Abiodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress, on Sunday took oath of office as the governor of Ekiti, replacing Kayode Fayemi whose term ended same day, October 16.
Oyebanjo triumphed in a recent election, one of Nigeria’s off-season elections. He ran on the All Progressives Congress, or APC, platform.
The election was held on June 18, 2022 with Oyebani leading with 187,057 votes to beat Segun Oni, former governor of the state and a candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP who scored 82,211 votes to take the second position.
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The swearing in ceremony was performed by the Chief judge of the state, Justice Oyewole Adeleye.
The new governor pledged to preserve, protect and defend the people of the state.
Speaking on the new transition on This Morning with Yori Folarin, Political Commentator, Adewale Adeoye highlighted some of the achievements of the former governor which includes the reduction of salaries of his aides including his own.
According to Mr Adeoye, former governor Fayemi ran a very small cabinet to be able to save the course.
He noted that one of the things the new administration must do is surround itself with capable and effective people, which in his opinion will not be simple given the number of politicians running for office and everyone’s desire to be given a position.
The general welfare of the state’s citizens should be of utmost importance and should come first, so the new governor should surround himself with people who share his values and are motivated by their constituents’ best interests.
Speaking on agriculture, Mr Adeoye stated that the administration of Oyebanji should build on the foundation already laid by his predecessor, Fayemi, and that Ekiti state has approximately 6,000 square meters of arable land, making it one of the most arable lands in the country.
He went on to say that government is about more than just people in power developing communities; people must own the process and be able to participate in development.
Oyebanji’s administration must also collaborate with neighbouring states to share ideas that will bring about development as well as tackle other factors such as insecurity amongst others.
“Based on his background, his creativity, his knowledge of the state, and the reputation that has built for himself since 1999, there has never been any scandal associated with him and there has been a government.
“This is a very good opportunity for Oyebanji to build on the foundation that has been laid by the former governor, Dr Fayemi.
