‎President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a courageous and consistent political figure with great influence.
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‎In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Mr Tinubu said Mr Fayose, popularly known as Osokomole,  remained a prominent force in Nigeria’s political landscape since his emergence as Ekiti State governor in 2003, during Mr Tinubu’s second term as Lagos State governor.
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‎He said Mr Fayose’s first tenure, though troubled and eventually cut short, revealed his resilience in the face of political adversity.
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‎“He bore the pain with uncommon strength. He embraced adversity with equanimity,” the president said.
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‎Mr Tinubu praised Mr Fayose’s 2014 return to office as “one of the great political comebacks of our time,” noting that he became the first politician to defeat two incumbent governors in Nigeria.
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‎He said Mr Fayose’s courage, candour, and consistency had defined his public life, adding that the former governor was known for expressing his views boldly, regardless of whose interest was affected.
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‎“Osokomole is a man who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. His strength as a national political figure is his consistency,” Mr Tinubu said.
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‎The president described Mr Fayose as a grassroots politician deeply connected to ordinary people, earning him the cognomen ‘Ore Mekunnu’ (friend of the poor).
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‎Mr Tinubu said Mr Fayose achieved notable progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare during his two terms as governor, citing projects such as the Ekiti State High Court complex and the new governor’s office.
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‎He acknowledged Mr Fayose’s support for his administration and prayed for his continued health and renewed purpose in service to God and humanity.

(NAN)