2030: Don’t distract Oyebanji with your gov ambitions, Tinubu warns Ekiti politicians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned politicians in Ekiti State against declaring their interest in the 2030 governorship election too early, warning that such moves could distract Governor Biodun Oyebanji and undermine governance.

The President gave the warning as Oyebanji pledged to introduce more transformative initiatives to strengthen the state’s economy and address poverty, unemployment and deprivation during his second term.

Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, were inaugurated for a second term at a ceremony held at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, on Friday. The inauguration was attended by Tinubu.

Speaking on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service for the governor’s second term at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu urged politicians to prioritise the collective interest of the state over personal ambitions to occupy the governorship seat.

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The President, who was represented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, commended Oyebanji for completing his first term and urged him to sustain the inclusive leadership and respect for citizens demonstrated during his first tenure.

Warning against early declarations of interest in the 2030 governorship election, Tinubu described it as a disservice to the state for politicians to begin pursuing the position while Oyebanji was still expected to deliver on his mandate.

He urged political actors to allow the governor to concentrate on delivering democratic dividends to the people.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also urged Oyebanji to remain focused, humble and accessible, cautioning him against changing his leadership style during his second term.

According to him, “I appeal to you, continue to be who 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 who 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.

“Whoever breaks the jinx of second term after you will have you as a reference point. There is power in continuity, so you must work hard to ensure continuity in this state. God will help you to perform better.”

Addressing the congregation, Oyebanji thanked Ekiti residents for their support and pledged to deliver more democratic dividends, with a focus on industrialisation and shared prosperity.

The governor, however, said industrial development would depend partly on cooperation from communities over land acquisition, noting that sacrifices would be necessary to attract investors and establish industries.

“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, we had put infrastructures in place to attract investors to this state. With industrialisation, employment will be here and everyone will prosper.

“But government alone can’t do it, so we are partnering with our traditional rulers on the issue of land. Investors won’t come when people are not ready to release lands and if there is no cooperation from the people, there will be problems. There are sacrifices we have to make to bring industries here.

“I know I am confronted with the burden of 87.7% 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 the 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 homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, urged Oyebanji to regard his position as a trust on behalf of the people.

The cleric commended the governor for completing his first term and called on residents to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes and levies and complying with laws guiding governance.

He reminded Oyebanji that political power was temporary and urged him to prioritise service to God and humanity, maintain his principles and preserve his integrity.

“Do you know what God wants from you in this second term, it is for you to serve Him and humanity. You are not the owner of Ekiti State, but a steward. You must give reverence to the man who will judge you. Nobody can deceive God, so you must fear than man that enthrones you. This position is for you to serve God and humanity.

“The second one is about power. You know that power is transient. So, making people happy should be your utmost interest. You shouldn’t change your principle. I know you are not materialistic. Politics without principle amounts to nothing. Render selfless service and help the people to grow better.

“People are talking good things about you. Please, continue in this goodness. You should also maintain your integrity. You are a man of integrity, you must know this. Two things must go together: integrity of heart and stiffness of hands. You don’t deceive people that is why Ekiti people trust you,” he said.

During the service, the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, and her team of choristers rendered a special musical performance, expressing their faith in God as the foundation of the governor’s second-term administration.

Former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni attended the event, while former governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

National Assembly members present included Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Hon. Femi Bamisile, Hon. Sola Fatoba and Hon. Biodun Omoleye.

Other dignitaries included former commissioners, former special advisers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, organised labour representatives, traders and civil servants.