Toyin Anisulowo
The Political family of former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Peter Ayodele Fayose has celebrated his 64th birthday with pomp and pageantry in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital on Sunday.
The event which was held at a popular NTS event center at Fajuyi, in Ado Ekiti was organized by the associates of Chief Peter Ayodele Fayose whom they describe as their political godfather and benefactor.
The Osoko political family drawn across the 16 local governments of Ekiti state saw political bigwigs in the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress and other political parties gather to identify with the two term no 1 citizen of the state.
Speaking with Our Correspondent, Hon Akinleye Dayo Maxima said Ayodele Fayose is his benefactor who gave him the ticket to become a member of the House of Assembly despite being a musician and has since become a mentor to him.
Hon. Akinleye said the Osoko political family is ready to join fayose anywhere he decides to pitch his tent when Politicking begins.
“He is our leader, our benefactor, He is our father, we believe in his leadership, wherever he leads us, we follow.”
When asked about who they will eventually support during the upcoming 2026 Governorship election in Ekiti since their leader, Ayo Fayose has already endorsed the incumbent, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Hon Akinleye cleverly answered, “when we get to the bridges, we shall know how to cross.
“The next Governorship election in Ekiti is far ahead, and our leader, Dr. Ayodele Fayose has not given us any directive concerning this right now, but when the time comes, wherever we says we should do, we shall do, wherever he says we should go, we shall all go. Osoko family cut across all the sixteen local government of Ekiti and we are many and we are in PDP, so let’s wait and see, when to to the bridge , we shall cross”. Akinleye
As for Honorable Omolade Bolarinwa, he describes Ayo fayose as gift to mankind and a voice to the oppressed. He also declares that the celebration on his behalf is more like a thank you party and a prove that Ekiti loves fayose and will follow him wherever he goes.
When asked how the PDP caretaker committee will feel seeing members of their party fraternising with the APC, Honorable Omolade said only an enemy of progress will say that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is not doing well.
Also the Ekiti state Chairman Hospital Management Board Dr. Austin Ibikunle who also doubles as the Irepodun/Ifelodun Osoko political family leader declares that even though he is duty bound to support the icon of Ekiti politics in person of Ayodele Fayose, it is clear that Ekiti people wants Governor Abiodun Oyebanji to continue till 2030.
When asked if former Governor Ayodele fayose has endorsed Biodun Oyebanji for second term despite not being a member of the APC, Dr. Austin remarked that the time of politics is still way upfront and that what is to be enjoyed now is the inclusive governance that Governor Oyebanji is running.
“Ekiti people are happy with Oyebanji, Fayose is happy with him likewise all the elites and non elites in Ekiti wants him to continue this wonderful administration beyond 2026 and all things be equal we all feel the same but when we get to the bridge we will surely cross it” he concluded.
Former member, House of Assembly in Ekiti, and leader of Osokomole political family, Hon. Akinyele Olatunji Sunday, said “Chief, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose is our leader, our father, our benefactor who has done great things for Ekiti people and for us all.
“We feel proud to associate with him as our leader, Dr Ayodele Fayose remain the leader of PDP in Ekiti, we believe in him, we believe in his leadership and we will continue to follow him.
” We have started celebrating him in Lagos since about two days ago but for the benefit of others who could not travel to Lagos, that is why we his followers have organized this event to celebrate him here in Ado Ekiti so that every lovers and followers of Dr Ayodele Fayose drawn from all the sixteen local government of Ekiti in state be present. He deserved this and more”. Hon. Akinyele added.
The party was attended by notable politicians, party members and well wishers who stormed the venue in an all white attire to celebrate the 64th birthday of the former Governor.