Ekiti: Pressure Mounts On Gov Oyebanji On Appointment Of Chief Of Staff

By Ayodele Oni

Barely few days in office, Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji is faced with intense lobby over the appointment of his Chief of Staff, (CoS).

Oyebanji had announced two appointments, that of secretary to government and chief press secretary, who has served former Governor Kayode Fayemi, since last Sunday when he was sworn in as the sixth Governor of Ekiti state.

The House of Assembly has also cleared one commissioner nominee, for Attorney General, while another one was recalled without any recourse to the assembly.

One of those being rooted for the position of CoS from Ilejemeje local government had his name put on hold at the point of announcement.

Former Governor Fayemi, who is currently holidaying abroad was reported to have expressed his reservations about the nominee, who had served in his administration as a commissioner.

Despite being one of the closest allies of Governor Oyebanji, the nominee is said to have received disapproval of Fayemi as a result of his roles, which have made some members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) in his local government to leave the party.

It was gathered that Oyebanji is now awaiting instruction from his predecessor on the choice of his Chief of Staff.

The Governor is said to be doing everything possible not to incur the wrath of Fayemi, that facilitated and imposed him on APC leaders as his annoited successor, hence the need for him to tarry on some of the appointments for now.

Oyebanji has also been quoted at some fora, even before his inauguration last Sunday that he will follow the footsteps of his successor.

There are also indication that some former Aides of Fayemi are still waiting to serve in the present administration, and are expecting the nod of their former principal when he returns to the country after his two week holiday abroad.