HONOUR AT HOME FOR FAYEMI, WIFE

By NBF News

Isan-Ekiti, a usually sleepy community in Oye Local Government area of Ekiti State recently came alive. It was the day the entire community trooped out in their numbers to celebrate the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Bisi. Isan is Fayemi's hometown.

Scores of top personalities converged on the sleepy community to bestow honour on the state's first family at the event which was a civic reception for Dr. and Mrs. Fayemi.

It was double honours for Fayemi's wife, as she was also installed Erelu of Isan by the traditional ruler (Onisan), Oba Sunday Owolabi Ajiboye. Mrs. Fayemi had earlier been honoured with the title of Ochiorah (People's Leader) of Imezi Owa, Ezeagwu Local Government area of Enugu State.

A book, A History of Isan-Ekiti, written by Chief James Ogundele, a compendium of historical developments in the town, was launched at the event by Mrs. Fayemi with a donation of N2 million.

The rich culture of the Isan people as well as their hospitality were on display at the colourful event, which was also graced by delegations from neighbouring towns and villages.

Among those who attended the event were a former Governor of Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, serving commissioners and special advisers in the state, and many others.

Some of the royal fathers at the event were the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejuyigbe, Oloye of Oye, Oba Ademolaju, Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye, among others.

Oba Ajiboye traced the history of the Isan community, asserting that he was delighted to be alive to witness the celebration of a new dawn in Ekiti, represented by the emergence of Fayemi as the governor of the state on October 15, 2010.

He challenged Isan indigenes, including the governor and his wife not to relent in their efforts at taking the state to greater heights.

Decorating the new Erelu with the title, the traditional ruler described Mrs. Fayemi as an excellent daughter of the town who has lifted Isan's name to an enviable height both locally and internationally.

The Onisan charged her to continue with the good works and to especially support her husband in lifting the state higher in terms of developmental projects. He commended the government of Dr. Fayemi on the various developmental projects that has brought succour to the people of the state.

Responding, Governor Fayemi said he was touched by the honour done to him and his wife, adding that the Isan town like other towns and villages in the state would get their fair share of development, as his administration is set to ensure that no community is left behind in the developmental drive.

He said that as the leader of the state, he would not be governor of ACN or of Isan alone, but the governor of the state, stressing that the recent payment of over a billion naira as severance packages to former office holders in the state, remains a testimony to his determination to ensure that all Ekiti indigenes and residents are treated fairly regardless of their political, religious or social leanings.

'I'm definitely not a bastard in this community. I'm grounded in the realities of our situation. I will do all that is legal and legitimate to support all the yearnings of our people in Isan Ekiti. But I also want to assure all other Kabiyesis present that their communities will also benefit from this government.'

The newly installed Erelu expressed her appreciation for the honour bestowed on her by the people of the town and promised to continue to embark on projects and activities that would bring the town to the limelight.

The new Erelu said: 'I'm very humbled and flattered and I thank God for the recognition by the people of Isan Ekiti. I have been married into Isan Ekiti for over 21 years and in addition to being considered a wife and a mother of Isan Ekiti, I'm now a daughter of Isan Ekiti and this honour that was bestowed on me comes with a lot of responsibilities, which by the grace of God, I'm prepared to discharge.'

She promised to dedicate the rest of her life to support the interest of the community, promote their interests and ensure that all sons and daughters of the town reap dividends of democracy and development.

Erelu Fayemi appreciated her husband for his support and love in bringing out the best in her.

President of Isan Progressive Union (IPU), Dr S.K. Ajulo described Dr Fayemi's mission in Ekiti State as divine, adding that the governor would soon rescue Ekitiland from poverty, disease and backwardness. He also described Erelu Fayemi as 'industrious, reliable, dependable and a good support to women and youths in Africa.'