The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Saturday eulogised former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose at his 65th birthday celebration, in Lagos, describing him as an uncommon Nigerian, distinguished by his courage, boldness and unflinching honesty.
The Vice President spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, hailed the celebrant at a well-attended event held at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja.
Vice President Shettima, who commended Fayose for his fearlessness, political consistency, and his unwavering courage, said those qualities have set him apart in Nigeria’s political landscape
The Vice President maintained that his readiness to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interest is affected has made him one of the most distinctive figures of the Fourth Republic.
“Governor Fayose has given the media enough headlines to last several election cycles, and sometimes it feels as though the cameras chase him even when he is simply minding his business.
“He is a very colourful politician, one of the best we have in the system. He is a man who acts from a place of deep conviction, a man whose passion refuses to be contained, and whose sincerity, whether one agrees with him or not. It is part of the charm, part of the myth, and certainly part of the reason Nigeria will always have a special corner reserved for him in its political climate.
“Today, as we gather to honour a truly remarkable Nigerian, I join his family, his friends, and countless well-wishers across our nation, and on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in celebrating this milestone. Your Excellency, may this 65th birthday usher you into a season of renewed strength and deeper fulfillment”., the Vice President asserted.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji described former Governor Fayose as straightforeward, authentic and bold, highlighting his clarity in politics.
Governor Oyebanji commended former Governor Fayose for rising above partisanship to support his government and the development of Ekiti State, stressing that his contributions have changed the nature and texture of politics in Ekiti State.
He said ”I don’t have much to say, i will just adopt everything that have been said about you by Governor Wike. He has said everything about Governor Fayose. You are straightforward, you are authentic, what you see is what you get, you are bold and you are just like a straight line, whatever you, say you mean everything and I wish you the best 65th birthday.
“I am extremely grateful to you for your support to our administration in Ekiti State, thank you for rising beyond partisanship to becoming a statesman, you have changed the nature and texture of politics”, Governor Oyebanji added .
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described Fayose as a dependable friend and fearless political figure. He commended him for his loyalty, consistency and commitment to his belief, saying these qualities have distinguished him in Nigerian politics.
In his response, former Governor Fayose, who was visibly elated by the tributes, thanked God for his journey so far, describing it as a product of divine grace. He also thanked the Vice President, Governor Oyebanji, the FCT Minister and other dignitaries for honouring him at the event.
While noting that his life’s journey had been full of diverse experiences and important lessons that had shaped his character and strengthened his resolve to serve humanity, Fayose also used the occasion to once again ask for forgiveness from anyone he might have offended in the course of his political activities, stressing that genuine reconciliation and unity were essential for the progress of the state and the country at large.
Other dignitaries at the event include former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former Ekiti State Governors, Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi; Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, among others.