Fayemi Lauds Late Mother’s Role; I Lost A Mother And Mentor, He Says

L-R: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; her husband, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and Craetaker Chaiman, Ijero Local Government, Mr. SAbiodun Omoleye, during the unveiling of the prototype of an Old people's home to be built by ALGON, Ekiti State Chapter in memory of the late Madam Dorcas Aina Fayemi, in Isan-Ekiti... on Sunday.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi,  has described her late mother, Madam Dorcas Fayemi, who was buried on Friday as his mentor who taught him lessons about life, character, hard work, perseverance and community service among other social and parental values.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service held for the late Fayemi matriarch at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Isan- Ekiti on Sunday, the Governor said the values that kept him going during the three and a half years of struggle to reclaim his mandate were from his mother; adding that her single-minded determination was laudable.

“Her single-minded determination and steely resolve often surprised me because I’d mistakenly thought age would have mellowed her. She never at any point urged me to throw in the towel. She told me she always knew the journey would be tough and rough but also consistently reassured me of the light she could see at the end of the tunnel. She urged me to be bold, courageous and not betray Ekiti people”, he said.

Fayemi said his late mother experienced several betrayals in the course of his political activities as she endured indignities from some quarters yet she maintained her character and optimism.

He recalled the role his mother  played after recovering his mandate as her house was turned to a “Mecca” for politicians who were in search of favour from the Governor even as she guided him in attending to politicians who trooped in to visit the matriarch until she was moved to the Government House to prevent further disturbance.”

Also speaking at the event, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole commiserated with the people and Government of Ekiti State on the departure of Fayemi’s mother and prayed  that the torch of light which she gave to Governor Fayemi will bring about more development to the State.

Ghanaian President, John Attah Mills, represented by his Minister of Local Government, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Anigra, led other dignitaries at the event.

The list of dignitaries at the service include Governor Oshiomole, Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmi Olayinka, her husband, Arc Lanre Olayinka;  Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, Wife of the Benue State Governor, Mrs Yemisi Suswam; former Governor of Western State, General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), his son and first Civilian Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and  former Military Administrator of Ekiti State, Navy Captain Atanda Yussuf (rtd.).

Others are Senator Ayo Arise, Mr. Femi Falana, Mr Solomon Asemota (SAN), Deputy Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr Nosa Ojo, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, John Amodu,  Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Mr Olayinka  Balogun; retired Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Badeyan, the Vice Chancellor of Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Professor Tolu Odugbemi, Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof Patrick Aina; Emeritus Prof Jide Osuntokun, Mr Femi Osunro; former  Chairperson, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs  Ifueko Omogui- Okauru and her husband, Dr Okauru.

No fewer than 150 traditional rulers  from Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states graced the occasion. They include the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, as well as the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye. The congregation became ecstatic when the Obas filed out to join in the family thanksgiving.

Other highlights of the event was the unveiling of a prototype of a proposed Old people’s Home to be built in memory of the late  Madam Dorcas Fayemi by the state’s Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

Last modified: May 21, 2012