…says election is over, governance has begun; attributes Ekiti’s peace to God
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has cautioned his supporters and political associates to desist from excessive praise-singing and the use of grandiose appellations, directing that he be addressed simply as “Mr Governor.”
The Governor said all praises and accolades belong to God Almighty and that no political leader should be accorded attributes reserved for God.
Oyebanji gave the admonition on Friday evening at the October edition of the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship programme held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
He noted that the period of political campaigns and elections was over, stressing that the state had entered a new phase focused on governance, service delivery and fulfilment of promises to the people.
The Governor specifically disapproved of appellations such as “Jinx Breaker”, “Owi Bee, Se Bee”, “History Maker” and “Back to Back”, among others, which his supporters had adopted during the electioneering period.
His words: “I think we have to put an end to all these appellations. Election is over, and from today, just address me as Mr Governor. I don’t want to hear all these appellations such as ‘Jinx Breaker’, ‘History Maker’ and all the rest.
“I permitted them because it was an election season. Election is over now, a new government has been sworn in, and we are in the era of governance. Politics is over. I don’t want anybody to equate me with God or give me an appellation that is an attribute of God.”
Oyebanji attributed the relative peace, stability and development recorded in the state, particularly in the last four years, to the grace of God, describing the achievements of his administration and the peaceful atmosphere across the state as testimonies to God’s faithfulness.
He expressed confidence that God who had guided the state thus far would continue to sustain it, urging residents to remain steadfast in faith for greater accomplishments.
“I love the theme of this month’s edition because this is the first Evening of Praise and Worship since this new administration was inaugurated, and the theme is apt. We are just here to praise God, and I know that as we praise God on behalf of Ekiti State, He will speak to us and also step into our situation,” he added.
Dignitaries at the programme included the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; and President, Baptist Convention, Ekiti State and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.
