already left behind among comity of states and all hands should be on deck to reposition it.