I’m Most Qualified To Strengthen Developmental Strides In Ekiti, Says Oyebanji
The immediate past Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, is one of the leading governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Ekiti State. The former university lecturer, former banker and public servant tells AYODELE AFOLABI that his decision to contest is driven by his passion to contribute to the development of the state and its people. Why did you decide to contest the governorship of Ekiti?
ISAW an opportunity to impact my people positively and contribute my quota to the development of Ekiti and our people. I have been involved in the government of Ekiti, holding different positions for 11 out of the 25 years of the state’s existence, and I have not been found wanting in terms of competence, character and delivery. With the experience garnered over the years in academia, the private sector and in public service, I believe I have sufficient understanding of the issues dear to the hearts of our people. I have a clear understanding of the vision of the founding fathers of the state, having worked closely with them during the agitation for state creation.
What is your take on the reports making the rounds that you are Governor Kayode Fayemi’s anointed candidate for the governorship seat?
I don’t understand what you mean by being anointed but if it means the same thing as endorsement or support, I think I deserve it if I get it. I say this because having served under Governor Kayode Fayemi for two terms without blemish and with a record of performance to show for it, if I show interest in the governorship race and he chooses to support me, I must have earned it. In fact, people should be very concerned if I don’t get his support, or if he cannot vouch for me, having worked closely with him for over seven years in different capacities and having known him for over 20 years.
However, let me quickly add that this is not my exclusive right because many people also served under Governor Fayemi and can equally enjoy the same benefit. In fact, almost all the persons contesting now must have approached him for endorsement or to get his support in one way or the other. Beyond the gubernatorial race, at least three of the aspirants have been supported by Governor Fayemi to be elected to the National Assembly at various times. So, to answer your question, his support is highly coveted and I would be honoured to get it.
Is it true that the idea to contest didn’t come primarily from you but from your promoters who want to use you to continue governing the state by proxy or use you to cover their tracks?
That is an interesting thought, but I understand because that is the perception some people have of politicians. I have also heard from some people, including journalists, that the speculation about me contesting this election has been on for over a year. The truth is that those who are close to me can confirm that I’m not the type that could be forced to contest if I don’t have the wherewithal to govern. The question I think people should ask is why it took me this long to aspire for elective office. My style is different; I don’t venture into any business if I am not grounded. Today, I can tell you that I’m one of the most qualified with the required capacity, exposure and experience to strengthen the developmental strides in Ekiti and continue from where the present leadership will stop on October 16. At an early age I was involved in the drafting of the Master Plan for Ekiti State. That was during the build- up to the creation of the state and I think this will help very well in building on what successive administrations have done.
To the other part of your question that some people want to use me to remain in government or cover their tracks, that is quite laughable. But we are dealing with serious issues of governance, so I will not laugh. One, the Governor Fayemi I know is not someone who is hungry for power and so the idea of him governing by proxy doesn’t add up at all. It will interest you that after the controversial 2014 election, some individuals were desperate to get the mandate back by any means possible but he insisted on the rule of law.
Then you spoke about covering tracks? Which tracks? Perhaps track record of performance and delivery of quality service to Ekiti people. Governor Fayemi is not a frivolous person; he is transparent, respects the rule of law and is ever committed to lifting Ekiti to its desired heights. He has run one of the most transparent administrations in this state, winning the Open Government Partnership awards in 2020. What ‘ tracks’ does he need to cover? Such claims are from those who may feel they are losing out because of the ground swell of support my candidacy is garnering daily. There is no substance in it at all.
Since 2003 or thereabout, people of Ekiti South Senatorial District have been clamouring for power shift. Another opportunity is around the corner and here you are from the Central
slugging it out with them. Don’t you think that Ekiti political class is not fair to the people from that axis?
First, we are all Ekiti, a state that has often been described as being homogeneous, principled and loving. As a stakeholder, who is also involved in politics, I can tell you that at no time has any barrier been placed on any part of the state stopping them from participating in the governorship race. In fact, records have shown that since 1999, there hasn’t been any time that one person, at least, did not show interest from the three senatorial districts. As I speak, in APC alone, at least three governorship aspirants are contesting from the South. Having said this, I think the most important thing is to get the best person for the job. To me, every interested indigene of the state, regardless of his or her religious affiliation or senatorial district, should be given opportunity to contest and tell Ekiti people what he or she has to offer. Then, we will go for the best. The most important thing is even distribution of the commonwealth and opportunities.