Oyebanji: The countdown starts now!

By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

At exactly 1:34 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) took the Oath of Allegiance as Governor of Ekiti State for a deserved second term. The Oath of Office followed a minute later at 1:35 pm.

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Of course, those two rituals signaled not only the beginning of a new term for the “back-to-back” governor but also the road to a lasting legacy for which history will remember him. How the Ikogosi-born politician tars the road destiny has placed before him is now entirely in his hands.

Without doubt, Oyebanji’s first term demonstrated great promise, determination and strategic focus, meaning he will be propelled by very favourable momentum in his second term. All the people are asking for is sustainable development that will translate into a living wage for all and sundry, alongside assurances that “the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former.”

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For those on the ground in Ekiti State on the inauguration day – including yours truly – the overall consensus among the media and civil society was a palpable optimism that BAO possesses the comportment and emotional maturity to deliver on his promises. He is remarkably humble and captivatingly personable. Endearingly too, he has been involved in public service for a long time – notably since age 27. So, he is certainly not an unprepared, fly-by-night operator. He is also not a user of men!

As we have previously advised, Oyebanji should concentrate on just three or four main policies, fine-tune them, and turn them into historical legacies. There’s simply no time to be biting off too much. Today, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello are remembered with gratitude for two or three landmark policies that permanently improved lives, despite managing countless competing priorities while in office. MKO Abiola, beyond his legendary philanthropy, also remains iconic for his central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

“À kìí mọ̀ ọ́n rìn k’órí má mì” (No matter how skilfully one walks, the head will still nod). BAO has promised to “build further” where his government has “done well”, “make corrections” where it has “fallen short”, and “keep seeking practical answers” where Ekiti Kete “still face hardship.” On our part, we have earlier advised the governor to establish a ‘Brains Trust’ à la the FDR model, and we hope he finds the advice useful.

In office, leaders who make their mark always rely on a select group of people who are not there for personal aggrandizement, but because they believe in a project and share the ideals of the person at the helm. The governor should have such an informal team for constant evaluations and reviews to act as a guide and guard in the four years ahead. This is the most profound way to construct a legacy. In many ways, it functions just like taking out an insurance policy against unforeseen eventualities.

Lastly, Oyebanji should, if he has not yet done so, read or watch on YouTube one of the most defining speeches of the past century: ‘Tryst with Destiny.’ It was delivered by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at midnight as the British colonial flag came down to signify the birth of a new Indian nation. Like Nehru, leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and Awolowo understood that channeling popular aspirations for a better society is essential. It is a theme that should propel BAO’s actions in the foreseeable future. Our main focus will always be on the need for him to achieve the destiny history has outlined for him. We know that he can, and he will do it!

“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

Email: ijebuijesa@gmail.com.

Mobile: 08033614419 SMS only.

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