As Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office yesterday, jubilation filled the air as the Ekiti kete pavilion was packed to capacity and spilled out onto neighbouring streets.
For several hours, traffic in the region was impeded by parked cars on the road leading to the pavilion, forcing drivers to take a detour via the ancient Iyin road.
Jubilant crowds in various "aso-ebi" uniforms from various towns in the state as well as visitors from neighbouring states flocked to Ado-Ekiti to witness the swearing-in of Governor Oyebanji filled every seat in the pavilion, and the main bowl was not spared as they fought for space with the police.
Following his inauguration, Governor Oyebanji addressed the crowd and pledged to lead an inclusive government that would turn Ekiti into a place where prosperity, abundance, unity, and equity would flourish.
In the tense and hotly contested June 18 election, Oyebanji received 187,057 votes to defeat Segun Oni, the Social Democratic Party's (SDP) candidate, who received 82,459 votes.
Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress' (APC) presidential candidate, as well as other governors and other famous Nigerians, attended the opening.
Also present at the event were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo State), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Godwin Obaseki (Edo State), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), represented by his Deputy, Benedict Alabi.
Also present were former Ekiti State governors, Messrs Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor and his Borno State counterpart also graced the inauguration ceremony.
First to take the oaths of office and allegiance, was the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye and followed by Oyebanji, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Yemisi Oyebanji.
The oaths were administered by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye, among other judicial officers.
Amidst the loud ovation, Oyebanji sauntered into the arena of the swearing-in held at the palatial Ekiti State Pavillion along new Iyin road around 12.08 pm and went around while being cheered.
Addressing the crowd after the Guard of Parade, Oyebanji eulogised those who had led the state before him in various capacities, saying they must have done that under different political parties.
His words: “Today (Yesterday) is a great day for us, and we should all be proud. Today, we are observing history being made, and a new chapter of our story is written.
“It was in this spirit of oneness that they bound together as a united Ekiti confederacy and emerged victorious against external forces that sought to subjugate us in our land. In the unity of purpose, they fought and contained attempts to dominate us at different epochs in our history.
“This same spirit of unity has been passed down generations, and guided the founding fathers and mothers who built on efforts made since the Second Republic, and led the successful struggle for the creation of our own Ekiti State. This was a struggle led by our revered traditional rulers and prominent citizens which resulted in Ekiti becoming the only entirely homogeneous state in Nigeria.
“My vision is for Ekiti State to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace and progress. A land in which transformed people and communities can reap the fruits of their labour in dignity, good health and safety. A land of honour where integrity matters. For this vision to be actualised we need to focus on a roadmap to get there.
“I assure you that by God’s grace and the support of our people, together with you, we will keep Ekiti working.”