Tribute to Erelu Bisi-Fayemi at 57
By Mary Oso-Omotoso
Erelu Bisi Fayemi is no doubt a woman of many parts with sheer organisational ability, mobilisation prowess, uncommon acumen, and masterful lucidity.
Think of strength, resilience, courage and sisterhood, think of Erelu. Dutiful, adorable, eclectic, compassionate, motherly, a charismatic politician and political leader with panache, passion and fervour that traverse the political spectrum, appealing to all social strata, Erelu is at home with the grassroots as she is with the elite.
A welcoming woman, down to earth, selfless and humility epitomised. Erelu Fayemi is a great blessing to the humanity. A cool, calm, and collected individual, she is to everyone that comes across her a God-sent angel, especially for her dedication and penchant to the betterment of all women regardless of background.
The Ochiora of Enugu (meaning, the leader of the people), Erelu of Isan kingdom, Mother General, Erelu Bambam, Bisi yato si Bisi, Ajiseye of Ado-Ekiti, Iyalode of Ilafon-Ekiti, Oluomo of Ilaramokin among many of her monikers, she is a focused and level-headed person but affable in her own way.
In government, she has proven to all and sundry that she is a problem solver who hates to see anybody cheated or being forlorn. She is an avowed and committed crusader of equity and social justice.
A defender of the humanity, Erelu does not only defend women as some may think owing to her passion in this light. She is also a guardian angel and lover of children. It is little wonder then that she was the progenitor of the Gender-Based Violence(Prohibition)law and the Child Right Act in Ekiti State. Her actions over time have shown that she has a pure heart and she is a cheerful giver who is kind to a fault. Her dedication to the society at large orchestrated being recognised with PhD (Honoris Causa) in Sociology by the Tai Solarin University of Education.
As the saying goes that there is a woman behind every successful man, Dr (Mrs) Fayemi has proved this by being there for her knight in shinning armour, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has been praised far and near as the best thing that is happening to Ekiti people in the recent times. After 57 years on this terrestrial ball, Erelu Fayemi has not slowed down one bit. Her charm, health and upbeat attitude are an inspiration to us all. Her contributions to the development of women in all spheres across Africa and by extension Ekiti women are non-pareil.
Your Excellency ma, obviously you wear 57 well as you still look 30s. Reaching this age is a great accomplishment, but you make it seem easy and effortless. Hence, I pray that in the years ahead you are always able to do what you love to do with ease.
I pray the Almighty God in His infinite mercy continues to be with you and grant you good health for the rest of your days on earth.
This is wishing a great woman like you a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY ma.
Mary Oso-Omotoso
SA Media to the Governor of Ekiti State