Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has stirred public conversation as he marked his 65th birthday by issuing explicit instructions for his burial. In a video that has circulated widely on social media, Fayose stated that when he passes on, his body should be handed over to the Ekiti State Government and buried within four weeks of his death. He explained that this timeline would allow the state to properly organize his funeral and honor his legacy.
Fayose emphasized that his children must work closely with the government during the burial arrangements. He disclosed that he wishes to be buried in a garden located at his grandmother’s home, expressing a personal desire to have a final resting place that is closely tied to his family roots. The former governor also made a striking request that once he is laid to rest, no one should return to visit the grave, saying, “After that, no one should return there. Let me rest.”
The announcement of his burial wishes has generated a wide range of reactions. While some Nigerians have praised his clarity and transparency, others, including his brother Isaac Fayose, described the directive as “self-centered,” questioning the practicality of limiting access to his grave and urging him to reconsider the approach.
Political leaders and associates have also joined the conversation, using the occasion of his birthday to celebrate his contributions to Ekiti State and Nigerian politics. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, hailed Fayose as “a valuable friend and a reference point in governance,” while Biodun Oyebanji, the current Governor of Ekiti State, congratulated him and acknowledged his efforts in state development.
Fayose’s frank discussion of his funeral arrangements underscores not only his desire to control aspects of his legacy but also a wish for a deep connection between his personal history and the history of Ekiti State. As the video continues to circulate, it has sparked public discourse on mortality, legacy, and the role of political leaders in shaping how they are remembered.
“when I kpa!, my body belongs to Ekiti State Govt and I must be bur!ed within four weeks. My children must follow the Govt of Ekiti during the bur!al. I made a garden in my grandmother’s home where I should be laid to rest and after that, nobody must come there again. Allow me to… pic.twitter.com/YcTR3ppv5n
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 15, 2025
