Ekiti At The Point Of Choosing A Leader Again!

By Paul Olajide 

As the political season draws closer, the atmosphere is gradually becoming more intense and intriguing. Among the key players in the race, two prominent figures are making the contest unpredictable—until the mantle eventually rests in the hands of the most capable leader.

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Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) stand as the main contenders in this unfolding political drama.

BAO’s supporters often deride Engr. Ojo as “Asedanu”, but that is where I wish to begin my reflection. 

Days roll into nights, and nights into days—the Creator is counting. The moment of truth, when the so-called “Asedanu” proves his worth, is fast approaching.

Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo has an admirable track record. As the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), his short tenure ignited hope and transformation. 

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His leadership ignited fear in the hearts of political agents who saw a glimpse of what good governance could mean.

His dedication to staff welfare led many to begin quiet deliberations: “Should this man contest as Governor?” One notable act of fairness was his insistence that junior staff at FUOYE receive the long-denied relocation allowance. 

The Vice Chancellor had initially approved it only for senior staff, but Engr. Ojo stood firm. 

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He argued that junior staff, who handle most of the work, also deserved to benefit. Eventually, he compelled the VC to approve the payment for all staff.

Unfortunately, this righteous stand led to conflict. 

In a twist, the VC, allegedly in connivance with the state government, schemed to have Engr. Ojo removed. 

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Once he was transferred, the junior staff’s payment was halted, and the senior staff were promised theirs in five tranches—of which only one tranche was paid before the VC was entangled in a sexual harassment scandal.

Engr. Ojo’s legacy still speaks volumes, even as his adversaries try to silence him.

When compared to his rival, BAO, Engr. Ojo emerges as the more upright figure. Governor BAO, rather than focusing on governance, allegedly defamed Ojo’s character before the Presidency. 

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While BAO has initiated several physical projects, none have been completed to standard, and not a single one has been commissioned officially since his assumption of office—a worrying sign.

Such infrastructural failures are not tasks for mere politicians. These require the expertise of seasoned professionals—someone like Engr. Ojo, a trained Civil Engineer who worked alongside his father on road construction projects. 

He has executed similar projects across Nigeria and understands the technical solutions to Ekiti’s infrastructural challenges.

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In contrast, Governor BAO—like his predecessors—has made no tangible effort to industrialize the state. 

A state without productivity breeds hardship. Civil servants suffer, and marketers, in turn, pass the burden onto them through increased prices, all worsened by a harsh taxation policy.

Engr. Ojo, on the other hand, has consistently championed the establishment and revival of industries in Ekiti. 

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He understands that economic development is the path to prosperity for both government workers and the general populace.

Ekiti Decides is fast approaching. Will we again sell our future for cheap, only to inherit pain and regret?

Let us not forget: the current hardship could have been avoided if the triple federal allocations had been judiciously used. 

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told Nigerians to hold their governors accountable. 

He made that statement boldly, knowing that each state now receives substantial funds—far more than what previous administrations disbursed.

With Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, Ekiti is set to rise to greater heights among the league of progressive states. 

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Let us get prepared. The time is now.

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