Oyebanji explains reasons for honouring former Ekiti Governors with legacy projects.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has explained the rationale behind his administration’s decision to immortalise former governors of the state by naming newly completed legacy projects after them, describing the gesture as a recognition of their selfless service and contributions to the development of Ekiti.
The governor spoke on Friday during the inauguration of the ultramodern Kayode Fayemi Lodge at the Government House Complex in Ado-Ekiti, a facility named after his immediate predecessor and former governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
The event was attended by Dr Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who jointly unveiled the plaque and commissioned the building. Also present were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; the Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado; and the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Sola Elesin, among other dignitaries.
Governor Oyebanji said the decision to name projects after former governors was informed by the fact that none of them had named public facilities after themselves while in office.
According to him, the Kayode Fayemi Lodge is the first in a series of newly completed projects to be named after past governors in appreciation of their service to the state.
He disclosed that another project named after former Governor Ayodele Fayose would be commissioned on Monday, while a separate facility to be named after former Governor Segun Oni would be inaugurated at a later date.
The governor recalled that during his tenure as Secretary to the State Government under Fayemi’s administration, the former governor declined a proposal to name a government building after himself, choosing instead to honour the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
According to Oyebanji, Fayemi maintained that future administrations should determine whether he deserved such recognition.
The governor also used the occasion to outline the economic direction of his proposed second-term agenda, stressing that the infrastructure being developed across the state would help attract investors and stimulate economic growth.
He noted that the projects align with Ekiti State’s 30-Year Development Plan and are designed to create an enabling environment for businesses.
Describing Fayemi as a mentor, benefactor and leader, Oyebanji said the lodge was a symbolic way of expressing gratitude for the former governor’s contributions to the state.
In his remarks, Dr Fayemi described the lodge as “a magnificent edifice” and thanked the governor for both completing the project and extending similar recognition to other former governors.
Fayemi also noted that several public schools built during his tenure were named after notable Ekiti personalities, including Chief Deji Fasuan, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof David Oke, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye and Rev. Harding.
The former governor said the recognition accorded past leaders should inspire younger generations of Ekiti indigenes to serve the state diligently and leave enduring legacies.
He further commended the continuity in governance in Ekiti, noting that the state had successfully transitioned between administrations without abandoning projects.
Several dignitaries who spoke at the event, including the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaiye; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado; and the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, praised Fayemi for his contributions to the state and commended Governor Oyebanji for honouring his predecessors.