Recent developments in the relationship between the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and former governor Ayo Fayose have led some social and political analysts to conclude that they share common traits, forming a united front. Ayo Fayose’s entry into Ekiti politics and his subsequent first term as Governor cannot be recounted without mentioning key figures such as Chief Olabode George, the then National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and Fayoses political godfather.
The story of how this once fruitful relationship soured upon Fayose’s entrance into the Ekiti government house is well known.It may be less well known that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Chief Rasheed Ladoja were Fayose’s saving grace when the then AD wanted to scrutinise his certificate issue. This is a tale for another time.
The support he received on his journey to prominence from individuals such as Chief Dayo Okondo, Chief Akin Olayisade, Hon. Akin Omole, Chief Segun Akinwumi, Chief (Mrs) Jolaade Onipede, Chief Mosu Aguda, and many others cannot be forgotten. However, by the end of Fayose’s first term, he had almost lost all of them due to his poor character, greed, and kleptomania. Chief Segun Akinwumi and Chief Mosu Aguda, who were his last allies in 2006 and played a significant role in his escape from the state after his impeachment saga, are now on different paths.
The same can be said for Chief Gboyega Ogutunase who was then his Commissioner for Information and was standing by him in his absence; all have become his adversaries due to his greed and self-centredness.
We should also remember the efforts of the late Ogun State businessman turned politician, Sen. Buruji Kashamu, whom Fayose publicly acknowledged as a godsend during his 2014 re-election campaign due to his financial support. However, Fayose repaid him with disappointment and betrayal. Others, like Sen. Iyiola Omisore and Sen. Musilu Obanikoro, also experienced betrayal from Ayo Fayose.
In fact, during the 2014 Osun Governorship election, he worked against Omisore, covertly supporting Aregbesola. Despite enjoying the support of Dr. Deji Adeleke, Fayose worked against Senator Demola Adeleke’s bid to become governor of Osun State in the Osun State 2023 governorship election. Should we recall how he nearly sowed discord between Wike and Mankinde? He has been the major instigator of Wike against PDP all through but he will occasionally pretend as peace broker.
Now, both political and social analysts and key stakeholders in Ekiti politics are observing the current Ekiti State Governor, Abayomi Oyebanji, who seems to be following in Ayo Fayose’s footsteps, all in the name of a second-term bid. Fayose has openly endorsed him. It’s no secret that the Ekiti State Governor regularly visits Ayo Fayose’s residence when in Lagos, and that Fayose now stays in an apartment in the Ekiti State government house when he’s in the state.
Governor Oyebanji has recently appointed three of Ayo Fayose’s followers into his government, with more appointments expected to come, ranging from federal appointments to S.As, board members, Local Government Secretaries, and Local Government Supervisors.
Fayose’s followers in these categories are confidently boasting around town that it’s only a matter of time before they receive their appointments. Regrettably, Fayose, who owes his prosperity and dignity to the PDP, jeopardized the party’s chances of producing the governor in the 2022 governorship election. He worked against the emergence of Asiwaju Segun Oni as the PDP candidate in Ekiti State, which could have been a straightforward victory for the PDP and would have brought numerous opportunities for the party. Instead, he traded this opportunity for a handful of appointments for his few supporters and patronages from Oyebanji.
Many are now asking why Governor Abiodun Oyebanji is so keen on courting Fayose, even at the expense of many devoted APC members. He nearly abandoned Fayemi, who was instrumental in his rise to power and was on the verge of betraying his trust. It was only a meeting called by Otunba Niyi Adebayo that saved the situation. Oyebanji was chastised by Fayemi’s followers, and Otunba Niyi Adebayo reminded him that it was Fayemi, not himself, who had made him governor. He advised Oyebanji to consult Fayemi on issues, otherwise, he would have effectively dumped Fayemi for Ayo Fayose, who was merely a tool used by former Governor Kayode Fayemi to bring him to power.
Although he grudgingly agreed to Otunba Niyi Adebayo’s plea, he has been telling his people to bear with him and tolerate Fayemi in this first term. However, the astute and clever Fayemi has decided to firmly grasp the Ekiti North of the Party in anticipation of running for Senate in the next election. An inside source from the ruling party said the recognition and respect Fayose is receiving from BAO at this time should naturally be going to Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his group members, who have been relegated to the status of gate crashers.
Many across the sixteen Local Governments are still waiting for the almighty Governor, with no hope of when they will be appointed to any office, no matter how small. Even many of the Governor’s old friends from his days in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) are still loitering around the streets and the Governor’s office corridor without any attention from the Governor.
The upcoming local government election is also indicative. Many of Fayemi’s followers who are currently Local Government Chairmen have been barred from contesting and replaced with other names loyal to Governor Oyebanji, although this may later change if Fayemi reacts, such was the scenario during the House of Assembly speakership, Aribasoye who almost being dumped on the insinuation that he is a Fayemi boy until he was called by the incumbent Vice President. But the most unfortunate thing is that the Fayose that Oyebanji is relying on for his second term bid, perhaps to destabilise the PDP, is also courting Dele Alake to run for Ekiti governorship.
Political observers and analysts have said that if things continue in this manner, it will no longer be an assertion, but a fact that “birds of a feather flock together.”
It’s also public knowledge that the Fayemi Tokan Tokan and the JKF2 will not stand by and watch their master be belittled in favour of anyone, let alone Ayo Fayose, without playing a spoiler game in the future. How interesting things will be going forward can only be better imagined.
