With the return of Kayode Fayemi to the gubernatorial perch
yesterday, Ekiti State undoubtedly validates both the promise and beauty of
democracy. It is the only state in the south-west won, lost and regained in
turn by both PDP and APC (dating back to ACN and AD).
Adding to the myth is the
evocation of apostolic imageries: the two dominant characters in its fable in
the last fifteen years bear names that remind one of two of
Jesus’ closest disciples. One is John (Kayode Fayemi) and the other Peter (Ayo
Fayose).
As His final biblical hours
approached over 2,000 years ago, the Bible tells us, Jesus hosted what would
become the definitive fellowship – the Last Supper, during which he, through
parable, hinted of the coming betrayal.
As his own final hours as two-term
governor neared last weekend in tranquil Ado Ekiti, retiring Peter
(Fayose) chose to host a symbolic rite – a dinner. Ever feisty, the outgoing
governor must have counted it one last chance for communion with those he
considered his political disciples and associates.
But in vain his wait ended.
According to reports, less than 20 of the long list of guests had shown up even
by 12 midnight for an event scheduled to commence 7pm.
Conspicuous with their
absence were the retinue of commissioners, members of the House of Assembly,
political appointees and the hangers-on.
Also, none of the top civil
servants was sighted. Ironically, these were the same folks who, until Fayose
lost his bid to install his anointed as successor in the July polls,
would be falling on one another chanting, “My Governor! My Governor!!”
Now, everyone is locked in
a frenzy of eye-service around Ado-Ekiti, to ingratiate
themselves with the new lord of the manor.
With banquet hall deserted
and the air soon filled with rancid smell of rotting feast and sour wine, it
later became the lot of the government spin doctors to explain the
embarrassment away.
One of the fairy tales
concocted was that the information pertaining to the dinner could not be
disseminated well across the state because of the subsisting ban on
the state broadcasting service.
That lie had to
be told only because the truth is bitter. Power is transient. Lesson for those
still too cocky to wear their crown lightly.
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