TheCable

Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti and immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has expressed grief at the passing of Bisi Egbeyemi, his deputy. 

Egbeyemi, who served from 2018 to 2022, died on Friday night after a brief illness. He was 78. 

In a statement signed by Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi’s spokesperson on Sunday, he described Egbeyemi’s death as a rude shock and a great loss to Ekiti state and Nigeria. 

He praised him as a loyal and diligent political leader who contributed greatly to their administration’s successes and Ekiti state’s development.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Chief Bisi Egbeyemi. He was a remarkable political leader who was selfless and motivated by the common good of the people, ” the statement reads.

“We worked closely for four years and I could not have had a better deputy. He was devoted, committed, outspoken, and unwavering in his support of our vision for a stable and prosperous Ekiti state, built on the Omoluabi values that are the hallmark of our state.

“Otunba Egbeyemi was a devoted family man. He was kind, cheerful, generous, and full of wise counsel. He often put the needs of others ahead of his own and was a consummate politician who placed people at the centre of his politics. 

“His passing is both shocking and saddening. A good man has gone home. It is a great loss for the people of Ekiti state and all of Nigeria. 

“Nonetheless, we take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a good life and made an indelible impact that will be remembered for generations to come. 

“On behalf of my wife, Bisi, and our entire family, my condolences go to the Egbeyemi family. We pray for a sweet repose of his soul and wish the family the courage and fortitude to bear his loss.”