Abiodun Oyebanji, has been sworn in as governor of Ekiti state bringing an end to the administration of Kayode Fayemi.
Oyebanji with his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on Sunday, October 16, 2022, amid cheers from the mammoth crowd present.
The event which occurred at Ekiti Parapo Pavillion had the presence of Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu; his Osun counterpart Gboyega Oyetola; and ex-Ekiti Governor, Ayodele Fayose
Other dignitaries present at the venue of the event include the Minister of Trade Industry and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; the outgoing Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Ekiti Speaker Funminiyi Afuye and former Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonsakin.
Other were former Chief of Army Staff, Azubike Iherijika; the Special Adviser to President Muhammad Buhari on Political Matters Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Osun Deputy Governor Adegboyega Alabi who represented Oyetola; Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi among other dignitaries in attendance.
The tenure of Oyebanji’s predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi lapsed 12 midnight after the expiration of his tenure, paving way for the new helmsman to take over the reign of power for the next four years.
Oyebanji who is a former Secretary to the State Government and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in the June 18, 2022, governorship poll.
Oyebanji scored 187,057 votes to defeat its closest rival, Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party, who garnered 82,211 votes, People’s Democratic Party, Otunba Bisi Kolawole who got 67,457 votes and 13 other contestants who participated in the governorship election.
The Ikogosi-Ekiti-born astute politician ascending the plum seat will break the aged-long jinx of recycled leadership and offer a platform for a thoroughbred local politician and “homeboy” to rule Ekiti for the first time.
