Otunba Femi Ayodele, former Special Adviser to Governor Kayode Fayemi and ex-Chairman, Ikere Local Government, has dismissed recent remarks by Lere Olayinka, describing both Olayinka and his principal, Ayodele Fayose, as “lightweights who cannot stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Fayemi in politics, intellect, or governance.”
Ayodele, a staunch supporter of Fayemi, said it was laughable for Olayinka, “a political errand boy surviving on insults and propaganda,” to attempt to rubbish the legacy of a two-term governor and respected national leader.
“Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s pedigree is far above the level of Fayose and his aide. Fayemi is a statesman, a scholar, and a democrat with international recognition. Fayose thrived on thuggery and theatrics, while Olayinka built his name on propaganda. They are no match for Fayemi,” Ayodele said.
He reminded Ekiti people how Fayose backed Bisi Kolawole in the 2022 governorship election, only for Kolawole to be roundly defeated by the APC with Fayemi as a key pillar of support.
“That same Fayose invested everything in Bisi Kolawole, and APC defeated him hands down. How then can he now claim credit for Governor Oyebanji’s emergence? Fayose cannot reap where he did not sow. It was APC, through the structure built by Fayemi and other leaders, that produced Oyebanji,” Ayodele stressed.
The former council boss emphasized that Oyebanji’s political journey cannot be divorced from the foundation laid by Fayemi, under whose administration Oyebanji served and gained visibility.
According to Ayodele, while Fayemi builds institutions and legacies, Fayose and Olayinka thrive on noise-making and cheap media drama.
“Olayinka is not in Fayemi’s league, and neither is his boss. Fayemi leaves behind substance, Fayose and Olayinka leave behind drama. Ekiti people know the difference,” he added.
Ayodele concluded by urging the people of Ekiti to remain focused on the unity of the APC, rather than being distracted by “political jesters seeking relevance at the expense of respected leaders.”
