Juxtaposing Between Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo (EKO) and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)

By Paul Olajide

Who truly holds the future of Ekiti?

As the race toward the next All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary intensifies, two political gladiators stand out—Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) and Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo (EKO). 

Both are sons of the soil, both are passionate about Ekiti, and both are in the spotlight. However, passion alone does not lead a state to prosperity—capacity, character, and commitment do.

While Governor BAO occupies the seat today, Engr. Kayode Ojo is commanding growing influence, not from the power of office, but from the power of personal conviction and genuine contributions. The question remains: who truly deserves to lead Ekiti into a new era of progress, prosperity, and pride?

Let the facts speak:

1. Personal Investment vs Public Spending:

Engr. Kayode Ojo began investing in Ekiti long before any political ambition. From human capital development to infrastructural support, EKO has used his personal resources to uplift lives. 

In contrast, BAO’s impact began in government and after assuming office, leveraging state resources—not personal sacrifice. Who then truly has Ekiti at heart?

2. Job Creation Track Record:

EKO has independently created employment opportunities across the state, driven by his business acumen and wide-reaching projects. 

BAO’s employment efforts have only emerged within the context of his governmental role. Ekiti needs a leader who creates jobs regardless of title.

3. Field Expertise vs Administrative Routine:

EKO is a certified road construction engineer with verifiable projects across Nigeria. His professional footprint spans many states—transforming roads, building infrastructure, and delivering excellence. 

BAO, meanwhile, is an administrator whose expertise has yet to yield a transformative infrastructural revolution in Ekiti.

4. The Ekiti Airport Project: A Case Study in Patriotism:

While the airport project is ongoing, EKO contributed machinery and mounted the fire station at the airport site using personal funds. 

BAO, despite his office, only committed state allocations. 

EKO’s gesture reveals selfless patriotism—acting without official mandate, simply out of love for Ekiti.

5. National Relevance vs Local Containment:

EKO’s engineering firm has delivered top-tier road projects nationwide—placing Ekiti on the map through excellence. 

BAO’s efforts, though noted, remain confined to the limitations of state bureaucracy and budget.

6. Independent Candidacy vs Political Godfatherism: 

EKO stands tall as a self-made man with no political godfathers or hidden strings. He is answerable only to the people. 

BAO, by contrast, has remained within the shadows of political godfathers, compromising bold decision-making and independent leadership.

7. Electoral Confidence vs Electoral Manipulation: 

EKO believes in the power of the people’s votes. His political campaigns are rooted in persuasion and service. 

On the other hand, BAO’s rise and continuity lean heavily on political figures manipulating internal processes. 

A democratic system thrives on true votes—not doctored figures.

8. Character in Loss: The Campaign Car Example:

After losing in the previous elections, EKO demonstrated rare maturity by allowing supporters retain campaign cars—proving his leadership is not about power, but about purpose. It speaks volumes of a man seasoned by experience and humility.

9. Industrialization: The Missing Link in Ekiti’s Growth: 

Ekiti’s greatest need is industrialization. We must move from a civil service-dependent economy to a production-driven one. 

Engr. Kayode Ojo is the only candidate with the professional expertise, network, and industrial experience to turn this dream into reality. 

His engineering firm employs thousands and facilitates multimillion-naira projects across the country and internationally. 

He understands what it takes to attract industries, build processing zones, and drive value-chain development. 

Under his watch, Ekiti will no longer be known for brain drain, but for industrial gain.

In Conclusion:

Ekiti cannot afford to recycle systems that limit its potential. 

The time has come to elect not just a politician, but a builder. Not just a manager, but a visionary. Not just a custodian of state funds, but a creator of opportunities.

Governor BAO has had his time.

Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo’s time is now.

A vote for EKO is a vote for industry, infrastructure, innovation, and independence.

Ekiti, choose wisely.

Choose EKO—the people’s engineer, the architect of a prosperous Ekiti.