President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, as he marks his 65th birthday. In his goodwill message, the President described Fayose, fondly called Osoko and Osokomole, as a significant national political figure whose influence has endured since his emergence as Ekiti’s second elected governor in 2003, during Tinubu’s own tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

President Tinubu praised Fayose’s resilience in public life, noting that despite the challenges and a turbulent end to his first term caused by the abuse of presidential powers at the time, he faced adversity with exceptional courage. He highlighted Fayose’s remarkable political comeback in 2014, when he returned as governor and made history by becoming the first person to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria. The President commended his consistency, fearlessness, connection with ordinary citizens and mastery of grassroots politics, which earned him the title Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor).

Tinubu further acknowledged Fayose’s achievements in governance, including improvements in road infrastructure, education, healthcare and landmark projects such as the State High Court Complex and the new Governor’s Office. He expressed personal appreciation for Fayose’s support for his administration and prayed for God to bless him with long life, good health and continued purpose in service to humanity.