How Oyebanji’s Leadership Style Sets New Template for Democratic Governance
By John Ajayi
The ability to effectively respond to complex challenges and rapidly changing conditions without losing sight of a core purpose can be defined as dynamic leadership. While inclusive governance ensures that decision-making and benefits equitably involve all citizens, a governor’s dynamic leadership is characterised by adaptability, innovation, and resilience, If well put together, these powerful forces can foster progress and sustainable development in a state through various initiatives.
An example of such a dynamic leader, whose inclusive approach to governance has been consistently steering Ekiti State toward sustainable growth in the last three years, is Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Executive Governor..Indeed,Oyebanji’s leadership style and humble approach to politics and politicking has set a new template for democratic governance in Nigeria.
His administration’s focus on infrastructure, education, and agriculture has visibly improved the quality of life for residents. His inclusive political approach has also brought many key political figures together in support of his administration ultimately earning him a unanimous and consensus nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its flagship gubernatorial candidate for next year’s election in the state.
The endorsement, which was made recently during a party meeting in Ado-Ekiti, saw Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, moving the motion for Oyebanji’s adoption, which was seconded by Stephen Aribasoye, speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly.
Noting that the affirmation was a reflection of Oyebanji’s giant strides in various sectors which have benefitted the people of Ekiti, Usman Ododo, the chairman of the congress committee, averred that Oyebanji maintains a clear, forward-thinking vision for the state’s progress and inspires others to follow it.
It would be recalled that the APC national working committee (NWC) had earlier endorsed Oyebanji’s candidacy following the withdrawal of Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo, the only remaining contender after two aspirants, Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olawumi, were disqualified.
For three consecutive years, Oyebanji’s inclusive governance has become a model in which the state actively seeks input from all citizens and incorporates their needs and perspectives into policymaking. This approach is evidently building trust and ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach every part of the state while creating pathways for all residents to be heard and influence decisions. His administration has alao been allocating resources and services to address the specific needs of diverse groups to ensure shared prosperity in the state.
Some of his achievements include improvements in healthcare and agriculture, with revitalised health facilities and support for farmers. His administration has also focused on infrastructure like power and water access, and on food security through projects like the Ile-Eye Aggregation Hub.
Youth development is another key achievement, with initiatives in agriculture, training, and job creation,
In healthcare, he introduced mobile health initiatives, and upgraded both primary and tertiary health facilities. In agriculture, he supported farmers with inputs, mechanised tools, and credit, and established initiatives to support young farmers and improve food security.
In infrastructure and utilities, Oyebanji and his team have worked on improving electricity supply, for example, through the Ilumoba–Ijesa–Isu to Ikole 33kV line, rehabilitated numerous boreholes and installed solar-powered water pumps for schools and health centers and initiated road projects to ease transportation for residents and farmers, boosting local commerce and access to other services.
In youth and education, he created initiatives like the Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture programme and focused on vocational training to provide skills for young people. He renovated public schools, invested in teacher training, and upgraded learning tools.
While his inclusive governance has focused on fiscal responsibility, budget transparency, and public sector reform, he has also implemented measures to enhance the security of lives and property in the state. Food security is also being addressed by tackling post-harvest losses and market exploitation through projects like the Ounje Ekiti retail outlet.
He is strategically promoting economic growth through initiatives like the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and the Agro-allied International Cargo Airport.
So far, Oyebanji’s hands-on and glittering career in both the private and public sectors as well as in the political realms has thus far been marked by his professionalism, high-level adherence to ethics, and persistence in following the rules and doing the right things. This stands him out as a hardworking professional and public servant.
Until his election in 2022 as governor, he was Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State from 2018 to 2021. Oyebanji is highly regarded for his commitment to public service, loyalty to his party, and his role as a bridge between different generations in Ekiti’s political space. His impact as Secretary of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State and the Ekiti State Development Fund exemplifies his deep commitment to the state’s progress.
Oyebanji’s achievements have earned him several awards, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, Ekiti State University, and the Certificate of Excellence from the National Association of Political Science Students. His critical contributions to Ekiti’s statehood, as well as his leadership roles, have cemented his place as a key figure in Ekiti’s political and developmental history.
Under his current administration as governor, he has been working to maintain internal stability, justice, and the well-being of the Ekiti people and residents. His inclusive leadership has fostered a shared sense of identity and mutual trust across different communities within the state.
John Ajayi, fnimn,MNGE is Publisher/CEO, MARKETING EDGE and a public affairs analyst based in Lagos
