Fayemi celebrates 60th birthday, praises Oyebanji’s leadership
By Samuel Ogunsona
The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commended the incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his exemplary leadership and commitment to new innovation and development of the state.
Fayemi made this statement during his 60th birthday thanksgiving Mass at St. Martins’ Catholic Church, Isan-Ekiti monitored by Irohinoodua.
“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,” Fayemi said.
Fayemi also praised Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership style, which he believes has fostered stability, progress, and development in the state.
He noted that Oyebanji has carried on with the vision of the founding fathers of the state, ensuring that governance is not hindered by political divide.
“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 response, Governor Oyebanji thanked Fayemi for his support and endorsement, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to the state remain 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.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the first civilian Governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor Segun Oni, and the Chairman, Ekiti State council of traditional rulers, HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.
