The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday, expressed appreciation for his cordial relationship with the incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, describing their bond as one built on mutual love, respect, and a shared vision for the state’s development.
He stated that Governor Oyebanji had made him proud through his exemplary leadership and his commitment to ensuring the progress of Ekiti State.
Speaking at a thanksgiving Mass held at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan-Ekiti, to commemorate his 60th birthday, Dr Fayemi lauded Governor Oyebanji for his inclusive leadership style, which he said had helped to foster stability, progress, and overall development in the state.
He further stated that Governor Oyebanji had remained dedicated to the vision of Ekiti’s founding fathers by ensuring that governance was not hindered by political affiliations. According to him, he could not have wished for a better successor, as Oyebanji had continued the work of uniting the state and advancing its interests.
Reflecting on his milestone age, Dr Fayemi said his 60th birthday served as a moment for deep gratitude and renewed dedication to public service. He expressed his appreciation to God for reaching this stage in life and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to the development of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.
“I am a product of grace, and I have so many reasons to be thankful to God at sixty,” he said.
He went on to praise Governor Oyebanji for carrying on the legacy of governance in the state, adding, “I also want to thank our Governor for making me proud. It could have been otherwise. Things could have gone awry, but he is also a product of grace, and that is why, despite the travails one might experience in the world of politics, we have a very cordial relationship based on mutual love and mutual respect. So, all these things you read on social media are for your entertainment.”
Dr Fayemi also emphasised the importance of unity in Ekiti State, stating that political differences should not overshadow the collective goal of progress. He pointed to the presence of former Governor Segun Oni at the event as proof of this unity and stated that another former Governor, Ayodele Fayose, would have also attended if he had been available.
“Many will wonder why Governor Segun Oni is here. When he was celebrating his birthday, I spent the entire day with him. Governor Fayose too would have been here without hesitation if he was around. That is Ekiti. The vision we have always had is a state that will not be separated by political divides. We might belong to different political parties, but there is one party that we collectively belong to, and that is the Ekiti Party, the Ekiti Progressive Party, and our Governor is carrying on with that,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji described Dr Fayemi’s 60th birthday as a celebration of a life dedicated to service and excellence. He praised the former Governor as a visionary leader whose contributions to the state remained unparalleled.
The Governor stated that the people of Ekiti State were immensely proud of Dr Fayemi’s achievements and deeply grateful for his transformative leadership.
“The only thing I am going to say is to thank you for your support and for handholding me. Thank you so much for all you have done for Ekiti people, thank you so much for all that you have done for your mentees all over the world, and I thank Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Folajimi for sharing you with us. We are proud of you, Ekiti people are immensely proud of your achievements. It has been sixty years of progressive impact,” Governor Oyebanji said.
In his homily, titled Awareness of God’s Goodness, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, described Dr Fayemi as a unique leader whose life had been a testament to service to God and humanity.
Bishop Ajakaye highlighted Dr Fayemi’s unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, justice, and selflessness, noting that these virtues had guided both his leadership and personal life.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the first civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Governor Segun Oni; Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Modupe Adelabu; and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Oladokun.
Others present included former Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran; Chairman of CAVISTA Holdings, Mr John Olajide; Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon Wale Osun; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Barrister Sola Elesin; serving and former members of the National Assembly; members of the state Executive Council; and members of the State House of Assembly.
Traditional rulers also graced the occasion, led by the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, alongside several other royal fathers.
