By Ghazali Ibrahim
Isaac Fayose has urged his elder brother, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, to reject his appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, describing the position as one beneath the ex-governor’s political stature.
Isaac made the remarks in a video posted on his Instagram page on Monday, following President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Ayo Fayose and 25 others to the boards of 10 federal agencies and commissions.
The appointments were announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Ayo Fayose was named Chairman of the REA board alongside Ahmadu Abubakar and Ilyasu Ibrahim Makinta as non-executive directors, while the agency’s Director-General, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and three executive directors retained their positions.
Reacting to the appointment, Isaac questioned why his brother was offered a board chairmanship instead of what he considered a more senior role.
“They didn’t make him a minister or ambassador. Why just chairman of a parastatal?” he said.
He also claimed the appointment was politically motivated, alleging it came shortly after the visit of the National Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to his residence.
“They gave my brother this appointment because Obi came to visit me. They wanted to enter the family,” Isaac alleged.
His comments followed Obi’s visit on Saturday, during which Isaac publicly described the former Anambra State governor as Nigeria’s “incoming president.”
Isaac further recalled that his brother had previously told him he would not seek or accept public appointments after leaving office, insisting he would instead focus on his private business.
“He told me that after leaving Government House, he would not be a minister, DG or senator. He said he would face his business,” Isaac said.
Describing the REA appointment as a “Greek gift,” Isaac questioned why it came several years after his brother left office.
He also maintained that Ayo Fayose had built his wealth before becoming governor and did not need a government appointment.
While congratulating the former governor, Isaac advised him to decline the position or hand it over to his son.
“You are too big for that appointment. You are a kingmaker,” he said.
Isaac also reiterated his support for Peter Obi and expressed confidence that the opposition would prevail in the 2027 general election if the process is free and fair.
