Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated his successor, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State over his victory at the state governorship election petitions tribunal.
Fayemi also mourned the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.
On Thursday, the tribunal ruled in favour of Oyebanji and his party, the All Progressives Congress in the petition in which the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Segun Oni challenged last June’s victory of the governor.
Obiozo’s death was announced on Wednesday evening by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Fayemi conveyed his reactions in separate statements issued in Abuja by the head of his Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh.
Fayemi said that Oyebanji’s victory was for all Ekiti people and invited the opposition to abandon further litigations and work together with the Governor for the growth and development of the state.
The statement reads: “I wish to congratulate the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on his victory at the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, which declared him the validly elected governor of the state.
‘’I had no doubt that the June gubernatorial election which gave birth to his government was free and fair and would pass any judicial scrutiny. With this ruling, I call on members of the opposition to join hands with the governor for the growth and development of the state.
‘’Our political affiliations may be different, but we are all Ekiti people and should work together for the good of our state.
‘’I hope the verdict of this court put to rest further litigations about the gubernatorial election, so we can have a stable political climate in which the governor and his team can concentrate on the real task of providing developmental solutions to our people.
‘’I congratulate the people of Ekiti for the victory is really theirs”.’
On Obiozor, Fayemi described him as a patriot, while his death is “a great loss, not only to the Igbo people but to all Nigerians”.
He said Obiozor was a globally respected scholar, diplomat, and peace-builder who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria, adding that the late leader of the Ndigbo ‘’understood clearly the nuances and complexities of the Nigerian state and worked hard to build a society that was inclusive, equitable and peaceful”.
The former governor further said: ‘’My relationship with the Late Professor Obiozor spanned several decades and all through it, he earned my respect as a brilliant man, a man of peace and a decent soul who was invested in building a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
“He was a patriot and nationalist who was welcoming to Nigerians from all parts of the country. Prof Obiozor was the kind of person you would want in your corner. He was loyal and quick to give counsel and mentorship. We have truly lost a great man.
‘’While we mourn his passage, we can be comforted that he led a decent and impactful life and will not be forgotten. I commiserate with his family, the Ndigo, and all Nigerians on the passage of this great statesman”.
