* Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi(OPO)
By Adeyinka Ajayi
Ekiti State is a complex one among the Nigerian committee of states to govern. Reason? This is a statement of vast intelligentsia; it has abundant resources but is one of the least paid from the federation account. Ekiti people expect a lot from whoever leads it, and it is arguably that the Federal Government’s action presence is negligible.
Now, the state is the cynosure of all political eyes; it is holding another governorship election next year. An array of persons, considered to be legally right to contest the exalted position, have been signifying interest. But one clearly stands out among the pack.
There is a sitting governor who also has the right to a second term, but are the people of the state contented with what he has done in the last three years? Despite rigorous media padding, the vast majority of Ekiti people think more still needs to be done for Eldorado to be the lot of the state.
For instance, the opinion of a commercial motorcyclist (okada rider) in Ado-Ekiti, Bamitale Ojo, resonates on this matter.
“If Ekiti State has a governor that is not tied to the apron string of another politician, we could grow more than we presently are growing. The current governor cannot do more than his ability or what his patron wants him to do. We can be better with a technocrat that can work without being teleguided,” Ojo, who claimed to be a graduate but had to take to transportation for want of a good job, said.
A cursory look at the array of persons who have indicated interest in the Ekiti governorship seat in 2026 shows that Otunba (Dr.) Peter Olugbenga Obafemi, has a greater edge, appeal and promise for the people of the state as governor.
Random opinions sampled about the astute businessman revealed that his only passion is to develop Ekiti and make the economy less burdensome for the masses of the state. For example, a resident of the state, Toyin Adenike Fabiyi, said: “I have heard a lot about the man. He has the milk of human kindness. If he is governor, he will do more than he is currently doing, even when he is yet to be governor.”
Dr. Obafemi is a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from Ikole-Ekiti whose career spans achievements in both the United States and Nigeria.
He has to his credit deeds of philanthropy that have touched many lives in Ekiti, South-West, and the entire country.
Even as a socialite, Obafemi is reputed to have a behavior of not looking down on anybody; he is said to be humbly personified.
But that is just by the way. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant is a very cerebral human being who has his hands in virtually all pies of business in America and Nigeria; he is a boardroom player.
His early career includes serving as a videographer at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States, covering visits by former president Shehu Shagari. A report has it that Obafemi has, since this period, been observing the political landscape of Nigeria, pondering over how he could eventually change in required areas.
He later established successful businesses in New Jersey, with his unparalleled business acumen earning him honors like Businessman of the Year by the Nigerian Foundation in Houston and the United States Senate Republic Medal of Freedom.
Obafemi’s leadership role includes appointment to the Mayor’s Economic Council in East Orange, New Jersey, and the United States Senates Business Advisory Council for Georgia.
It is also notable that he facilitated the first direct flight from Atlanta to Lagos.
Beyond business, Otunba Obafemi has devoted himself to philanthropy and community service, as earlier pointed out, and he has continued to influence both American and Nigerian business spheres, guided by his belief in lifting others while achieving success.
He has always told all those who care to listen that his goal is to fix his state of birth, bringing his wealth of experience and resources to play.
“Let us make Ekiti State by first by supporting Otunba Peter Obafemi,” has always been his credo.
From general assessment, it appears Otunba Obafemi is the only aspirant who can win the election for PDP. Other aspirants will end up as either governorship aspirants or governorship candidates of lesser parties after the election.
Without gainsaying, the time for the Ekiti people to take their destiny into their own hands is now. Let the people do the right thing for the blessed state; Peter Obafemi seems the solution the state needs now.
Adeyinka Ajayi is a public analyst who writes from Otun Ekiti.
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