Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly outlined how he wants his burial to be conducted, revealing his wishes in a video played during his 65th birthday celebration on Saturday, November 15.
The video, which also highlighted his achievements in office, featured Fayose giving precise instructions about what should happen after his death. He stated that he wants to be buried within one month and assigned the Ekiti State government the responsibility of handling the arrangements.
“My body belongs to the Ekiti State government,” Fayose said, noting that he had prepared a formal letter for both the current and future governors. He added that the four-week window was chosen because government officials might require time to prepare.
He further directed that his children and family members should simply appear in their own attire and allow the government of the day to lead the burial proceedings. Fayose also disclosed that he has already chosen his final resting place — a garden he prepared in his paternal grandmother’s compound — and instructed that no one should return to the site after he has been laid to rest.
“Show me love now, not after I’m gone,” he added, urging those close to him to appreciate him while he is alive.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti twice (2003–2006 and 2014–2018) on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received well-wishes from President Bola Tinubu, who praised his forthrightness and political consistency.
“Former governor Fayose speaks his mind, regardless of whose ox is gored,” President Tinubu said in a statement issued by the State House. He also prayed for Fayose’s continued good health and a renewed sense of purpose in service to humanity.