By Wale Ojo-Lanre
Yes!
The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has finally been caught and arrested!
He was apprehended this morning after the people of Ekiti State—who had declared him wanted—finally laid their democratic hands on him.
But the method of arrest was unusual.
It was not carried out by the police.
No handcuffs were used.
No security agents stormed the Government House.
No sirens announced his capture.
You will recall that exactly one year ago, two imposing billboards appeared at strategic locations in Ekiti State bearing the provocative inscription:
“OYEBANJI: WANTED FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE.”
Since then, the Governor had continued moving freely among the people, perhaps believing that Ekiti citizens would engage conventional security agencies to track him down.
Not at all!
Instead, they commissioned Sergeant Democracy, who reported to his superior officer, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and launched a statewide operation code-named “Operation Arrest BAO at the Ballot Box.”
Polling units became checkpoints.
Permanent Voter Cards became warrants of arrest.
Ballot papers became handcuffs.
And the voters became the arresting officers.
Eventually, the long arm of the electorate caught up with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
He has been arrested again!
Of course, the billboard was never an accusation of wrongdoing. It was a declaration that Ekiti had found a man wanted for peace, humility, competence, inclusion, compassion and responsible leadership.
At the ballot box, Governor Oyebanji was apprehended and found overwhelmingly guilty of earning the confidence, affection and renewed mandate of his people.
His offences were weighty:
Maintaining peace across Ekiti State.
Respecting elders, traditional rulers and institutions.
Opening the doors of government to ordinary citizens.
Promoting inclusive governance and shared prosperity.
Paying attention to workers, pensioners and vulnerable people.
Deepening infrastructural development.
And, above all, giving governance a humane face.
After carefully examining the evidence presented by the electorate, the court of popular opinion delivered its verdict:
Guilty on all counts!
Consequently, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has been sentenced to another four years of hard labour in the service of the people of Ekiti State.
There shall be no bail.
There shall be no parole.
There shall be no escape from the responsibility of consolidating development, expanding opportunities, improving infrastructure, strengthening the economy and deepening the bond of trust between the government and the governed.
There may be an appeal—but only to the higher court of history, where his performance during the next four years will ultimately be judged.
Exactly one year ago, the people declared him wanted for good governance.
Today, they have apprehended him through their votes, convicted him with their mandate and returned him to the Government House to continue serving his sentence.
Congratulations to the principal suspect!
Congratulations to the man caught in the act of good governance!
Congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
OMG! BAO has been arrested again—and Ekiti people have sentenced him to four more years of service, sacrifice and good governance!
BAOISM Is It!
