In what is seen as a new dimension to opposition politics in Ekiti State, the former governor of the state and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship election, Segun Oni, stormed the Government House Chapel on Sunday morning to join Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the Sunday worship.
The former governor, who turned up with some members of his immediate family and political associates, arrived at the chapel, located inside the Government House complex, Ado-Ekiti, at 9:55 am, and was received by the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Oni said he attended the service to fulfil a promise he earlier made to Oyebanji to worship with him at the Government House Chapel, having missed the special thanksgiving service held on October 22 in commemoration of the latter’s first anniversary in office.
The former governor recalled that his last worship at the chapel was on October 15, 2010, the day he was removed from office by the Court of Appeal.
In his address to the congregation, he called on stakeholders in the Ekiti project to join hands with Gov Oyebanji.
“It is good to contest an election. It is also good to challenge the outcome in court. And after that, you move on. We should run politics; politics should not run us. This is the time we should all join hands together with Governor Oyebanji to develop the state,” he admonished.
He commended the governor for various infrastructure projects as well as his ongoing efforts at ensuring all abandoned projects are completed, including the Ado-Ifaki road.
“I will say he has been very impressive; he is a gift to us as a people and I believe that he has the perfect composure to move us forward,” he said.
Responding, Gov Oyebanji said: “I thank Your Excellency for this remarkable visit, which I consider a demonstration of your love for me and for our dear state. For you to come around and worship God with us shows you love and support our development efforts.
“One thing remarkable about you is that you love Ekiti people and Ekiti people love you. You are selfless and you live in the hearts of the people.
“That I won the election does not mean I am better than you. It is by God’s grace. And you have been a pillar of support for us, immediately after the court case ended.”
Other top government officials who attended the service include Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Speaker of the Assembly Adeoye Aribasoye, and Head of Service Sunday Komolafe.
