‘Bury me within one month of my death’ — Fayose outlines funeral wishes

Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti state, has detailed how he wants his burial to be conducted after his death.

Fayose spoke in a clip shared on Saturday that documented some of his achievements.  The footage was played at his 65th birthday celebration.

In the video, the former governor instructed that his burial should take place within four weeks of his death, entrusting the state government with the arrangements.

He also asked that his family be left to mourn in private after his burial.

“Remember me for anything. And when I die, let me say this: death is inevitable. My body belongs to the Ekiti state government,” he said.

“I’m delivering a letter to the governor on behalf of the governors to come, let us say in 20, 30, or 15 years, or whatever time, to the glory of God.

“Ekiti state government takes over my body, and I must be buried within four weeks; because the state might not be ready within two or three days, we will allow them four weeks.

“And my children are to wear their own clothes and their family and follow the government of Ekiti at the time to do the needful.

“And I’ve told them, there’s a triangle in my grandmother’s home, the mother of my father; I’ve made the garden there. I should be laid to rest.

“After my departure, nobody must come there again. Allow me to go. If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now.”

Fayose turned 65 on Saturday.

He served as the governor of Ekiti twice, between 2003 and 2006 and 2014 and 2018, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

President Bola Tinubu congratulated the former governor, praising his consistency as the hallmark of his stature as a national political figure.

“Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored,” Tinubu said in a State House press statement.

“As his elder brother, I value his support for me and my administration.”

The president prayed to God to grant Fayose good health and for the former governor to find more purpose in his service to humanity.