By Wasiu Owolewa
In less than two months, there will be transition of government in Ekiti state from Fayemi's administration to Oyebanji's administration.
One thing that is spectacular about this transition of government is that, both the successor and predecessor are members of the same political party which is first of its kind since the creation of the state 26 years ago.
It is an established fact that Fayemi's administration in the last four years has implemented policies and programmes which has positively touched the lives of the people and contributed to the development of the state.
Some of these policies and programmes are: the implementation of Treasury Single Account(TSA), implementation of 180 days maternity leave for nursing mothers, free and compulsory education for students of public schools, social security scheme for the senior citizens, review of Ekiti state laws and enactment of new laws that seek to protect lives and investments and gender equality.
Similarly, JKF led administration has made giant strides in infrastructural development with the completion of some major roads in the state such as Ado-Iyin road, Oye-Iye-Otun, Aramoko-Erinjiyan-Ikogosi, Agbado-Ode-Isinbode-Omuo and others.
Also the outgoing government has completed the magnificent Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention centre, Oja Oba Market, Ekiti state Water corporation headquarters, the cargo airport and many other laudable achievements that have been recorded under the outgoing administration both in the educational and agricultural sectors.
With the above mentioned legacies of Fayemi's administration, one will wish its continuity under the incoming administration which I believe informed the decision of Ekiti people to vote massively for the Governor-elect in the June 18 governorship election.
As human being, one will also express the fear that the incoming administration of Oyebanji might decide to take a different way which is the case with most successive administrations in Ekiti state and some other states in the country.
But the fact that both the successor and predecessor are members of the same political party of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) allays the fear that the rapid development the state is witnessing might be hampered.
The Governor has in different occasions after the election of his successor allayed the fear that there might be set back in the level of development taking place in the state. He expressed the optimism that his successor would continue from where he stopped.
"I am happy to leave you in the safe hands of Biodun Oyebanji who was part of the successes of our administration. Ekiti people will see the beauty of continuity we have been clamouring for in Oyebanji's government because we have no doubt about his capabilities to deliver" said Fayemi in his remarks at the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti during the year 2022 Udiroko festival celebration.
The Governor-elect sensing what might be the fear of some people in his ability to sustain the good legacy of the outgoing administration in Ekiti, also allayed this fear by giving assurance of his commitment to continue from where his predecessor stops.
Addressing journalists during his thank you visit to Ekiti NUJ recently, Oyebanji said he would sustain the continuity agenda by building on the legacy of Governor Kayode Fayemi and prudently deploying state's lean resources for radical development of the state.
"The All Progressives Congress campaigned with the promise to sustain the continuity and ensure the implementation of the 6-point agenda and that promise I shall keep and promote.
"There is so much pessimism in the minds of some people, am making it clear that I will not disappoint the people. If performing well is the only legacy I will leave behind, I will be happy"
Before then, the APC elders' forum under the Chairmanship of Chief George Akosile have tasked the Governor-elect to consolidate on the continuity agenda and ensure that the good legacy the Fayemi's administration will be leaving behind does not die prematurely.
"We thank God for answering our prayers and breaking the jinx of continuity in Ekiti State. The continuity that we are witnessing for the first time in our dear state has been a life-long agenda of this forum. We are happy for this and not in doubt that it would be the beginning of greater development in Ekiti state"
Also some people whose opinion were sought on whether or not the incoming administration would sustain the legacy of the outgoing administration expressed their view in affirmative.
One of them is a lecturer at the department of languages, Translation and Mass Communication, HNAUB University, Dr. Oke Aruleba.
The Ikere-Ekiti born distinguished academic shared his view on the sustainability of Fayemi's legacy under Oyebanji administration.
"Governor Fayemi is a visionary leader, who has perfectly paved the way for a healthy succession plan towards the sustainability of his legacy in Ekiti state. There is no doubt that he was able to discover the genius in the Governor-elect, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, a virtue which was not easily decipherable to the naysayers.
"Oyebanji, an active player in the Ekiti project which dated back to the days of yores(Ekiti creation), has fully been socialised into the culture of good governance which is the hallmark of Governor Fayemi's legacy.
"Put simply, the governor elect is an unrepentant political mentee of Dr. Fayemi and also an ardent believer in the APC Continuity Agenda. It logically follows that Oyebanji cannot disappoint God and the great people of Ekiti for the mandate bestowed on him"
Another member of the public who is also a journalist and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ekiti state, Mr Olufemi Joshua Aduloju shared the same view with Dr. Oke Aruleba on the sustainability of Fayemi's legacy under Oyebanji's administration.
Aduloju is of the believe that the good legacy the outgoing administration will be leaving behind will better be sustained under the incoming administration.
"I have no doubt within me that the incoming administration of Biodun Oyebanji will sustain the good legacy of Kayode Fayemi's administration in Ekiti state. The Governor-elect in terms of experience, exposure and education is capable of taking Ekiti to more greater height.
"The Governor-elect is not new to governance. He has served as special assistant, commissioner, Chief of Staff and Secretary to Ekiti State Government(SSG). The experience he has garnered as holder of these positions will be useful for him to steer the ship of Ekiti state"
As the Governor-elect is warming up to take over the mantle of leadership come October 16, it is duty bond of him to proof with his performance after swearing-in whether or not he is capable to sustain the good legacy of his predecessor.