An Ado-Ekiti–born politician and Senior Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Tax and Revenue Matters, Hon. Ayodeji Adarabierin, has described the former Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, as one of the leaders whose administration helped entrench fiscal discipline and responsible public finance management in the state.
Hon. Adarabierin made this remark while congratulating Otunba Adebayo on his 68th birthday, noting that the former governor’s tenure coincided with a critical period when Ekiti State required prudent management of scarce resources and the establishment of accountable governance systems.
According to him, Adebayo’s leadership reflected an understanding of the link between public trust and financial responsibility, adding that policies and administrative practices introduced during that era encouraged moderation in public spending and respect for institutional processes.
The governor’s aide stated that the emphasis on order, accountability, and rule-guided governance during the state’s formative years laid a foundation upon which subsequent administrations could build sustainable economic policies.
Hon. Adarabierin also noted that as Ekiti continues to strengthen its revenue architecture and expand internally generated revenue, lessons from earlier leadership experiences remain relevant, particularly the need for transparency, efficiency, and public confidence in tax administration.
He said the former governor’s life of service offers valuable lessons to today’s public finance managers and policymakers on the importance of discipline, integrity, and long-term thinking in governance.
Hon. Adarabierin wished Otunba Adebayo good health and longevity, praying that his experience would continue to serve as a reference point for sound economic management and public service in Ekiti State.
