President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned politicians in Ekiti State against declaring their intentions to contest the 2030 governorship election prematurely, saying such ambitions could distract Governor Biodun Oyebanji from delivering on his administration’s promises.
Tinubu also urged political stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of Ekiti State over personal ambitions, stressing that loyalty to the governor should translate into support for his administration’s development agenda.
The President spoke on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service marking the inauguration of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, for a second term in office. The service was held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Oyebanji for the achievements recorded during his first term and urged him to sustain his inclusive leadership style in the next four years. Warning against early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2030 governorship election, the President described premature declarations of interest as a threat to effective governance and the state’s development.
He said, “To the political class, let us show love to this administration. Let us show love to Ekiti. Loyalty to Governor Oyebanji is loyalty to Ekiti. It is when we are loyal that we won’t distract him or start declaring to occupy his seat so early.
“Let me say this, whoever says he wants to become the governor in the next three years is an enemy of progress. Let us bear in mind that the moment you declare interest in governorship, there will be distraction. Don’t let us see politics as the only industry in Ekiti. Let us think of other things and look at the larger picture and the interest of Ekiti.”
The President further urged Oyebanji to remain humble, accessible and committed to the welfare of the people, warning him against abandoning the leadership qualities that earned him a second term.
“I appeal to you, continue to be whom you are. Let no one, not the traditional rulers, not the former governors, not the political class, not the civil servants, not the women or youth groups change whom you are.
“You are not the first governor to run for a second term, but to the glory of God, you were the first to hand over to yourself. Others fought hard to come back. This was a grace,” he said.
Tinubu added that Oyebanji’s re-election had demonstrated the value of continuity in governance, urging him to work harder to consolidate the achievements of his first term.
In his remarks, Oyebanji thanked the people of Ekiti State for their support, assuring them that his second term would deliver greater development, with industrialisation, job creation and shared prosperity as key priorities.
The governor said his administration would build on the infrastructure provided during his first term to attract investors and establish industries capable of creating employment opportunities for residents.
He, however, emphasised that the success of the industrialisation agenda would depend on the cooperation of communities, particularly in making land available for development projects.
Oyebanji said his administration was working with traditional rulers to address land-related challenges that could discourage investors from bringing industries to the state.
“Let me assure you that my second term will be better than the first term, with emphasis on industrialisation and prosperity for our people. In our first term, we had put infrastructure in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper,” he said.
He added that government alone could not achieve the desired level of development without the cooperation of the people.
“Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release lands, and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be a problem. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here,” the governor said.
Reflecting on his re-election, Oyebanji acknowledged the responsibility that came with securing 87.7 per cent of the total votes cast in the governorship election, describing the mandate as a call to greater service.
He pledged to govern with humility, patience and a willingness to listen to the people, adding that his ultimate ambition was to leave office with a record that would earn him respect among his predecessors.
“I know I am confronted with the burden of the 87.7 per cent of total votes cast you gave me in the last election. I know that the only way I can go is for me to serve Ekiti in a way that glorifies God.
“I promise before God and man today that I will serve you with humility, listen to you and connect with you. It is my desire that after my exit, I should be able to walk tall like my predecessors are doing,” he said.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged Oyebanji to regard his position as a responsibility held in trust for the people rather than a personal possession.
The cleric commended the governor for completing his first term successfully but charged him to sustain his integrity, uphold his principles and remain committed to selfless service.
According to him, political power is temporary, making it imperative for public officeholders to use their positions to improve the lives of the people and serve God faithfully.
Ajayi also appealed to residents to support the government by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, including the payment of taxes and levies, and complying with laws guiding the administration of the state.
He stressed that integrity and accountability must remain central to Oyebanji’s leadership, noting that public trust could only be sustained through honesty, consistency and service to humanity.
During the service, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, and her team of choristers rendered a special musical performance, reaffirming the place of faith in the governor’s administration.
Former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni attended the thanksgiving service, while former Governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Other dignitaries included Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi; members of the House of Representatives, including Femi Bamisile, Sola Fatoba and Biodun Omoleye; former commissioners and special advisers; traditional rulers; religious leaders; labour representatives; traders and civil servants.