* Says: I’ll make Ekiti land of prosperity, opportunities
* Don’t forget your campaign promises, non-indigenes remind new gov
Abiodun Oyebanji, who was elected governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been sworn-in as the governor of Ekiti State.
He was sworn-in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, at exactly 12:53 pm amid cheers from the watching crowd.
His deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, was also sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State. She took her oath of office at exactly 12:46 pm.
Clad in white agbada with a cream cap to match, he pledged to preserve, protect and defend as well as preserve the office as governor.
Oyebanji who was a former Secretary to the State Government is succeeding his former principal Dr John Olukayode Fayemi as the Governor of Ekiti State.
His ascension to office is the first time a sitting governor in Ekiti State is being succeeded by his chosen successor.
It is also the first time in the History of Ekiti State that the ruling party in the State is being succeeded by a member of the same party.
His swearing in ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries in the All Progressives Congress led by the party’s presidential candidate and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum and Southwest Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Jigawa State governor, Abubakar Badaru.
Also present at the swearing in were the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande; former governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Trade, Niyi Adebayo; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who was the surprise guest.
His presence at the event caught many by surprise owing to his well-known political differences with the Leadership of the All Progressives Congress and in particular the former National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was also a former governor of Edo State.
Meanwhile, non-indigenes residents in the State have appealed to the new governor to fulfill his promises to them during the campaigns leading to his election.
They said he promised to ensure conducive environment for their businesses, award scholarships to their children, as well as provide inputs for those who are farmers.