The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti for questioning on money laundering allegations.

In a letter dated May 12, the commission asked the ex-Ekiti governor to appear before the head of its zonal command office in Kwara, Nigeria’s North-Central, to answer questions bordering on money laundering activities.

According to the letter issued by its zone commander Micheal Nzekwe, the EFCC requested that Mr Fayemi appear before it on May 18.

But in reaction to the EFCC’s invitation, Mr Fayemi said he would not honour the invitation on that day because he is preparing for a public presentation and launch of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The two-term ex-governor also said that he had committed himself to other programmes between May 19 and 24 before he received the invitation.

“Our client is in receipt of your letter of invitation dated 12th May 2023 for an appointment on Thursday, 18th of May, 2023,” Mr Fayemi’s lawyer noted.

“Our client is engaged on the 18th day of May 2023 as he is preparing for a public presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, titled: ‘State of Repair: How President Muhammad Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria For Good’ by Anthony Goldman and ‘The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’ by Abu Ibrahim slated for 19th May 2023 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja by 10:00 a.m,” said the letter.

The letter added, “Our client is one of the organisers of the programme and will review one of the books. Our client has also committed himself to other programs between the 19th of May, 2023 and the 24th of May, 2023 before he received your invitation. We regret to inform you that our client will not be able to honour your invitation on the 18th May 2023 against the backdrop of the foregoing information.”

Mr Fayemi replied to the anti-corruption agency in a letter dated May 15 through his lawyer Adeola Omotunde (SAN), requesting to visit the EFCC’s office for interrogation after the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubu will be sworn in as president on May 29.

“We humbly request that you adjourn the invitation of our client to Tuesday 30th of May, 2023,” Mr Fayemi’s lawyer appealed to EFCC. “We look forward to a positive response from you. Kindly accept our warm assurances in professional regard. Thanks.”

Mr Fayemi was governor of Ekiti from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. The ex-governor is considered an ally of Mr Tinubu.

His invitation on allegations of money laundering came on the heels of his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, facing an amended 11-count money laundering charge by the EFCC.