Ode Ekiti Politician Adedayo Oluwasanmi Hails Deputy Governor Afuye on Birthday, Lauds Her Impact on Good Governance

Prominent Ode Ekiti-born politician and grassroots mobilizer, Pharmacist Adedayo Oluwasanmi, on Sunday has lauded the political acumen, dedication and rare commitment of the Ekiti State deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye to good governance in the state.

In a statement personally signed in Ado Ekiti, Oluwasanmi to celebrate the deputy governor’s birthday, he described Afuye as a dependable deputy whose steady hand in statecraft has helped to stabilise the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji since both assumed office in October 2022.

He noted that her birthday offered an opportunity for the people of Ekiti to celebrate a woman who embodies service, humility and progressive leadership.

The pharmacist-politician, a well-known community organiser from Ode Ekiti, hailed the deputy governor for leveraging her grassroots background to deepen citizen engagement in government. According to him, Afuye’s constant interaction with market women, artisans and traditional rulers has given the Oyebanji administration a direct window into the needs of ordinary people.

Oluwasanmi stressed that Afuye’s public life stands as proof that political power can be exercised with grace and purpose. He pointed to her frequent town hall meetings, community consultations and participation in budgetary discussions as evidence of a leader determined to make governance participatory and inclusive.

He further commended her relentless advocacy for women and girls, observing that the deputy governor has consistently championed empowerment schemes and gender-sensitive policies that aim to lift women out of poverty and provide them with economic opportunities. Her voice, he said, has become one of the most credible in the struggle for gender balance in Ekiti politics.

“Chief (Mrs.) Afuye has shown that politics can be people-driven,” Oluwasanmi remarked. “Her style of leadership, calm yet firm, approachable yet principled has given confidence to communities that government is not distant but responsive.”

The Ode Ekiti politician recalled that before ascending to the number-two seat, Afuye built her reputation as a successful entrepreneur and grassroots mobilizer, nurturing networks that now help the administration to maintain social cohesion and political stability across the state.

He particularly lauded her work in conflict mediation and community reconciliation, noting her quiet but effective interventions in local disputes that could have snowballed into crises if left unchecked. Such behind-the-scenes diplomacy, he said, is a hallmark of her contribution to good governance.

Oluwasanmi also acknowledged Afuye’s active participation in project commissioning and oversight visits, saying her visible presence across the state not only boosts public confidence but also pressures implementing agencies to deliver on promises. He urged her to continue pairing symbolic engagements with robust monitoring and transparent reporting.

Describing the deputy governor as a “bridge between government and the grassroots,” he credited her with strengthening the link between policy formulation at the state level and the daily realities of ordinary Ekiti residents. This, he said, has improved the responsiveness of government programmes and ensured that social interventions reach those who need them most.

The grassroots leader also highlighted Afuye’s cultural advocacy, praising her support for local festivals and traditional institutions which, according to him, preserve Ekiti’s identity and promote tourism. He said these soft-power engagements have economic potential if properly integrated with market development strategies.

While celebrating her birthday, Oluwasanmi challenged Afuye to consolidate her achievements by encouraging institutionalising community engagement mechanisms that will outlast the present administration which he said would deepen citizen –government trust and make her legacy more enduring.

Oluwasanmi maintained that Afuye’s calm, conciliatory style complements Governor Oyebanji’s fiscal and developmental agenda, helping to maintain harmony within the executive arm and the ruling party. Her loyalty, he added, has provided the administration with the stability needed to focus on delivering projects.

He called on Ekiti citizens to use the occasion of her birthday to reflect on the importance of inclusive governance, urging them to give full support to programmes initiated by the deputy governor to uplift women, youths and vulnerable groups.

The politician prayed for long life, good health and renewed strength for Afuye, expressing confidence that she would continue to serve as a beacon of hope and a model of ethical leadership in Ekiti politics.

“On behalf of the people of Gboyin, Aiyekire, Ekiti East, and Emure and indeed all lovers of good governance, I celebrate a woman of courage and vision. May your new year be filled with greater achievements and deeper impact on the lives of our people.”