The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Oyebanji my greatest achievement-Fayemi

    Oyebanji my greatest achievement-Fayemi

    Former Ekiti  Governor Kayode Fayemi has described the incumbent Biodun Oyebanji as his greatest achievement, lauding his outstanding performance, visionary leadership, and commitment to continuity in governance.

    Fayemi gave the commendation in Ijelu-Ekiti during the commissioning of the Itapa–Ijelu–Omu Road, one of the numerous projects completed by the Oyebanji administration as part of activities marking its third anniversary.

    The former Governor expressed delight his successor had not only built on his administration’s legacy but also surpassed expectations in the delivery of good governance.

    “Absolutely, he is my greatest achievement. “I have my own imperfections, but those imperfections he has managed to correct or reduce. God has indeed been kind to us in Ekiti by blessing us with a Governor who is focused on transformation rather than unnecessary politicking at the expense of development,” he said. 

    Read Also: Adamawa Social Protection Bill needs legal backing – Assembly

    The former Governor stated that the success of the Oyebanji administration validates his belief in purposeful and people-centered leadership, adding that the Governor’s track record within three years justifies the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Ekiti to rally behind him for the 2026 governorship election.

    Fayemi praised Governor Oyebanji for prioritizing infrastructure development, particularly road construction and rehabilitation, which, according to him, have boosted commerce, improved connectivity, and eased transportation across the state.

    He explained the new roads constructed and commissioned under the Oyebanji government are strategic to Ekiti’s economic growth, linking key agricultural zones, business communities, and tourism corridors to major urban centers.

    “I want to thank our Governor for not disappointing us and for holding firmly to his faith in God and commitment to truth. He has delivered on the task of governing Ekiti and is leaving it better than we left it. “We have every reason to be proud of him and no reason to abandon him.”

    Highlighting the Governor’s performance, Fayemi listed several roads initiated by his administration but completed by Oyebanji, including Itapa–Ijelu–Omu, Omisanjana–Atlas, Agric Olope–Moferere, Ijurin–Ayegunle, GRA Third Extension, Ikole–Ara–Isinbode, and Ikere–Ilawe roads, among others.

    Oyebanji expressed appreciation to his predecessor for laying the solid foundation upon which his administration continues to build. He emphasized that the achievements recorded so far were the result of collective efforts of successive administrations united by a common vision for a prosperous Ekiti.

    The Governor described the event as a demonstration of the gains of continuity in governance, stressing that development becomes faster when leaders build on the legacies of their predecessors rather than abandon them.

    Oyebanji thanked Fayemi for breaking the jinx of discontinuity that had hindered Ekiti’s progress since its creation, noting that all road projects initiated by the previous administration but left unfinished have now been completed.

    “I bless God for today. What is happening here speaks to what Ekiti has lost over the years due to lack of continuity. If we had been building on each other’s work since the days of Otunba Niyi Adebayo, our state would have gone far. I thank Dr. Fayemi for breaking that jinx, and I’m proud that nearly all the projects he started are now completed.”

  • Fayemi, Amaechi and ADC

    Fayemi, Amaechi and ADC

    In his wildest dreams, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, could not have imagined that the talkative former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi would reveal the foundational details of the conspiracy that led to the formation of a political coalition movement against the All Progressives Congress (APC). Last week, on television, perhaps exasperated by his fellow former governor’s dissembling, Mr Amaechi exposed the conspiracy, revealing that he and the former Ekiti governor inspired the beginnings of the coalition force. Nigerians believe him. Neither Dr Fayemi who has kept spectrally quiet nor his spokesman who merely warned against social media gossips has denied the story. After all, said the former Ekiti governor, he had endorsed Ekiti governor, Abiodun Oyebanji for a second term. How that absolved him of anti-party plots is hard to understand.

    Read Also: IPLAN to law enforcement agents: Stop profiling Nigerian content creators

    Dr Fayemi reserves the right to plot against his friends and lionise his enemies, just like the bitter and vexatious former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola; but his comrades in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are tired of his double-dealing and want him to clarify his stand. The trouble, however, is that unlike Mr Aregbesola, Dr Fayemi still has a conscience disturbed by his errant choices. He is aggrieved for being left out in the cold when President Bola Tinubu constituted his cabinet, but he recollects the president’s immense contributions to his election and reelection, without which he could not have actualize his ambition.

    But being lukewarm in politics is as debilitating as it is counterproductive. Dr Fayemi may congratulate himself for not yet immersing fully in the ADC, for the adopted party is convulsing with internal and legal conflicts of all kinds, but he will do more than just immersion once the coast is clear. And he is of course not alone in sitting on the fence. He is in solid and infamous company with former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, both of whom are on the horns of a dilemma over the many troubles of the ADC. He may also exult for not burning his bridges yet, and like the Pharisee, he may even joke about the irreligious Mr Aregbesola provocatively invoking God as the patron saint of the coalition party. But soon, Dr Fayemi will have to determine whether to go the whole hog in rebellion or retrace his steps. His choice will depend on whether the temptation to unhorse President Tinubu is more vengefully satisfying than the trouble his conscience will give him.

  • Fayemi: I remain APC member in Ekiti

    Fayemi: I remain APC member in Ekiti

    Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday denied plans to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    He dismissed as false a viral claim attributed to former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi that both of them founded the ADC coalition.

    Amaechi, a chieftain of ADC, stated on his X handle, titled: ‘WeekendPolitics:’ “Fayemi and I began the coalition discussion, and we subsequently agreed to broaden it so that it would involve more than just the two of us talking about starting a new party.

    Although Fayemi has denied involvement in the coalition, he has also consistently criticised the ruling party for what he described as shortfall in internal democracy.

    The former Ekiti governor and former minister under the Buhari administration has also criticised the APC reward system, claiming that those who worked for the party were sidelined.

    At an event in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fayemi also rubbished the party, saying that certain strategies were adopted to get the Jonathan administration out of the way.

    He said it was all politics.

    Ahead of the statewide endorsement rally held for Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayemi told his camp that the Tinubu administration was not living up to expectation.

    He alluded to hunger and harship in town, adding that the federal roads in Ekiti were also neglected.

    Fayemi was absent at the rally where the three former governors; Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were present.

    Read Also: Fayemi: he was tenacious, misunderstood by many

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was endorsed for re-election during the rally.

    His position on the state of the nation and utterances have led to speculations that he is on his way out of the ruling party.

    But a statement by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said he has no plan to defect.

    Sajoh said there was no credible evidence, including videos or reputable media reports, to suggest that Amaechi made the claim.

    He described the report as “possibly fabricated or misquoted,” warning the public against social media-driven misinformation.

    Sajoh said Fayemi remains a committed leader of the APC in Ekiti State, adding that he has publicly endorsed Oyebanji for re-election under the party’s ticket.

    He added that while Fayemi had continued to engage in cross-party conversations on national development, it did not amount to defection from the APC.

    He attributed speculation about Fayemi’s political loyalty to his limited national visibility due to his academic engagement at King’s College, London and work at the Amandla Institute.

    Sajoh emphasised that the former governor is  active in the APC leadership caucus meetings in Ekiti.

    He added: “In spite of efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it. No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations has been located.

    “In an era where fabricated or distorted statements are often attributed to public figures for malicious purposes, we are cautious about engaging with potentially manufactured controversies designed to provoke or profit.

    “It is possible that Hon. Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.

    “We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.”

    According to him, Fayemi has at various public forums in Ekiti and other places consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria.

    “Furthermore, Dr Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket.

    “This underscores his loyalty to the APC.

    “We urge the public to treat any news concerning Fayemi with caution, particularly when it originates solely from social media.”

  • Ex-Ekiti councillors ask for entitlements

    Ex-Ekiti councillors ask for entitlements

    Former Ekiti State councillors, who served from 2022 to 2024, have urged the government to pay their entitlements.

    According to them, they served under Kayode Fayemi and incumbent Biodun Oyebanji administrations, but only those who served under Ayo Fayose have been paid.

    They urged Oyebanji to correct the anomaly, having given “time, commitment, and resources to the state and All Progressives Congress”.

    In a statement by “Concerned Former Councillors (2022–2024) Ekiti State”, they faulted ‘‘discriminatory treatment and a betrayal of the values of equity, fairness, and recognition that APC upholds.

    They accused the government of “failing to fulfil its obligations to former councillors who served during a critical period of governance”.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria oil rigs increase to 44, says NUPRC

    The statement reads: “This neglect sends a clear message that loyalty, service, and party dedication count for nothing under the current leadership.

    “Oyebanji’s disregard for committed APC members and public office holders, who served before the current administration, reveals a pattern of abandonment that has left the party fractured and demoralised at the grassroots level.

    “We call on the governor to do the needful: pay all outstanding entitlements to former councillors, who served from 2022 to 2024; stop the discriminatory treatment of public office holders based on the administration under which they served, and recognise and respect the role of grassroots politicians and loyal APC members, who are the backbone of the party’s structure in Ekiti State.

    “The future of our party and the trust of the people depend on how we treat those who have served.

    “Governor Oyebanji must act with fairness or risk the collapse of APC support in the state.”

  • Fayemi urges compassion

    Fayemi urges compassion

    Dr Kayode Fayemi, The immediate-past governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has called on Nigerians to reflect on the message of Easter by being compassionate, helping one another and being Christ-like.

    In a message by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja   to mark the Easter celebrations, Fayemi extended warm wishes to Nigerians, especially Christians, describing the season as a sacred time to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    “Easter is a reminder of the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair,” he said.

     “The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection three days later is the foundation of the Christian faith and a powerful lesson in selflessness, love, and forgiveness.”

    The former governor urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues Easter represents by reaching out to one another in unity and kindness, rising above divisions, and working collectively to build a more just, peaceful, and prosperous society.

    Read Also: Act Sports signs new contract with Nigerian Teqball specialist

    Acknowledging the difficult economic and political realities facing the country, Fayemi noted that the current challenges are testing the resilience and unity of the Nigerian people. However, he expressed confidence in the nation’s capacity to overcome.

    “We are, no doubt, passing through challenging times. Economic hardship and political uncertainties continue to test our strength as a people,” he said. “But I remain hopeful. Nigeria is blessed with innovative minds and vast resources, and I believe we will emerge stronger from these trials.”

    Fayemi encouraged Nigerians to hold fast to hope and support one another during this season and beyond, as the spirit of Easter reminds all that brighter days lie ahead.

  • Leadership: Fayemi charts new course for Nigeria’s brighter future

    Leadership: Fayemi charts new course for Nigeria’s brighter future

    The 60th birthday of former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi was more than a celebration. The event, through a youth engagement, provided a platform for him to share his insight on leadership and governance as well as inspire a new generation of leaders. RASAQ IBRAHIM reports…

    The recent 60th birthday celebration of the immediate past Ekiti state governor and ex- Chairman of Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi fondly called ‘JKF’ may  have come and gone, but it was an occasion many will not forget in a hurry.

    The event was a momentous occasion that transcended beyond the borders of mere festivities. It was indeed a mixture of festivities and display of a intellectual gymnastics. It provided a platform for

    the critical interrogation of the nation’s problems and presentation of workable ideas for the way-forward.

    The event also served as a  platform for the pro-democracy activist turned public servant  to impart his unquantifiable wisdom on leadership and  governance to a new generation of leaders. Through a  youth engagement held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital in commemoration of the birthday celebration, ex-governor shared his insights garnered from his many years in public service.

    From the radical trenches of activism to  the alluring corridor of power, Fayemi’s journey has been marked by a consistent and unalloyed commitment to creating positive change in Nigeria.

    His transition from a public intellectual to a political leadership role as Ekiti state Governor in 2010 is a notable milestone . The ex-governor’s experiences, both in governance and leadership made him an ideal figure to inspire a new generation of young leaders.

    The birthday celebration was an epoch-making event that clearly highlighted his unalloyed dedication to mentorship and youth empowerment as well as good governance.

    The event, tagged “Bridging Generations: Leadership, Mentorship and Legacy,” brought together various youth groups to learn from his wealth of experience and gain from his valuable insights into the rudiments of leadership and governance.

    Read Also: Why we’re still in Togo, Benin varsities despite FG’s ban on their certificates —Nigerian students

    The event, convened by a member of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, offered a unique platform for inclusive interaction between the old and the new generations.  Debates, speeches and panelist discussion at the event delved into topics that challenged the mental, emotional and physical preparation of the youth to take up leadership roles.

    The youth dialogue ignited new passion and zeal towards charting a new course for the country’s future with emphasis on youths in leadership. The ambiance of the sprawling Adetiloye Hall, the venue of the event was indeed a welcoming sight. Littered inside the spacious hall were big portraits of the celebrator.

    The red carpet walkway, synthetic grass on the floor,and beautiful cushion chairs added glitz, glamour and panache to the occasion. Decked in a well fitted kaftan attire, the ‘birthday boy’ Fayemi and his  beautiful wife, Erelu Bisi stole the hearts of the mammoth crowds as they walked majestically into the hall. It was in pure joy and enthusiasm that they went about greeting guests.

    In his powerful speech, Fayemi shares his insights on governance as well  as leadership with emphasis on importance of sacrifice, responsibility, and service to people. Fayemi’s philosophy is a breath of fresh air in a world where leadership is often synonymous with power. For him,

    leadership is not about titles or positions of authority but about making a positive impact on the lives of others.

    He recalled that as the governor of Ekiti State, his administration implemented a range of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people. He claimed that he left an indelible imprints in education, healthcare, infrastructures, agriculture and youth development.

    According to him, his administration’s efforts resulted in various developmental interventions and programmes that have shaped the political and socioeconomic landscape of Ekiti and Nigeria at large.

    While commending the organisers of the youth dialogue for bringing the youths and students together to celebrate his birthday, he noted that he had dedicated his life to service to humanity  through community service,  mentorship, and advancing the course of leadership in the country.

    He encouraged youths to stand up for justice and truth at all times and avoid distractions, saying, “Doing good should not be based on expected benefits; it should be done according to our convictions and what your conscience asks you to do. Whether it is recognised or acknowledged, you should not bother.

    “People around me might have noticed that I’m not comfortable with leadership because it is not a solo effort. It is a team effort. We are the change we want to see in our lives. It is not what we talk about, but what we actually desire.

    “There are people who are in office, and when they get out of office, they suffer serious psychological withdrawal symptoms because they do not live their life as they did when they were in office.

    “That is why leadership is not about the title; leadership is about sacrifice, responsibility, and service, whether in associations, towns, church groups, and others; leadership is about service, not just in the political cycle alone.”, Fayemi added.

    The ex- governor who has been a vocal advocate of youth empowerment and inclusion emphasized the crucial roles  young people must play in shaping the country’s future.

    He stressed that young people possess unique qualities needed to drive  positive change in Nigeria. According to Fayemi, the youths, with their energy, idealism, and creativity, have the potential to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and social change.

    He encouraged them to take an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future by getting involved in politics, governance, policy planning and implementation.

    Acknowledging the challenges young people face in participating in politics, the ex-governor urged them not to be discouraged. Instead, he encouraged them to seize the opportunities available to them and make their voices heard.

    Fayemi who noted that the barriers to youth participation in governance and party-building have been lowered, called on the older generation, urging them to further create space for young people to participate and lead.

    Speaking, the Ekiti statecgovernor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, said the life of the former governor is a testament to the years of impact and selfless service to the state, country, and the world.

    Describing him as a passionate and committed leader, Governor Oyebanji revealed that his efforts resulted in developmental interventions and programs when he was governor for two terms in the state.

    He said, “Dr. John Kayode Fayemi’s sixty years on earth is not merely an accumulation of time, but a testament to a life of impact and selfless service to Ekiti State and Nigeria at large in his former positions as a two-term governor, minister, and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.”

    “Today, as we gather here to celebrate a man whose vision, resilience, and passion for progress have shaped the political and socio-economic landscape of Ekiti State and our nation, Nigeria, we also acknowledge the undeniable role he has played in empowering the youth of this State.”

    In his keynote speech,the Africa Regional Director of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), Dr Tunde Afolabi, urged youths in the state to draw lessons from Fayemi’s career in private and public life.

    He noted that the ex-governor’s journey offers valuable lessons on how to live a life of pursose, saying “several lessons on how to live a purposeful life garnished with astounding accomplishments, can be gleaned from JKF’s most remarkable journey.”

  • Kayode Fayemi: A philosopher king @ 60

    Kayode Fayemi: A philosopher king @ 60

    •  By Hakeem Jamiu

    The concept of a city-state ruled by philosophers was first explored in Plato’s Republic written around 375 BC. Plato believed that those who naturally dominate society should be those who are learned. In Plato’s ideal republic, the ideal ruler was dubbed the Philosopher King which is his ideal vision of a political leader. In Plato’s mind, the right to rule ought to be exclusive to philosophers because they are a facet of society above everybody else; they are those with a thirst for knowledge, a trait instilled in Plato himself by his mentor, Socrates.  Plato believed that this position should be reserved for the most curious, benevolent, just, kind, and altruistic in a society. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, two-time governor of Ekiti State, former Minister of the Federal Republic, Chairman of Nigeria’s governors’ forum and President, forum of Governors in Africa who turns 60 today, fits well into Plato’s categorisation of a philosopher king.

    So many tributes have been written in celebration of this icon and he has been described in many superlatives because he represents different things to different people. Kayode Fayemi is my destiny helper, pathfinder, role model, leader and mentor. We met at the University of Lagos over forty years ago precisely 1984. We were in the same Eni Njoku Hall but we lost touch from 1985 and only reconnected in 2007 when he invited me to join him in rebuilding Ekiti. He contested the 2007 elections and won but was denied victory until the Court of Appeal Ilorin restored his mandate on October 15, 2010 after 42 months of legal battle. I can boldly say that Dr. Fayemi brought me and many other colleagues (who are in high places today due to his benevolence), into politics. I became active in the struggle to reclaim his stolen mandate between May 2007 and October 2010 when he was sworn in as Ekiti State governor. He appointed me as his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation making me the custodian of all his record of achievements in terms of policies and projects. 

    On his assumption of office, he met a dilapidated state in terms of infrastructure and he went to work immediately despite the paucity of funds. He implemented his 8-point agenda religiously by touching all 132 communities in the State which had a project each. He reconstructed many dilapidated state roads totalling 952 kilometres and constructed new 5-kilometre roads per each local government area. Fayemi introduced free education; free healthcare; transformed Ekiti State University (EKSU and the teaching hospital (EKSUTH); the College of Education which he upgraded to a university now called Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere -Ekiti (BOUSETI); renovated School of Nursing and College of Health Technology Ijero. He renovated and upgraded the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES); brought Ilera Laafin (free health for traditional rulers); free health mission which benefitted thousands of Ekiti people; bought brand new cars for all Ekiti traditional rulers; provided funds to assist communities in the renovation of palaces and construction of civic centres; introduced Owo arugbo (social security for the elderly. This had been replicated by other states and the federal government); he introduced the conditional cash transfer; established the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency EKSTMA; renovated all primary and secondary schools; renovated all general hospitals and upgraded some basic health centres to comprehensive health centres;  established the Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development programme (YCAD) which the present government has expanded; established the Funmi Adunni Olayinka Cancer Research and Wellness Centre; renovated Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort; resuscitated the Ire Burnt Bricks company; resuscitated the Road Materials and Aggregate Company (ROMACO); built the Ekitiparapo Pavillon; built the New government House at Oke Ayoba; introduced the Oodua/Ekiti Enterprise and Skill Acquisition Development Programme and improved water supply by building mini dams and rehabilitating major dams.

    Read Also: Six things you should know as FG begins contactless passport application system in Europe

    Despite achieving the aforementioned, Fayemi lost re-election in 2014 in controversial circumstances but he became a minister of the Federal Republic in 2015, after conducting a transparent and acceptable presidential primary election that produced President Muhammadu Buhari. As minister of Solid Minerals Development, he turned around the fortunes of the mining sector, which grew quarter-on-quarter under his watch and the sector has continued to grow till today thus becoming a major foreign exchange earner for the government.

    Fayemi resigned as Minister in 2018, contested with 32 others in a fierce gubernatorial primary and won. He went ahead to win the general election. He met yet another era of decayed infrastructure but he put his goodwill to use and got international donors to give their support by bringing many of them back to the state including banks that left the state. He completed abandoned projects, like the Oja Oba market complex; civic centre; resuscitated state assets like Ikogosi warm springs; Gossy water and Oba Adejugbe General Hospital. He restored electricity to Ikogosi, Ipole Iloro and Erijiyan, communities that had been in darkness for over three years. In order to prevent subsequent governments from abandoning projects of their predecessors, Fayemi presented an executive bill to the house of Assembly in 2019 titled “Ekiti Transition Bill” which was passed and signed into law as the Ekiti State Transition Law, (2019). The law forbids an incoming government to abandon the project of his predecessor because such project is for the benefit of Ekiti people. Fayemi thus completed all abandoned projects including that of his immediate predecessor, Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Fayemi built an International Cargo Airport which was now made fully operational by the present Oyebanji administration; constructed 136 kilometres of roads; renovated hospitals; schools; built four model secondary schools and three smart model colleges in each senatorial district; established the Polytechnic, Isan; established the Ekiti knowledge zone; resuscitated Ikun Dairy farm; built a resort and relaxation centre for our elders and also a referral centre for victims of abuse; transit centre of succour for victims of domestic violence; reformed the civil service and despite dwindling resources and the bad state of the state’s finances, coupled with the scary COVID-19 pandemic, he did not owe workers’ salaries in four years. Fayemi brought government closer to the grassroots by creating local council development areas (LCDAs) during his two tenures and conducted election twice in the LGAs and LCDAS in the state, so that government at the grassroots would be run democratically.

    The 6th House of Assembly which he worked with collaborated well in passing many executive bills that have protected women, the girl child, and improved the lives of Ekiti people. Many thanks to his wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi for sponsoring and pushing for many of these bills. The 6th House of Assembly was the most productive House of Assembly in Ekiti history having passed a total of 97 bills in its four-year tenure. This is due to the leadership style of Fayemi who is a democrat and allows for legislative independence and separation of powers. No doubt, even Fayemi adversaries would agree that he left Ekiti better than he met it prior to 2010 and 2018.

    Fayemi is one of the few individuals in history who combines scholarship, activism and politics which normally belong to separate realms that are usually occupied by people of different candour and temperament. In the first instance, most widely recognised scholars are seldom politicians; and most big-time politicians are not necessarily scholars. Similarly, most activists are seldom successful politicians; and the majority of popular politicians are rarely activists. It is rare to have a convergence of the three distinctive special characters in one person. He is a scholar in governance, peace, conflict and security studies; a major player in civil society activism in the country and a state governor and former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The keynote address at the APC Southwest stakeholders conference in Ibadan became the bible of APC leaders which was reproduced and taken as the communique of the conference. Such is the intellectual depth of Dr. Fayemi that most of his writings and quotes have become engraved in our lexicon. Two of his popular quotes have been my guiding principle. First is, “Nobody can quote silence”. This means silence is golden. Second is “Sometimes, politics can be brutal”. This means as a politician or political player, one should always expect disappointment and betrayal at any time.

    Fayemi is such a wonderful leader, an enigma, widely travelled, quick witted, large hearted with a forgiving spirit, devoid of self-conceitedness, kind, patient with the suave calmness of a combat soldier. He has the the faculty of understanding human beings at first sight; while possessing the ability to discover talents in people and yet, would not take anybody for granted. He is always in his best elements in periods of crisis; even when he is not sure of the outcomes, he never betrayed any emotions. No human being is perfect and like all mortals, he has his own weaknesses and he is not infallible, yet he remains one of those rare human beings who would never willingly do wrong. He is an Omoluabi personified. In fact, associating with Kayode Fayemi is enough education. His political trajectory still remains an unfinished business. As he ascends the diamond age today, I join others whom he has helped their destinies to wish him a happy birthday.

    Oni Uyi, Oni Eye.

    •Jamiu is a member of the House of Assembly (Irepodun-IfelodunConstituency II)

  • Ekiti 2026: Fayemi endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Ekiti 2026: Fayemi endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has declared support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term bid.

    He said the governor had done creditably well, adding that he should be supported for continuity.

    Fayemi, who spoke  at the meeting/end of year get together of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders across the 16 local governments in his Isan Ekiti country home, however said his endorsement does not mean other aspirants cannot vie for the governorship ticket.

    He said: “I am a democrat, so I cannot discourage anybody from contesting for the party’s ticket. Anybody who feels he is capable can contest for the party’s ticket.

    “What I am saying is that as for me and my entire family, we are for Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s second term in office.

    “We have all agreed that our governor is an Omoluabi who has performed exceedingly well within the last two years. And we all agreed that if we support him as our candidate, the people of Ekiti will joyfully follow us. So, the best thing to do is to rally support for him so he can continue the good governance till 2030.

    “By April next year, INEC will announce dates for Ekiti election. So, this is a good time to start the work. Let the work begin in our various wards and local government areas. 

    “I am a democrat and during my time, I contested against no fewer than 30 other aspirants in 2007 and in 2018 not less than 26 other aspirants showed interest. So, as a democrat I cannot ask anybody not to show interest. Anybody who feels he is sufficiently capable can show interest, should go ahead, the former Governor added.

    Read Also: Fayemi mourns loss of over 30 children in Ibadan stampede

    The declaration was greeted with thunderous applause from the over 5,000 party leaders in attendance at the meeting.

    Oyebanji, who expressed appreciation to Fayemi and other party leaders, said he was humbled by the open declaration by his “ boss, mentor and benefactor.”

    He said he will do everything possible not to disappoint Fayemi and other leaders of the APC.

    “When you made me SSG in 2018, I said I would do everything to make you proud. When in in 2021 you told me of the party’s decision to have me as the flagbearer, I remember I also told you, I will make you proud. I believe I have been able to make you proud through the various programmes and policies that have brought joy to the people.

    “What I can only say for now is that God helping me, I shall make you and the entire party proud again. We have been able to position the party as a darling of the people and I know that has always been your desire. And I am happy, no single person has left our party for another party. Instead we have been receiving people from other political parties who are fascinated by what we are doing.” , Oyebanji said.

    Leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts as well as leaders of various local government chapters of the party, had spoken glowingly of the excellent performance of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration, which they said had redefined governance and service delivery in the state.

    At the end of year get together were the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Acting State Chairman of the party, Mr Sola Elesin; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; chairman of elders caucus of the party, state lawmakers, members of the state executive council as well as council chairmen and chairmen of local government and senatorial chapters of the party and former office holders.

  • Fayemi mourns loss of over 30 children in Ibadan stampede

    Fayemi mourns loss of over 30 children in Ibadan stampede

    …calls for event safety standards

    Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during an event in Ibadan.

    In a statement issued by his media office, Fayemi extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Oyo state government, describing the incident as heartbreaking and a sad shadow over the Christmas celebrations.

    The former governor stressed the importance of prioritizing safety by event organizers and adhering to global best practices for large gatherings. He also called for heightened precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while offering prayers for the injured and the grieving families.

    He stated: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the devastating news of the tragic loss of over 30 children in a stampede during a Christmas event in Ibadan. This heartbreaking incident, which has also left many children injured, stands as one of the most devastating incidents involving children in our nation’s history.

    ‘’As a parent and leader, I am deeply shaken by this unprecedented tragedy. The loss of even one child is unbearable; the loss of over thirty young souls is unspeakable. My heart goes out to all the families who lost their beloved children in this terrible incident. To those whose children are injured, I pray for their swift and complete recovery.

    Read Also: Fayemi advocates electoral reform to address winner-takes-all politics

    ‘’I also commiserate with the government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan on this painful loss.

     ‘’This incident is devastating, coming as it does during the festive season, a time meant for joy and celebration. The loss of so many young lives has cast a pall of sadness over the Christmas celebrations.

    “This incident, perhaps unprecedented in its scale, underscores the critical need for event organizers to prioritize safety and adhere to global standards in planning gatherings, especially those involving large crowds.

    ‘’It is imperative that event organizers take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, especially children. I urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

    ‘’I urge state governments to consider banning non-academic events in public schools unless strict safety measures are guaranteed and implemented.

    ‘’May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’’

  • Fayemi advocates electoral reform to address winner-takes-all politics

    Fayemi advocates electoral reform to address winner-takes-all politics

    Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s electoral system to eliminate the winner-takes-all approach and address other systemic anomalies.

    Highlighting inconsistencies in the current framework, Fayemi emphasised the need for a policy review to establish an alternative political structure and implement a wholesale reform of the nation’s political system.

    He made these remarks while delivering a lecture titled “The Future and Challenges of the Nigerian Nation” during the 80th birthday celebration of Ambassador Yemi Farounbi in Ibadan on Thursday.

    He said: “If we are interested in the codification of a system of alternative  politics that is consensual and developmental, then perhaps the argument to put forward, as a first step, is that our electoral system may need to be re-engineered away from the current majoritarian ‘winner takes all’ model.

    “With the three major parties winning almost an equal number of states and the eventual winner garnering 37 percent of the total vote cast in the Presidential elections, it does not require much to see that this is a recipe for the inevitability of instability. 

    “I think it’s time to begin to look in the direction of what’s commonly known as proportional representation in place of this inadequate and conflictual first past the post electoral system. 

    “My notion of proportional representation is that each be included on the basis of performance in the national election. This will still guarantee that the winner of the election still leads the government, but it will not be a winner takes all system. 

    “My own notion of Proportional Representation will also include a synthesis of manifestoes toward a comprehensive, national integration outlook with all the parties seeing themselves as critical stakeholders in the national project and it will make for stability and cohesion. 

    “My sojourn in politics so far convinces me that any strategy for building sustainable democracy in a plural and divided society such as Nigeria must place a premium on electoral systems that will promote accommodation and inclusivity as a way of ensuring that the fractures and frictions that obstruct nation building are blunted and dislodged”

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Group kicks as Judge stops EFCC from probing Fayemi’s aides

    On fiscal federalism, Fayemi noted that restructuring as being advocated for by sections of the country should be less about redrawing the map of Nigeria, more about building an efficient governance system that is capable of delivering the greater good to the greatest number of our people.

    He stated that the desire for a more prosperous future should be anchored on the principle of devolution of powers – that is, re-allocation of powers and resources to the country’s federating units. 

    The reasons for this, according to him, is that the long years of military rule has produced an over-concentration of powers and resources at the centre to the detriment of the states. 

    “Also, the 1999 constitution, as has been argued by several observers, was hurriedly put together by the departing military authority and was not a product of sufficient inclusiveness. Part of the focus of such an exercise should be: what items should remain on the exclusive legislative list and which ones should be transferred to the concurrent list? 

    Other topical issues include derivation principle; fiscal federalism and revenue allocation; land tenure, local government creation and autonomy; etc. 

    “The fiscal burden of maintaining a largely inefficient and over-bloated bureaucracy is a metaphor for shooting oneself on the foot.

    In his address, the chairman of the occasion and the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran  lauded the contribution of Dr. Farounbi to the development of the country.

    He described him as a versatile scholar, an elder state man and visionary leader who has served the country in various capacities.

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Chair of Ibadan Discourse Group, the organizer of the event, Chief Bisi Adebola said the celebrant represents so many things; a broadcaster, administrator and renowned politician.

    “We have a stamp of his authority because he is an intellectual who spend his time in discussing Nigeria. He is an incurable optimist about the future of Nigeria. He is worthy of our praise, sacrifice and recognition”, he stated.

    In his brief remarks, the celebrant, Dr. Farounbi expressed optimism and enlives the hopes of the people about the country, saying, “Nigeria has a future. We will get there.”