Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has promised to continue to maintain fairness in dealing with religious affairs in the state as a way of fostering harmony and spirit of brotherhood among adherents of different religions, adding that he won’t betray the confidence reposed in him by the Muslim community.
Oyebanji gave the assurance, on Friday, at a Jum’at prayer commemorating his second-year anniversary, held at the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Addressing the congregation, Oyebanji praised the Muslim leaders and faithful across the state for being steadfast in their support for his government, promising to rev up the pedal of development to benefit all the strata of the society for the rest of his tenure.
He charged Muslims to maintain the culture of religious tolerance and harmony being enjoyed among all religious tendencies, urging them to sustain the tempo in the overall interest of the state, particularly in driving investments.
“I am here to appreciate God and all Muslims for their support. Let me bring to your notice that none of those Muslims in my cabinet failed leadership tests, they all performed well, right from the Secretary to the State Government to the last person.
“Last time we came here, I pledged that flooding won’t affect this Mosque again, I thank God that we have redeemed our pledge.
“Let me assure you that whatever is due for you, I shall give you freely without you fighting for it. When things were tough and hard Muslims stood by me, they never said I was not their member. Whatever you have an interest in, I shall redeem it and make it possible for you. You said I have the best records in terms of appointments for Muslims, this is just the beginning, I shall do more by God’s grace.
“I want to assure you that we are going to serve you very well and zealously. We are supposed to serve you as leaders. You elected us and sent us on this journey so that we can serve you. I will never fail you. Muslim leaders, particularly the Grand Imam have been so nice and steadfast in their support. I appreciate you”, Oyebanji said.
In his sermon, the President, League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, warned the Muslim adherents against abusing their leaders and scolding them openly over any noticeable shortcomings.
The Islamic Cleric advised that they should rather offer prayer supplications that would direct the psyches and feet of those in leadership to the path of honesty, humanity, transparency and accountability.
Bello, who doubles as the Grand Imam of Ekiti State, appreciated the governor for embracing religious balancing and appointed many Muslims into his cabinet to contribute their quotas to the development of the State.
“We should pray for our leaders so that they can do more. The work they do is tasking and arduous. Governor Oyebanji is one Governor we should all pray for, he deserves our prayers. Our Governor is working hard, he didn’t allow us to be hungry the way God wishes.
“We have been having governors in this state, Governor Oyebanji is different. In character, mutual respect, philanthropy and humility, he is unique. You are leading well and other arms of government like the State Assembly are following in your footsteps. I want you to work harder. I am happy that you didn’t abandon your predecessors, that is how a leader should behave”, Bello stated.
Bello stated further that the “homeboy culture” of Governor Oyebanji has paid off for the citizens of the state, praising those who supported him to be governor for propping up and marketing a good product for the Ekiti populace.
At the closure of his short exhortation, Sheikh Bello led the congregation to offer prayers for the success of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji.
