The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Sunday said he enjoys a cordial relationship with the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, stressing that their relationship is based on mutual love and respect as well as shared commitment to the development of the state.
He said Governor Oyebanji has made him proud by his exemplary leadership and demonstrated capacity in terms of all round development of the state.
Dr Fayemi who stated these during a thanksgiving Mass commemorating his 60th birthday, at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan-Ekiti, commended Governor Oyebanji for his inclusive leadership style, which he said had fostered stability, progress and development in the state.
He said Governor Oyebanji has carried on with the vision of the founding fathers of the state by ensuring that governance is not hindered by political divide, adding that he could not have wished for a better successor in office.
While appreciating God for attaining 60 years old, the former Governor said his 60th birthday serves as a moment of reflection and a time to rededicate himself to the service to the people. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria at large.
“I am a product of grace and I have so many reasons to be thankful to God at sixty.
“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 in spite of the travails that 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.
“Many will wonder why Governor Segun Oni is here. When he was doing his birthday, I spent the entire day with him and 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 divide, we might belong to different political parties, but there is one party that we collectively belong to, that is the Ekiti party, Ekiti Progressive Party and our Governor is carrying on with that”.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, while admitting that former Governor Fayemi’s 60th birthday is a celebration of life, dedicated to service and excellence, described the former Governor as a visionary leader whose contribution to the state remained unparalleled.
The Governor maintained that the people of the state are immensely proud of the achievements of the former Governor and remain deeply indebted to him 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 the former Governor as a unique man whose has been a testament to service to God and humanity.
Bishop Ajakaye, while highlighting Fayemi’s unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, justice, and selflessness, noted that these virtues have guided his leadership and personal life.
Dignitaries at the event include, the first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor Segun Oni, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Modupe Adelabu; former deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Oladokun.
Others are former Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran; Chairman, CAVISTA Holdings, Mr John Olajide; Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon Wale Osun; Chairman APC Ekiti State, Barrister Sola Elesin; serving and former members of National Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly.
The Chairman, Ekiti State council of traditional rulers, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori- Faboro led scores of other traditional rulers to the event.
