[By Abigail Philip David]
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has praised his successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for his impressive performance in office and his success in uniting political leaders across different interests in the state.
In a statement released on Monday, Fayemi expressed admiration for Oyebanji’s ability to achieve this level of unity within just two years, a skill he acknowledged not all leaders possess. Fayemi made these remarks in Ado Ekiti on Sunday while commissioning two road projects—the Agric Olope-Odo Ado-Moferere road and the GRA 3rd extension road (Phase One)—initiated by his administration and completed by Oyebanji.
Fayemi also commended Oyebanji for adhering to the Ekiti State Transition Law, which prohibits succeeding administrations from abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors. He described this commitment as a hallmark of excellent leadership.
“I am impressed by the way you have united all the political leaders in Ekiti State. Not all leaders have such a gift. This unity is essential for the development of our state,” Fayemi said, urging Oyebanji to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Fayemi further expressed his pride in Oyebanji’s compassionate leadership and applauded his continuity in completing major road projects started during his own administration, such as the Itapa-Omu-Ijelu, GRA third extension, and Ado-Ifaki roads. He highlighted the importance of continuity, recalling the negative experience when road projects were abandoned after he left office in 2014, only to be revisited upon his return in 2018.
Fayemi also noted his satisfaction with Oyebanji’s commitment to paying the minimum wage, as well as ensuring timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities to retirees. “The hallmark of leadership is building a successive generation, and Governor Oyebanji exemplifies that,” he added.
In response, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to Fayemi for laying a solid foundation for his administration through key projects that have fostered economic growth. He credited Fayemi for his mentorship and support in ensuring his election victory, which allowed him to continue these important projects.
“When I assumed office, I made it a priority to complete all the projects my predecessor started before initiating my own. These projects belong to Ekiti, and it is our responsibility to protect them,” Oyebanji said.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Works, Sola Adebayo, emphasized the significance of the newly commissioned roads, noting that they connect major suburban areas in the capital and will boost transportation, create opportunities for farmers and traders, and enhance the local economy.
Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, President of the League of Imams and Alfas, Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing these infrastructure developments. He affirmed that the communities would work hard to ensure the governor’s re-election to sustain these development strides.
