Democracy, according to its progenitors, centres on numbers, fairness, equal treatment, justice and most importantly, genuine deliverance of its dividends to the people.

Since the creation of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996 by the military administration of Gen Sani Abacha, governance has been decided and controlled by – when it was not by non-indigenes – the North and Central senatorial zones. Ironically, Ekiti South, which has the largest population both in size and numbers, has been marginalised in leadership and development by administrations championed by elected leaders from Ekiti North and Central respectively.

Political observers and analysts have continued to ponder over this imbalance, which has culminated in the neglect of the zone. Therefore, the time for Ekiti South to produce the next governor of the state is now, especially with the forthcoming elections in 2018.

Describing the situation in Ekiti State as lopsided and unjust, Ademola Fatimehin, a political analyst, says it is capable of creating disaffection among the various socio-political groups in the state, thereby resulting in uneven infrastructural development. This position is corroborated by Peter Olayinka who said: “Indeed, it is time for Ekiti South Senatorial Zone to produce the next governor of the state, from the array of qualified aspirants gunning for the exalted seat, as it would help create an enabling environment for developmental growth of the zone as, not only did successive administrations abandon the zone in terms of infrastructure, they also did not allow for even participation in governance.”

Some have myopically argued that Ekiti South zone has not provided qualified candidates in previous governorship elections. But, Olayinka again, counters by stating that the zone has some of the most qualified brains to administer and run the affairs of the state. But how verifiable is this allegation, when it is common knowledge and factual that the zone has some of the brightest and most successful individuals in the state?

Findings by this writer revealed that Ekiti South boasts prominent personalities who - either as politicians or private individuals in the society - have second addresses other than being tagged as “politician” and are successfully entrenched in the business community as “achievers of great repute” within and outside the state. Besides, their philanthropy knows no bounds as they have impacted positively on the lives of their respective communities, which has earned them the love, respect and genuine loyalty that necessitated their call to serve.

According to Olayinka, “this same zone has prominent names that have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the private sector, service to their fatherland, humanity and other human endeavours and, therefore, do not see politics as “their business” but a true desire for selfless service to the people of Ekiti state.”

These categories of “Ekitarians” have what it takes to, not only govern Ekiti State, but to deliver true and genuine democratic dividends to the generality of the people, devoid of sentiments, bias, tribe or zone. These are, indeed, selfless leaders with the fear of God and the genuine will to serve; not for self-aggrandisement or political gains. Indeed, they are true Nigerians without political godfathers.

It is, however, sad that, some former elected leaders who governed the state in years past still want to return to office – using their new-found positions as state or national officers - to arm-twist and hoodwink their party leadership; especially at the national level, to conjure all types of unfounded tales about their capabilities.

Do they truly want to serve the people or serve their selfish interests? Oyeleke Abiodun queried.

This forms part of the pressing and very pertinent questions being asked: Why must we continue to recycle these people who have been rejected at the polls before, who are only trying to capitalise on their new-found positions to further plunge Ekiti State into political darkness, as they scheme to make a “futile comeback” for selfish and greedy reasons?

Political pundits believe that in Ekiti South zone lies the magic tonic for the All Progressive Congress (APC) to wrest power from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming elections in 2018 as this new breed leaders, with their sound grassroots acceptability, have what it takes as genuine leaders with vast knowledge - politically, administratively and economically - as they have successfully etched their names in various economic and business endeavours. They are now a threat to the political future and relevance of this category of “old hands” in the political calculations of Ekiti’s re-emergence to greatness.

Following their dismal performance in office that led to their ouster, they are adopting all forms of shenanigans to perpetuate themselves in charge of the affairs of the state and, therefore, have refused to pave way for a new breed of elected leaders to come on board and provide qualitative leadership.

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