In a candid revelation, Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State, has dismissed the growing spats among politicians on social media as nothing more than a form of entertainment. He emphasized that behind the online feuds, there remains a cordial, mutually respectful relationship between Ekiti’s political figures, driven by their collective desire for the state’s progress.
Fayemi, who governed Ekiti for two non-consecutive terms between 2010-2014 and 2018-2022, made these remarks during his 60th birthday thanksgiving service on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The event, which took place at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Isan Ekiti, brought together political leaders, well-wishers, and dignitaries.
In a speech filled with gratitude and reflection on his political journey, Fayemi spoke warmly of the unity that has been central to the state’s political landscape despite the apparent public discord seen on social media platforms.
“Despite all the noise and back-and-forth you see on social media, Ekiti politicians are not enemies,” Fayemi told the gathering. “We might belong to different political parties, but we share a common vision for Ekiti. All the feuds on social media are just for your entertainment. They are nothing more than a spectacle for the public,” he added.
Fayemi’s comments came after years of political battles between various factions, some of which have played out publicly on social media platforms, often involving name-calling, accusations, and inflammatory posts. In recent months, political rifts between Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration and opposition figures, including former governors Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose, have intensified online, garnering significant attention. However, Fayemi’s statement appears to offer a more nuanced perspective, encouraging the public to view these feuds through a lens of humor rather than seriousness.
While the social media bickering may create a false impression of division, Fayemi strongly believes that beneath the surface, Ekiti’s political class shares a commitment to the state’s development and welfare. Reflecting on his own tenure as governor, he praised the current leadership for continuing his policies, underscoring that his accomplishments were largely due to “divine favor.”
“I am a product of grace,” Fayemi remarked, acknowledging the role of faith in his political journey. “At 60, I have many reasons to be thankful. I want to especially thank Governor Oyebanji for making me proud. It could have gone another way, but he too is a product of grace, and I’m glad to see the continuity in the policies that I initiated.”
Fayemi’s remarks were also an acknowledgment of the political transition that took place after his administration. Governor Oyebanji, who succeeded him in 2022, has maintained a somewhat harmonious relationship with the former governor, particularly in regard to the continuation of policies aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure and public service.
The former governor emphasized that, contrary to what is often portrayed, political leaders in Ekiti are united by a shared goal: the progress of the state. He also highlighted the significance of this unity during his address, saying, “When I attended Governor Segun Oni’s birthday celebrations, I spent the whole day with him. That is the Ekiti spirit — a political environment where, despite party differences, our collective goal is the same.”
Fayemi’s comments were particularly timely given the ongoing political dynamics in the state, where tensions occasionally flare between factions. Governor Segun Oni, a former governor and leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), has clashed with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over various policy issues. Nevertheless, Fayemi made it clear that personal differences should not overshadow their shared purpose for Ekiti’s growth.
“When Governor Fayose was in power, he too would have been here without hesitation. That’s the Ekiti I envision — a state that is not divided by political party lines. Yes, we may have differences, but the true party we all belong to is the Ekiti Progressive Party,” he declared, referring to a vision of unity that transcends party affiliations.
The issue of social media feuds among politicians is not limited to Ekiti alone, but has become a broader national issue. Across Nigeria, political figures often use social media to launch personal attacks on one another, using platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to make bold statements, sometimes at the expense of unity or constructive debate. While such practices have raised concerns about the erosion of civility in political discourse, Fayemi’s take on the matter presents a refreshing view that social media battles are, at the end of the day, part of the “entertainment” business.
“I want to assure you, the public should not take these social media fights too seriously,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s a form of entertainment for the masses. Political leaders will disagree on issues, but the essence of what we do is always geared towards the betterment of our people.”
Despite this lighthearted perspective, Fayemi also touched on the seriousness of the political challenges faced in the state and country. He acknowledged that while public disagreements on social media might be trivialized as entertainment, they often reflect deeper political and ideological divides that must be addressed with maturity and responsibility.
Fayemi’s 60th birthday celebration also marked a moment for reflection on his legacy as one of Ekiti’s most influential political figures. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructural development, improvements in education, and health, as well as an emphasis on good governance. The former governor expressed pride in the achievements of his administration, especially the educational and health reforms that continue to benefit the state.
“It is not just about the policies I initiated,” Fayemi said. “It’s about what those policies have achieved for the people of Ekiti, and I am grateful to see that they continue to have an impact.”
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who attended the service, praised his predecessor’s contributions to the state and echoed Fayemi’s sentiments about the continuity of policies.
