President Bola Tinubu has urged politicians in Ekiti State to refrain from declaring their intentions to succeed Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2030, warning that premature succession campaigns could distract the governor and undermine effective governance.
The President gave the warning as Oyebanji began his second term, pledging to shift greater attention towards industrialisation, job creation and economic prosperity after his administration’s initial investments in infrastructure.
Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, were sworn in for another term on Friday at the Ekitiparapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Speaking on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service marking the inauguration, held at the Anglican Cathedral of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado Ekiti, Tinubu urged political stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the state over individual ambitions.
The President, who was represented by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Oyebanji on completing his first term and encouraged him to sustain an inclusive approach to leadership.
He called on politicians to support the administration rather than begin campaigns to occupy the governorship seat several years before the end of the current tenure.
Tinubu 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.
“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.
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“Whoever breaks the jinx of a 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.”
In his remarks, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the people of Ekiti for their support during the election, pledging to justify their confidence through humble and responsive leadership.
The governor said his first term focused substantially on infrastructure development to create an enabling environment for investors, while his second term would concentrate on building an industrial economy capable of generating employment and improving living standards.
He appealed to traditional rulers and residents to cooperate with the government, particularly on land acquisition, which he identified as a critical factor in attracting 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, we had put infrastructure 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 land, 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 the total votes cast that 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 stated.
Delivering the homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Andrew Ajayi, reminded the governor that public office was a responsibility held in trust for the people.
Ajayi commended Oyebanji for completing his first term and urged him to remain conscious of the expectations attached to his renewed mandate.
The cleric also called on residents to support effective governance by meeting their civic obligations, including paying taxes and levies and complying with applicable laws.
Among the dignitaries at the thanksgiving service were the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji; former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni; and Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who represented her husband, former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
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