In political governance, so also in public administration,, there are different forms of currency. Some leaders trade in propaganda. Others rely on power, patronage, or political machinery. But there is another form of currency that often proves more enduring than money or influence: goodwill. It is the currency earned through character, respect for people, commitment to shared values, and consistent service.
In Ekiti State today, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) appears to have accumulated a substantial reserve of this value currency, one that may prove decisive as the state moves toward the 20 June governorship election.
The strength of Oyebanji’s political appeal cannot be explained solely by projects, appointments, or party structures. It is rooted in something deeper: a leadership style that resonates with the cultural and moral foundations of Ekiti society. Over the last four years, he has deliberately positioned himself as a governor who embodies the Omoluabi ethos—humility, integrity, respect, hard work, civility, and responsibility. In a state where character is often valued as much as competence, this approach has become one of his strongest political assets.
From the beginning of his administration, BAO demonstrated an uncommon commitment to inclusivity. Unlike many leaders who govern through narrow political circles, he adopted a broad-based approach that sought to accommodate different interests, tendencies, and stakeholders.
Political observers across party lines have noted his ability to maintain cordial relationships with former governors, eminent stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil servants, and various professional groups.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable examples of this consensus-building leadership is the unprecedented support he has attracted from leaders who ordinarily belong to different political camps. Former governors associated with varying political tendencies have publicly acknowledged his leadership style and developmental efforts.
Reports indicate that former governors Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi all expressed support for his continuation in office, citing his ability to unite the state and foster development. Such bipartisan goodwill is rare in contemporary Nigerian politics. It reflects a governor who has chosen cooperation over confrontation and dialogue over division. In a politically sophisticated state like Ekiti, where political consciousness runs deep, this kind of bridge-building carries significant electoral value.
Another important component of BAO’s value currency is his respect for constituted authority and institutions. In an era when political leaders often seek to dominate every institution around them, the Ekiti governor has largely cultivated a reputation for respecting the independence and relevance of traditional, political, and governmental structures. His regular engagement with community leaders, monarchs, civil servants, and stakeholder groups has reinforced the perception of a leader who listens before acting.
This respect for institutions also extends to Ekiti’s historical heritage and founding fathers. Ekiti people are proud of their intellectual tradition and developmental history. The state has produced distinguished scholars, administrators, jurists, and political leaders whose contributions helped shape modern Nigeria. Oyebanji has consistently demonstrated appreciation for these legacies by acknowledging the contributions of past leaders and building on existing foundations rather than seeking to erase them for political convenience.
The significance of this approach should not be underestimated. Societies progress faster when leaders understand that development is a continuum rather than a personal project. By recognising the contributions of predecessors and positioning governance as a collective responsibility, Oyebanji has projected himself as a custodian of Ekiti’s aspirations rather than merely a political office holder.
His commitment to development has also contributed significantly to his growing goodwill.
Across infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and human capital development, the administration has pursued projects aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens. From Ado to Efon to Aramoko to Ijero to Igede; from Ido to Ikole to Iye to Otun to Oye and from Omuo to Ilawe to Emure to Ode to Ikere to Ise; community leaders across different parts of the state have publicly acknowledged ongoing investments in road infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare delivery, and human capital development.
Infrastructure development, in particular, has become one of the administration’s most visible signatures. The governor’s efforts in this sector have attracted national recognition, including major awards for infrastructure development and transformative leadership. These recognitions reflect the perception that the administration has prioritized projects capable of stimulating economic growth and improving connectivity across the state.
Beyond physical projects, perhaps the most important aspect of BAO’s governance philosophy is his emphasis on human relationships. Governance, after all, is ultimately about people. Roads, schools, hospitals, and public buildings are important, but they derive meaning only when they improve human lives.
The governor’s interactions with senior citizens illustrate this human-centered approach. Respect for elders occupies a central place in Yoruba culture and particularly in Ekiti society. Throughout his tenure, Oyebanji has consistently projected reverence for senior citizens, traditional leaders, and elder statesmen. This has helped strengthen the perception that he understands and respects the core values that define the state.
For many Ekiti residents, leadership is not measured solely by economic statistics. It is also assessed through conduct, humility, accessibility, and respect for communal values. In this regard, BAO’d personal disposition has become a political advantage. Even critics often acknowledge his courteous approach, willingness to engage diverse opinions, and avoidance of unnecessary political conflicts.
These qualities help explain why endorsements for his second term have emerged from different segments of the state. Leaders and stakeholders from Ekiti Central Senatorial District endorsed him, citing his performance and his role in uniting the state. Likewise, stakeholders in Ekiti North District as well as South Senatorial District publicly declared support for his re-election bid, pointing to achievements in infrastructure, rural development, public service reforms, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
The support also extended to legislative institutions. Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence and endorsed the governor for a second term, an indication of the confidence his administration has generated within the state’s political establishment.
While endorsements do not automatically translate into votes, they provide important indicators of political sentiment. More importantly, they reveal the extent to which a leader has succeeded in building relationships and sustaining goodwill across multiple constituencies.
The coming governorship election will ultimately be decided by the people of Ekiti State. Elections are dynamic events influenced by numerous factors, including campaigns, voter turnout, party organization, and prevailing political realities. Nevertheless, one factor that should not be overlooked is the accumulated goodwill a leader carries into an election.
Oyebanji appears to possess a considerable reservoir of that goodwill. It is rooted in his Omoluabi disposition, his commitment to inclusivity, his respect for institutions, his recognition of the contributions of Ekiti’s founding fathers, his engagement with relevant stakeholders, and his focus on development. These attributes have combined to create what may be described as a powerful value currency.
In politics, value currency appreciates when it is backed by credibility. It grows when citizens see consistency between words and actions. It becomes potent when leaders treat power as a responsibility rather than a privilege. Over the last four years, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has worked to build that kind of currency.
As Ekiti approaches 20 June, the central question may not simply be who has the strongest political machinery or the loudest campaign. The more important question may be whose leadership has earned the greatest trust among the people. Judging by the endorsements from stakeholders, the support across senatorial districts, the bipartisan goodwill he enjoys, and the reputation he has cultivated as a humble, inclusive, and development-oriented leader, Governor Oyebanji enters the election with a significant advantage.
The potency of his value currency lies not merely in political calculations but in the confidence many Ekiti people appear to have developed in his leadership. And in a democracy, trust remains one of the most valuable currencies any leader can possess.
