Fayose’s brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment

Fayose’s brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment

Isaac Fayose has publicly appealed to his elder brother, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, to reject his appointment as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board, arguing that the position does not reflect the former governor’s political experience and national profile.

The appeal followed the announcement by President Bola Tinubu approving the appointment of 26 chairmen and board members for 10 federal agencies and commissions, with Ayodele Fayose named to lead the REA Board. The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Under the new board composition, Fayose will serve as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) alongside Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta as non-executive directors, while Abba Abubakar Aliyu remains the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with three executive directors retained on the board.

Reacting in a video posted on his Instagram page, Isaac Fayose congratulated his brother on the appointment but maintained that the former governor deserved a more prominent federal position after serving two terms as governor of Ekiti State.

According to him, appointments such as minister or ambassador would have better reflected Fayose’s political standing than chairing a federal agency.

He questioned why the former governor was offered the REA position instead of what he described as a higher national office, insisting that his brother had built a strong political career and commanded significant influence within Nigeria’s political landscape.

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Isaac also compared the appointment with that of former presidential aide Reno Omokri, arguing that others had been given what he considered more prestigious federal roles.

In the video, he suggested that the timing of the appointment may not be coincidental, linking it to the recent visit of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to his residence.

Isaac claimed the appointment may have been influenced by political considerations, although he did not provide evidence to support the assertion.

Recalling previous conversations with his brother, Isaac said Ayodele Fayose had repeatedly stated after leaving office that he had no intention of accepting another public appointment.

He said the former governor had always maintained that he would focus on his private businesses after completing his tenure, noting that he had established himself in business long before entering politics.

Describing the REA appointment as a “Greek gift,” Isaac questioned why it was being offered several years after Fayose left office.

Despite his reservations, he congratulated his brother and urged him to pass the opportunity to one of his sons instead of accepting it personally.

“I know you will not take this appointment,” Isaac said, expressing confidence that the former governor would decline the offer.

Beyond the appointment, Isaac also expressed optimism about the prospects of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election, saying he believes the political landscape could shift significantly before Nigerians return to the polls.

The appointment of Ayodele Fayose has continued to generate reactions across political circles, with supporters and critics expressing differing opinions over whether the former governor should accept the role.

While some view the appointment as recognition of Fayose’s experience in public service, others believe the former governor should decide independently whether the position aligns with his political aspirations and future plans.

As of the time of filing this report, Ayodele Fayose has not publicly commented on his appointment or responded to his brother’s appeal.

Fayose’s brother urges ex-Ekiti governor to reject REA chairmanship appointment