ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on his 58th birthday, lauding his decades of public service and recent development initiatives in the southwestern state.
In a statement released Sunday, Tinubu described Oyebanji as a “dedicated public servant” whose contributions to Ekiti’s growth span from the state’s creation in the 1990s to his current role as governor. Oyebanji, elected in 2022, has prioritized infrastructure, education, and rural development, earning praise from the presidency for what Tinubu called “stewardship and commitment to progress.”
Oyebanji’s career includes serving as secretary to the committee that oversaw the creation of Ekiti State, chief of staff to its first civilian governor, and commissioner under former Governor Kayode Fayemi. His long trajectory in governance has made him a fixture in Ekiti politics, and he has already secured the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination for a second term in 2026.
Yet Tinubu’s tribute has sparked debate. Supporters see it as a strong endorsement of Oyebanji’s leadership and a signal of federal backing for his re‑election bid. Critics, however, argue that while progress has been made, Ekiti still struggles with unemployment, poverty, and underdeveloped rural communities. Some question whether Tinubu’s praise reflects genuine achievements or political loyalty within the APC.
On social media, reactions were mixed. “Oyebanji has brought stability to Ekiti, and that deserves recognition,” wrote one supporter on X. Others were more skeptical: “Development strides? Ordinary people are still waiting to see them,” posted another user.
Political analysts say the birthday message underscores Tinubu’s strategy of consolidating party unity ahead of upcoming elections. “This is more than a congratulatory note, it’s a political signal,” said Lagos‑based commentator Tunde Alabi.
For residents of Ekiti, the governor’s record remains a matter of lived experience. Some point to new roads and schools as evidence of progress, while others insist the state’s challenges remain daunting. As Oyebanji celebrates his 58th year, the question lingers: will his next term deliver the transformation Tinubu so confidently praises?
