President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed former Ekiti State Governor, Peter Fayose as a formidable force in Nigerian politics whose courage, consistency, and deep connection with the grassroots have sustained his relevance for over two decades.
In a personal tribute marking Fayose’s 65th birthday, President Tinubu recalled the former governor’s rise to national prominence in 2003, during his second term as Governor of Lagos State, noting that “Fayose has continued to exert considerable influence in Ekiti State and beyond.”
The President also lauded Fayose’s remarkable political comeback in 2014, describing it as “a testament to his resilience and uncommon courage in the face of what he termed “the abuse of presidential powers.”
“While his first tenure as Governor of Ekiti was troubled and truncated towards the end of his first term, due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage never waned. He bore the pains with uncommon strength. He embraced adversity with equanimity.
“In one of the great political comebacks of our time, he was re-elected governor of his state in 2014, setting the record as the first person to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria.”
“”Since the emergence of former Governor Ayo Fayose on the national political horizon as the second elected Governor of Ekiti State in 2003, during which I was serving my second term as Governor of Lagos State, he has remained a significant political figure not only in his state but also in Nigeria,” President Tinubu said.
The President also acknowledged Fayose’s achievements in office, citing improvements in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, as well as facilities such as the State High Court Complex and a new governor’s office.
Describing Fayose as a colourful grassroots politician who thrives among everyday people, President Tinubu said that “he values their longstanding relationship and the support Fayose has extended to his administration.”
President Tinubu said Fayose, widely known as Osokomole and Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor), has distinguished himself by his fearlessness and consistency.
He said; “It gives me great pleasure to celebrate Osoko himself on his 65th birthday anniversary, November 15.
“Osokomole, as fondly called by his supporters, is a man who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. We can always know where he belongs on any issue. His strength as a national political figure is his consistency.
“Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored.
Governor Fayose is a political leader who is very comfortable among his people, most especially the downtrodden. His cognomen, Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor), is fitting. He is a colourful politician who has mastered the art of retail politics as a means of establishing a connection with the people.”
“During his terms as Governor of Ekiti State, he achieved significant success in critical areas of governance.
“He improved road infrastructure and expanded access to education and healthcare. His other notable achievements are visible in the State High Court Complex, a new governor’s office, and other projects he has executed,” he further said.
Concluding his birthday message, President Tinubu prayed God to grant Peter Ayodele Fayose good health and to help him find greater purpose in his service to the Almighty and to humanity.
“As his elder brother, I value his support for me and my administration. On this joyous occasion of the 65th birthday, my prayer and wish to God is to grant Peter Ayodele Fayose good health and to find more purpose in his service to the Almighty and humanity.
Happy birthday, Osokomole!” the President added.
Olusola Akintonde