President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, describing him as “an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot” in a message commemorating his 60th birthday.
In a personally authored statement on Sunday, Tinubu reflected on his long-standing association with Fayemi, dating back to their involvement in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s. He praised Fayemi’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic acumen, particularly in resisting military dictatorship.
“During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu said.
From Activism to Governance
The President highlighted Fayemi’s instrumental role in setting up Radio Kudirat, a pro-democracy station that amplified the resistance against Abacha’s regime and honored the slain activist Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
Following the deaths of Abacha and Chief MKO Abiola in 1998, Fayemi transitioned from activism to academia and governance. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1999, he established the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), promoting democratic values and peace-building across Africa.
Fayemi ventured into politics in 2006, contesting for the Ekiti State governorship under the Action Congress (AC). Despite being denied victory in the 2007 elections, he fought a legal battle for over three years before being declared the rightful winner in 2010.
Key Player in APC’s Rise to Power
Beyond state politics, Tinubu credited Fayemi with playing a pivotal role in the historic 2013 merger of opposition parties that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fayemi also chaired the 2014 APC presidential primaries, which produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flagbearer.
“Our party’s victory in the 2015 presidential election, defeating an incumbent president and a ruling party that had vowed to rule Nigeria for 60 unbroken years, was a fitting reward for the hard work, teamwork, and capacity demonstrated by Fayemi, other campaign council members, and party leadership,” Tinubu remarked.
After serving as Minister of Mines and Steel Development in Buhari’s first term, Fayemi returned as Ekiti State Governor in 2018. Tinubu acknowledged his contributions to governance, noting that despite economic challenges, Fayemi “made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State.”
Recognizing Loyalty and Statesmanship
Tinubu also commended Fayemi’s sportsmanship during the 2023 APC presidential primaries, where he stepped down in Tinubu’s favor on the convention night—an action the President described as a demonstration of humility and comradeship.
Beyond politics, Tinubu praised Fayemi’s work as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert.
“As he turns 60, I wish him continued health and fulfillment in the years ahead,” the President concluded.
