By Ayodele Oni
The first year anniversary celebration of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji ended on Sunday with an uncommon political development, as three former governors of the state threw their support for second term for the incumbent governor.
Ekiti State former Governors, Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi unanimously endorsed Oyebanji for a second term in office based on his unique leadership style and development strides.
The three former Governors that spoke through Fayose said they have reviewed Oyebanji’s one year in office and believed he deserved a second term, having united every political and religious tendencies in the state and mobilized the people for massive development.
The trio spoke just as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele said he would be glad to be the Chairman of Oyebanji’s second term Re-election Campaign Council, stressing that the incumbent Governor has earned the confidence and trust of the people for a second term.
They all gave their backing to Governor Oyebanji at a special thanksgiving service organized to mark the first anniversary of his administration, which was held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Okesa, Ado Ekiti and attended by eminent personalities.
Also extolling the virtues of the Governor, Senator Bamidele, who represented the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio at the service, offered to serve as the Chairman of Oyebanji’s Re-election Campaign.
Earlier, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Olusola Ajayi, had hailed Oyebanji for making positive impact in the lives of the people of the state in the last one year saying “Ekiti should continue to celebrate the greatness of God and His power manifesting in the works of the Governor.”
But the action of the three former governors in endorsing the incumbent governor stole the show at the church service and drew a deafening ovation from the congregation who were watching the unfolding spectacle.
First to be invited to make a speech among the former governors was Fayemi who said: “We are Ekiti and we observe seniority, even among governors, we observe ranking.
“We all feel the same way on the current occupant of the seat. It is the most senior among us, that should address the people first.”
Adebayo said: “I am the most senior of the former governors, I will call my younger brother, Ayo Fayose, to address this gathering.”
Fayose said: “You know me very well that I am not the one who will tell you what you like. I will always tell you as it is.
“We are all together for Abiodun Oyebanji, I am not a member of your party, APC and I will not be. I am with you, Oyebanji 100 per cent.
“Where is Bisi Kolawole, PDP governorship candidate? We are going to support you, Oyebanji, you have come to visit me in my house several times. You are doing it differently and you will get a different result. This church will pray for you and you will do it a second time.”
Fayose said the old practice in Ekiti State was more of a sitting Governor witch-hunting the predecessor.
“When I was here I was after Fayemi, when Fayemi was here he too was witch- hunting me. But you are doing it differently. You have United all of us and your performance is superlative.
“On your matter, all of us are unanimous in our support for you. You are doing well, your leadership style is different and am not surprised your performance has been excellent. Ekiti will do well to have you for eight years. And all of us will support and mobilize for your to achieve that.
“I am not in your party, and some people will say it is too early. It is not too early. You have done well and you deserve two terms so that Ekiti will benefit from your purposeful leadership.”
After Fayose’s speech, Adebayo said: “This is the position of we, the former governors. Thank you very much.”
