Fayemi Responds to Afe Babalola’s Criticism: “I Won’t Allow Him Control Narrative About My Time in Office”

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, addressed the ongoing criticism from fellow Ekiti man and elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola.

The former governor expressed his concerns about Babalola’s relentless attacks on his time in office and his intentions to set the record straight.

Fayemi highlighted that this was not the first time Babalola had gone on the offensive against him, but he had restrained himself from responding out of respect for the elder statesman and his family.

However, he felt compelled to address the issue to ensure that the narrative about his time in office is not controlled by Babalola alone.

The former governor also mentioned that Babalola had never supported him politically and had even been Segun Oni’s lawyer during the 2007 election when Fayemi challenged the results.

Despite this, Fayemi had embraced Babalola as governor and asked him to chair the Airport Viability Committee during his first term.

Fayemi went on to clarify that he had not stopped President Jonathan from building an airport in Ekiti, as claimed by Babalola.

Instead, he explained that the N300 million allocated for the project under President Yar’Adua was never released.

He also pointed out that it was his administration that had paid compensation to land owners and completed the construction of the airport’s runway, taxiway, apron, internal roads, and terminal building.

The former governor also addressed the issue of Babalola’s offer to construct a terminal building for the airport, stating that he had to fulfil the obligation of the bond that included the construction of a terminal building.

He had then suggested that Babalola take on other components of the airport project, which eventually led to the construction of the car park and procurement of navigational aids.

Fayemi concluded by acknowledging the contributions of Babalola to the development of the state while expressing his disappointment in the elder statesman’s inability to appreciate the good in others.

He also emphasized the importance of age bringing wisdom and circumspection, rather than allowing it to fuel unnecessary criticism and personal attacks.

In summary, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has responded to the ongoing criticism from Chief Afe Babalola regarding his time in office as the Governor of Ekiti State.

Fayemi has set the record straight and expressed his disappointment in Babalola’s inability to appreciate the good in others, despite their contributions to the development of the state.