Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly outlined how he wants his burial to be conducted, sharing the details in a video played during his 65th birthday celebration on Saturday, November 15.
The clip, which highlighted several of his achievements, featured Fayose giving explicit directions on how he wishes to be laid to rest after his death. He stated that his burial should be handled by the Ekiti State Government and must take place within four weeks of his passing.
“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 in the video.
Fayose explained that he is preparing a formal letter addressed to the current governor on behalf of future administrations, specifying that the state should take charge of all burial arrangements. He noted that the four-week timeline is to allow the government ample time to organize the ceremony.
He further instructed that his family should not be burdened with public duties after his burial, emphasizing his desire for them to mourn privately.
“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,” he stated.
The former governor also revealed that he has already chosen his final resting place — a landscaped garden located at his grandmother’s home. He added that once he is laid to rest there, the site should no longer be used for visits.
“If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now,” he remarked.
Fayose, who turned 65 on Saturday, previously served as governor of Ekiti State in two separate terms: from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2014 to 2018 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In his birthday message, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Fayose, describing him as a forthright political figure whose outspokenness has remained consistent over the years.
“Whether right or wrong, former governor Fayose is never afraid to say his mind without minding whose ox is gored,” Tinubu said in a statement from the State House.
The President prayed for Fayose’s continued good health and for him to find even greater purpose in service to humanity.
