By Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Chairman, Ajoni LCDA, Ekiti State
From the very first day of his administration, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has pursued governance with a distinct vision anchored on unity, inclusion, accountability, and innovation.
Steering the ship of Ekiti State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyebanji has consistently demonstrated a political philosophy that transcends party lines, embraces citizen participation, and seeks institutional reforms for sustainable development.
Unity, Inclusion, and Political Reconciliation
One of Oyebanji’s earliest acts as governor was to foster unity in a politically diverse Ekiti. Understanding the potential for post-election rancor, he embarked on deliberate reconciliation moves, reaching out not only to aggrieved members within his APC family but also to political rivals in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This outreach helped to douse partisan tensions and laid the foundation for an atmosphere of peace. True to his philosophy, he has often reiterated, “I don’t see myself as governor of APC; I am the Governor of everybody in Ekiti State. Election stopped the day I was sworn in.”
This inclusive disposition has redefined governance in the state, ensuring that policies and programmes are not tailored to a select few, but to the collective good of all Ekiti citizens. By positioning himself as a leader beyond party boundaries, Oyebanji has created a template for political tolerance and reconciliation.
Accountability and Institutional Innovation
The administration has distinguished itself through strong accountability measures and innovative governance tools. The introduction of 100-day stakeholder engagement sessions provided a platform for transparency, where progress reports are shared, feedback is collected, and governance is recalibrated to suit citizens’ needs.
Modern systems have been introduced, such as the Strategic Project Monitoring System to track government deliverables, and the Export Trade Desk within the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, which has boosted trade potentials with the support of global partnerships like the China-Africa Discourse Studies.
Fiscal discipline has also been entrenched with the adoption of the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), stronger procurement standards, and improved revenue collection mechanisms. Additionally, the creation of the Office of Community Communications has brought governance closer to the people, ensuring that citizen voices are factored into policy-making.
Strengthening Institutions and Infrastructure
Beyond policy, Oyebanji has embarked on strengthening the very institutions that anchor governance. His administration established the Customary Court of Appeal, refurbishing judicial facilities and providing operational support such as vehicles for judges to enhance justice delivery. The Governor’s Office, the Data Centre, and Jibowu Hall have also undergone refurbishments, reflecting a focus on functionality and institutional pride.
On infrastructure, the state is witnessing expansion in road networks, rural rehabilitation efforts, and landmark projects such as the Ado-Ekiti flyover designed to ease congestion and improve urban safety. These projects reflect the governor’s determination to drive connectivity and mobility as the backbone of economic growth.
Economic Governance and Investment Mobilization
Oyebanji has placed Ekiti firmly on Nigeria’s investment map. Under his leadership, the state ranked highly in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s (PEBEC) 2023 Ease of Doing Business report, affirming its growing competitiveness. His dual role as chairman of the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency and the State Ease of Doing Business Council highlights his personal commitment to wooing investors and creating a business-friendly environment. This proactive approach signals Ekiti’s readiness for both local and foreign investments.
Political Engagement and Party Democracy
On the political front, Oyebanji has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to internal party democracy. In August 2025, while declaring his bid for a second term at the APC State Secretariat, he encouraged other aspirants to contest freely, emphasizing unity and fair play. His call on citizens to register for the 2026 elections highlights his democratic spirit and respect for participatory governance.
At the regional level, Oyebanji has become a strong advocate of solidarity within the Southwest APC bloc. At the Southwest APC Assembly, he rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, stressing the need for synergy between state and federal governments for meaningful national development.
Legislative Dynamics and Representation
Ekiti has also recorded milestones under Oyebanji’s tenure in legislative leadership. In November 2022, Olubunmi Adelugba emerged as the first female Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, breaking new ground in gender inclusivity and representation. At the executive level, Oyebanji’s cabinet reflects breadth and diversity, cutting across health, education, investment, and urban development, thereby ensuring that governance is holistic and well-coordinated.
A Balancing Act of Governance and Politics
Governor Oyebanji’s leadership in Ekiti stands out as a careful balancing act—an administration rooted in inclusivity, accountability, institutional strengthening, and infrastructural expansion, while maintaining sensitivity to political dynamics. His ability to merge governance innovation with political reconciliation has earned Ekiti a peaceful climate, a functional government, and an optimistic pathway toward sustainable growth.
As his administration prepares for the next phase, the hallmarks of Oyebanji’s governance remain clear: a people-centered approach, prudent economic management, and a deep respect for unity in diversity. His tenure thus far is a testament to the evolving possibilities of Nigerian sub-national leadership when politics is harnessed for service rather than division.