Adebayo Adenrele
A former senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has described the leadership quality of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a rare type in the annals of the state.
Senator Ojudu, who is also the former Special Adviser to former President Mohammadu Buhari on Political Matters, stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Governor.
While commending Oyebanji for his excellent performance since assuming office, he noted that Oyebanji’s style of seeking advice from all leaders irrespective of political leaning is unprecedented, adding that the policies of his administration have really impacted Ekiti people positively.
Briefing journalists after he had a closed-door meeting with the governor, Senator Ojudu said the feedback from all the critical stakeholders in the state was a cheering one, adding that the governor’s ability to creatively gather resources for aggressive developmental programs was highly commendable.
In his words, “Everything that has come out here since he became Governor has been positive. I have been around for five days and people have been coming to my house; APC, PDP, and a few Labour people also came, and then it is like we have a one-party state.
“It just appears that he’s serving the people, and he’s serving them well.
“One day I learned he was in Ikere meeting with the physically challenged people and promising them all the facilities that would make life better for them; these are positive signals, and again reaching out to leaders, those who supported him and those who did not, leaders of opposition parties—all of that, for me, is the essence of leadership.
“I have met with some Kings since I came back, and the kind of things I had them say is cheering; both the elite and the poor and the holy people seem to be happy, and the fact that he has been able to be creative enough to find resources to do some of the things that have brought them active is also a plus for his excellency.” The former senator said
While speaking on how he intends to contribute to the success of the Oyebanji-led administration, Senator Ojudu said, “I will be coming here once in a while to give the Governor the people’s feedback from both within and outside the state on what the people are saying, and since I am not looking for an appointment, I believe his doors will be open for me, and I will also reach out to other Ekiti people outside Nigeria who can add value to all of us here so that we can have a better place for all of us.” He added.
The lawmaker urged the governor to continue with his good work, saying his aspiration and goal to make life better for the people of the state have been achieved by the Oyebanji-led administration.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who said he was excited to have the former lawmaker in his office, expressed appreciation to all leaders in the state for their collaborative efforts at repositioning the state for improved welfare and shared prosperity and thanked them for reposing so much confidence and trust in his government.
“I’ve been blessed with the support of nearly all the leaders in Ekiti State, and I’m not taking that support for granted. And I’m grateful to God for the benefit of having them to guide me.”
