…As Governor-Elect visits Efon, Ijero, Ekiti West LGAs
John Silas
Traditional rulers from Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Tuesday called on the State Governor-elect, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to review the Ekiti State blueprint for development put together by the committee for the creation of the State. This, the monarchs said, would guide him, as he prepares to take over the mantle of leadership on October 16.
Speaking on behalf of Ijero Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers, during the ‘thank you visit’ by the Governor-Elect, his deputy and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, the Ajero of Ijero- Ekiti, expressed satisfaction on Oyebanji’s emergence as Governor-elect because of his involvement in the process that led to the creation of Ekiti State in 1996.
“The emergence of His Excellency, Abiodun Oyebanji as Governor is not only a reward for patriotism but an answer to many years of prayers that a home-grown person, who understands the nitty-gritty of Ekiti creation and how to go about Ekiti Development becomes our leader.
“BAO was with us at the beginning as Secretary of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State and he’s well aquianted with the original blueprint on Ekiti Development. On this occasion and as he sets to assume office, I want to advise our Governor-Elect to re-visit the blueprint to ensure spread of development in Ekiti,” Ajero said.
In Efon Alaaye and Ekiti West Local Government Areas, where Alaaye, Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Aladejare and the Olojudo of Ido-Ile Ekiti, Oba Aderemi Obaleye, spoke respectively on behalf of their colleagues Obas, the two monarchs urged Oyebanji and his deputy not to forget their promises to Ekiti people and the traditional institution. They also prayed for the success of the administration.
Earlier, the Governor-elect had urged the traditional rulers to always see him and his deputy as their children and to always call their attention, anytime they considered it necessary, to offer advice on any lapses in the administration.
Speaking further, Oyebanji assured the royal fathers that they would be accorded due recognition in his administration and won’t be left out in the scheme of things.
He called on party members to show love to all by extending hands of fellowship to members of other parties who may want to come into the progressive fold. “I am pleading with our members to extend hand of love to those that are aggrieved and even new members ahead next year elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, there was a twist to the tour in Efon Alaaye, where a group within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government known as One Million Boys, defected to the ruling APC.
The Vice-chairman of the APC in the State, Hon. Sola Elesin, who received the new members on behalf of the party, assured them of better treatment in the APC.
The new members who were led by Chief Soji Adedayo also expressed satisfaction with the leadership of APC and promised to be loyal to the party.
Adedayo said it was incumbent on them to leave their former party in view of their determination to contribute their quota to the development of Ekiti State under Oyebanji’s leadership
“I decamped to work for the APC success and development of Ekiti State. There are many people in my former party that will still join us in APC. When you are in a party that you are not accorded recognition, it is better you take your leave”
Reacting to the new development, the Governor-elect said he was also delighted to receive the new members, pointing out that their defection was coming on the heels of his plea to APC members to be friendly with other members of the opposition parties.
Before leaving Efon Alaaye, Oyebanji, in an exemplary move, led his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye and supporters on a courtesy visit to the residence of the PFP governorship candidate in the June 18 governorship election, Otunba Bisi Kolawole, where they were warmly welcome by apparently elated Kolawole.
In Ijero, Efon and Aramoko, traditional rulers, market women and some groups, commemorated the visit by presenting various gifts to the Governor-elect.
