Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has explained why his administration is naming newly constructed legacy projects after past governors of the state.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Kayode Fayemi Lodge at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji said none of the former governors named projects after themselves while in office. He said it was only right for his administration to honor them for their selfless service.
The lodge, named after his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was unveiled by Dr. Fayemi himself, alongside his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, APC State Chairman *Barr. Sola Elesin*, and members of the Traditional Rulers Council.
Oyebanji noted that the Fayemi Lodge is the first of such projects. Similar ones named after former Governors Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni will be commissioned soon.
The Governor also used the event to outline his second-term economic agenda, saying the new infrastructure will attract investors and support small businesses. He stressed that roads, airport, electricity, and water are key to industrialization, and that decent accommodation like the new lodge will encourage investors to stay longer in Ekiti.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for federal support that made the projects possible, and urged Ekiti people to mobilize 600,000 votes for him in the next election.
Describing Fayemi as a “boss, leader, teacher and man of honour,” Oyebanji said the gesture was to show that “a prophet is valued at home.”
An elated Dr. Fayemi thanked Oyebanji for the honor and for extending it to other past governors. He recalled that during his tenure, projects were named after Ekiti heroes like Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, Prof. Sam Aluko, Chief Deji Fasuan, and others. He urged young Ekiti people to serve the state sacrificially so their names can also be remembered.
Religious and traditional leaders at the event also commended both governors for promoting unity and continuity.
The ceremony signals Ekiti’s commitment to its 30-Year Development Plan and a policy of completing projects across administrations.
