Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on Ekiti people to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in office, in order to ensure continuity of people-oriented policies and programmes that have transformed the State in the last three years of the Oyebanji administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the call on Friday during the funeral ceremony of High Chief Mathew Okunola, father of Justice Oyebisi Omoleye of the Court of Appeal, held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikole Ekiti.
Describing Governor Oyebanji as a dependable leader whose administration has brought stability, unity and development to Ekiti State, Governor Aiyedatiwa said a second term would avail the Governor the opportunity to deepen the people-oriented programmes that have touched lives across the State.
Stressing the importance of continued support for Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a “divine blessing” guiding the state towards progress and development, Governor Ayedatiwa called on Ekiti people within and outside the state to intensify their prayers for the progress and development of the State under Oyebanji till 2030.
“The Governor said I should speak on behalf of the two of us and the only thing I want to say is that, please continue to support Governor Oyebanji because he has performed excellently well and if given another chance he will do more.
“This our work is a big one and we cannot do it alone that is why I am requesting for the support of all of you. The things we are doing are not what can happen within one month, it will take a while, every one wants it to get to them immediately and it is not possible. Just be patient with us”, Ayedatiwa said.
While commiserating with Justice Omoleye and her family on the death of their patriarch, whom he described as a highly respected community leader, Governor Aiyedatiwa prayed for the repose of the deceased and urged the family to uphold his legacy of integrity and service.
“The deceased did well and that is why we see everybody here today and those of us alive at this time, let us do well while we are alive, whatever position we occupy, let us put in our best just as my brother Governor Oyebanji is putting his best and am also trying my best in my state” the Governor asserted.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who described the deceased as a trail blazer and an achiever in several fronts, said the late Chief Okunola would be remembered for his dedication to community development and positive influence on the Ikole traditional Council, the Church and the society at large, where he served with distinction in different capacities.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased and the entire Ikole people, Governor Oyebanji urged them to take solace in that fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life of impact.
In his homily, the Vicar in charge of St Silas, Anglican Church, Omuo Ekiti, Venerable Ajao Mathew described the late Chief Mathew Okunola as a true lover of God and His work, adding that he lived his life in the service of the Church and humanity.
The Venerable who noted that the deceased was known for his wisdom and godly counsel, stressed that his guidance in times of need and his words of encouragement had touched many lives within the community and beyond.
