Why Fayemi Was Absent During SW Governors’ Visit To Tinubu – Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the South-west Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has explained why his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was absent during the visit of the South-west Governors to the residence of the former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Led by their Chairman, the Governors had, on Tuesday, visited Asiwaju Tinubu at his Bourdilon,Ikoyi residence, Lagos state, on a courtesy visit since his return to the country.

Mr Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olabode, said Dr. Fayemi was with them at the Southwest Governors’ Forum meeting held earlier at Lagos House, Marina, but had to leave to catch a late flight to Portharcourt where he was a Guest Speaker at the National Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) dinner.

The statement noted that Governor Akeredolu’s  explanation on Fayemi’s absence during the visit became necessary due to various insinuations and reactions in the media.

“Governor Fayemi was with us at the Southwest Governors’ Forum meeting held earlier at the Lagos House in Marina.

“He had to leave to catch a late flight to Portharcourt where he was billed to attend the NBA Conference dinner.

“He sent his apology to Asiwaju as well as his good wishes. The rest of us who visited Asiwaju’s residence tendered same and extended Fayemi’s good wishes.”

Governor Akeredolu said the visit was to show their love for the former Lagos State Governor and wish him well after his return to the country.

Governor Fayemi’s absence, it was learnt, attracted media attention as a result of his yet to be declared interest in contesting for the Presidency, which may likely set him on collision with Tinubu who is nursing the same interest.

Recall, however, that Fayemi, had visited Tinubu in the United Kingdom while Tinubu was there. The visit was in the company of Akeredolu.