Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying he has no regrets over his political stance despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fayose made the declaration on Monday after the commissioning of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge at the Government House Complex in Ado Ekiti, a facility named in his honour by the Oyebanji administration.
The former governor described the recognition as a reflection of Governor Oyebanji’s maturity, inclusiveness and respect for leaders across political divides, adding that the governor had succeeded in fostering peace and unity in the state’s political landscape.
Accompanied by the PDP’s 2022 governorship candidate, Chief Bisi Kolawole, and other party leaders, Fayose commended Oyebanji’s leadership style, which he said embraces people irrespective of political affiliation and promotes harmony over division.
According to him, the governor’s accommodating disposition has created an atmosphere where former governors and political leaders now work together in the interest of the state’s development.
Fayose noted that the current level of cooperation among political stakeholders contrasts with previous periods marked by rivalry and tension, adding that the widespread support enjoyed by the governor is a reward for his humility and statesmanship.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for immortalising him during his lifetime and urged the administration to sustain people-centred programmes, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary residents.
The former governor also called for improved welfare packages for former governors, saying they deserve continued recognition for their contributions to the development of the state.
Fayose further pledged to leverage his position as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to attract electricity projects to rural communities in Ekiti State and other parts of the country.
Earlier, Governor Oyebanji said the lodge was named after Fayose in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti State.
The governor noted that Fayose, during his tenure, honoured several distinguished Ekiti indigenes without naming any government project after himself.
Oyebanji said his administration would continue to immortalise eminent sons and daughters of the state through legacy projects, revealing that former Governor Segun Oni would be the next beneficiary.
He added that future honours would also be extended to legal luminaries Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), as well as the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in recognition of his role in the creation of Ekiti State.
