Ekiti 2022: I’II Never Be An Accidental Governor ― Oyebanji

Ahead of the governorship primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State slated for January 22, 2022, the immediate past secretary to the state government, Biodun Oyebanji has said he is well equipped and prepared for the task of governance in the state, saying he would never be an accidental governor.

He predicted that he would be the first homegrown politician and Ekiti citizen that would rule the state as Governor since the return to democracy in 1999.

The former SSG spoke on Wednesday separately in Ikole, Oye and Iye Ekiti, in Ikole, Oye and Ilejemeje local government areas of the state when his campaign train visited the councils to mobilise support for his ambition ahead of the next year’s governorship poll.

While applauding the APC leaders and members for the warm reception, Oyebanji, said he had received the best of pupillage in governance and politics from Governor Fayemi and the first executive Governor of the state, Niyi Adebayo, to be able to navigate the bumpy terrain and deliver.

According to him, “If I get the governorship ticket and win, I will be the first homeboy to be Ekiti governor. I schooled here in Ekiti from primary, secondary and up to the university level.

“I got a solid tutelage from Niyi Adebayo for four years and seven years under Governor Fayemi. Out of the 25 years of the creation of this State, I have received 11 years of experience as a public servant. If other aspirants come to you, ask them where they got their pupilage from to be able to do well as a governor.

“During the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, I was barely 27 years and I served as the Secretary of the Committee for the creation of our dear state. Through this opportunity, I knew what the vision was then.

“I can never be an accidental governor. I knew the vision of Governor Fayemi and if you don’t want everything he has done for Ekiti to get spoilt as it was after 2014, then vote for me in this primary.”

During the campaign tour, some members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and local government chairmen endorsed the aspiration of Oyebanji.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the parliamentarians representing Ikole constituencies 1 and 2, Gboyega Aribisogan and Adeoye Aribasoye, described the former SSG as the most experienced to continue with the continuity agenda of Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Aribisogan, who is Majority Leader, Ekiti State House of Assembly, said, “This mammoth crowd of supporters you are seeing here and party bigwigs confirmed how acceptable Oyebanji is in Ikole Council.

“In Ikole local government, you are acceptable to us. We are happy with you and by the grace of God, we will demonstrate this in the primary. Some other aspirants will come, but this group consists of who -is -who in Ekiti APC and I know it shall translate to victory for you.”

Also endorsing the aspirant, the Chairman of Ikole local government, Sola Olominu, his counterparts from Ajoni and Ikole west local council development Areas, Michael Ogungbemi and Kayode Ogunsakin respectively, stated that Oyebanji possesses all the sterling qualities that can make him a good governor.