Celebrating My Leading Leader, Fayemi @ 60
By Gabriel Olalekan Soyombo, Esq.
“Very Good Idea, see me tomorrow unfailingly…”
The above caption is part of an episode ensued between me and the former Governor following the approval of my appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Students Matters on December 12th 2020. My friend, Seun Odewale told me that night that, Mr Governor has approved my appointment and that i should go see the Secretary to the Government, who is now the current Governor of Ekiti State for my letter. Immediately after my letter was handed over to me by the Secretary to the State Government, who is now the current Governor of the State, I was advised that text message be sent to the Governor, JKF thanking him for the appointment. I therefore acted immediately; i mean the text message laced with sensational statements and accolades with expectation of acknowledgement of same by Mr Governor. I tell you, no reply to the message!!!
I sent another message, yet no reply still.. Again and Again and Again, i sent messages thanking Mr Governor for such a wonderful honor done at a time when the window of appointment has been closed. At that point, i became confused as to why ordinary “you are welcome” Or “don’t mention” become so difficult for the appointor to his appointee? I rushed back to the current Governor who handed over to me the appointment letter on my confusion. Mr Governor, then SSG laid off my concerns. He advised me to jettison expecting any reply from JKF, but rather remain focused and committed to the duties upon which i was appointed.
Consequently, i faced my responsibilities and become more aggressive. One fateful Monday, i had a wide consultative meeting with some stakeholders in the educational sector wherein a very good policy on how to amplify the modest input of reading passion in our students at all levels was evolved. This policy was designed, deliberated upon and presented to Mr Governor. I did the extract of this policy documents and sent to Mr Governor. Behold, not up to the five minutes, i received an overwhelming reply from Mr Governor reading, GOOD IDEA, SEE ME UNFAILINGLY TOMORROW! This singular attitudinal gesture redefined Dr Fayemi as a “rare breed without greed” a peculiar personality whose human disposition is antithetical to frivolity and showmanship adventure such a fake life and eye service doctrine into which society is engrossed. Many people do not know Fayemi as a matchless lover of idea and critical thinking. Where you hailed from or the language you speak does not bother him, other than the valuable attributes in you that can benefit the society.
It is not very common having the privilege of working alongside with a man of this rare nature whose democratic expediency is ensconced in seriousness, dedication to duties and responsibilities and whose name commands respect and admiration in the Nigeria body polity. I consider myself immensely fortunate to have shared that experience with this Leader and Mentor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. On this occasion of his birthday, I reflect not only on the profound impact he has had on my person within those long and shorter period of service to humanity in the corridor of power, but on the indelible mark he has left in the system of Governance and the broader pursuit of credible leadership in Nigeria and in Africa.
Dr JOHN KAYODE FAYEMI is a force of nature from the courtroom victories, and a product of democratic struggle having confronted the Nigerian demagogues headlong in the protracted process of claiming his stolen mandates that was freely given to him by the people of Ekiti State in the year 2007. His unwavering commitment to the core value of liberation of his people from the cleavage of oppression, intimidation and economic strangulation occasioned by the revisionists in power then has confirmed JKF to be the stuff of legend. Yet, his true strength lies in his unwavering commitment to democracy—especially in such a society where tyranny reigns. What stands JKF out is his deep sense of purpose, an insatiable drive to advocating for egalitarian society, challenging corruptible entrenched systems, and pushing boundaries that others may view as immovable.
Having worked closely with him in the last 25 years, I can attest without hesitation to his mastery of the game of governance, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He doesn’t just understand the intricacies of the Leadership—He wields them as tools to carve out dividends to people where others may see only impossibility_ an example of COVID-19 scenario where for good two years, JKF as sitting Governor managed to pay workers salary amidst shortage of funds in Ekiti State. His ability to distill complex issues in governance and weave them into nuanced policies reflects not only a purposeful servant in the management of people’s affairs, but a deep thinker who grasps the critical role that leadership plays in suiting the interest of followership. When it comes to the affairs of God, Uncle John cannot be found wanting, yes! , ask the Leaders of the Christian movement in Nigeria.
What resonates most deeply with me, however, is his generosity in mentoring the next generation of sound minds. JKF embodies the belief that true greatness is not about hoarding resources, but about using it to benefit those who are in dire need of it regardless. He has always made time to impart his vast experience, teaching not just the technical nuances of the leadership, but also the ethics, resilience, and courage required to stand up for good governance at any levels, having showcased this long ago in his formative years as a students and youth activist of yesteryears. His willingness to pass on wisdom, his openness to fresh ideas, and his steadfast support for the youth make him not just a leader, but a symbol of progressivism, technicalism and systematicalism.
JKF passion for system change is unmatched. His love for a democratized nation is palpable—it shines through in his discussions of matters arising, in the intensity of his programs and paper delivery, and in his vision for the evolution of Nigeria’s leadership pattern. He is driven not by personal gain, but by the belief that the leadership can—and should—serve as an instrument of positive change. His leadership pattern not marred with pretense and fake adventure, but steeped in radical and realistic approach, forward-thinking and constantly pushing for progress on how the Government at all levels can better serve the society.
The unique nature of JKF political idiosyncrasies earned him special recognition amongst his contemporary. He is not a conventional politician, but an outstanding professional in politics; a scholar, an activist, and a visionary. His ability to merge political existentialism and essentialism with a profound compassion for humanity distinguishes John Kayode Fayemi in a league of his own. His theory of leadership is as much about prioritizing common interest of the people and also about setting long term policy agenda that will benefit the society in the nearest future. His eloquence, erudition both in public service and now in the academic world, reflects a mind that is ever questioning, ever probing, and always pushing the boundaries of quality thought in Nigeria.
Fayemi’s life and career are defined by his relentless pursuit of economic freedom—not just for the poor , but for the mass majority of the people. He has an extraordinary gift for breathing life into even the most obscure electoral procedures, giving it vitriolic attention and dedication with confidence for victory. That is what truly sets him apart—not just the accolades or victories at the electoral polls, but the countless common courses he has generally confronted and won. These victories may not always make headlines, but they are victories that matter to the people and God.
Today, i celebrate not only the birthday of a great servant of the people, but also the legacy of a Leader, who has given so much to the society and to the cause of enthronement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria_ a Leader who does not pretend and celebrate sycophancy. A leader who does not feign and spew lies to gain popularity among men_ JKF does not give to false logic when serving people and humanity. John Kayode Fayemi, PhD is a giant among us, yet He carries his greatness with humility, always focused on the greater good and common course of his people and the society at large at all ends.
Happy birthday, great leader!
Here is wishing you many more years of good health, groundbreaking service, and the continued pursuit of decent society where people’s interest reigns supreme. May you continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to learn from you, and may your leadership aspirations continue to uplift our generation you hold so dear.
Gabriel Olalekan Soyombo, Esq., former Senior Special Assistance to Fayemi , is a Senior Partner At Lyncoln & Lyncon Grace Chambers
