Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, dismissed the notion of political animosities in the state, calling them “entertainment” created by social media.
Speaking during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan Ekiti, on Sunday, Fayemi emphasized unity among Ekiti politicians despite their party affiliations.
“So, all these things you read on social media are for your entertainment,” he said. “Many will wonder why Governor Segun Oni is here. During his birthday, I spent the entire day with him, and Governor Ayodele Fayose too would have been here without hesitation if he was around.”
Fayemi stressed that Ekiti politicians are not enemies, regardless of their political differences.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his milestone, Fayemi expressed gratitude, describing his 60th birthday as a moment of rededication to service. “I am a product of grace, and I have so many reasons to be thankful to God at 60,” he added.
Prominent figures including President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, joined the celebrations. Tinubu praised Fayemi for his role in the 2013 merger of opposition parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As a two-term governor, he served the people amid severe economic challenges,” Tinubu said. “There is no doubt that he made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State.”
Governor Oyebanji also paid tribute to the former governor, saying, “Thank you for your support and for handholding me. We are proud of you, Ekiti people are immensely proud of your achievements.”
The event was attended by key figures, including the first civilian Governor of Ekiti, Niyi Adebayo, former Governor Segun Oni, and several prominent politicians and dignitaries.