Fayose Is Hardworking But Very Stubborn, Says Brother Isaac

Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, has described him as a hardworking but very stubborn individual who took after their similarly strong-willed father. In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, Isaac spoke candidly about his relationship with his elder brother, revealing that despite their differences, he continues to respect him.

Isaac, who is fond of referring to his brother as “Oshokomole,” explained that Ayodele Fayose’s stubbornness is a significant trait that both brothers share. “They said all Ekiti people are stubborn, but Oshoko’s stubbornness is too much. He’s very hard like a rock, that’s why they call him Oshoko. He’s very tough and stubborn, but he loves people so much; he loves the Ekiti people. Our father was also a stubborn man; it shows that he (Ayodele Fayose) is not a bastard,” he said.

Despite the affection Isaac holds for his brother, their relationship has been strained for several years, and they are currently not on speaking terms. Isaac attributed this distance to his brother’s perception of himself as being above his siblings because of his past position as governor. “Whenever we meet, I’ll bow to greet him and it’s left to him to answer or not. I’ll proceed with my business,” Isaac said, stressing that he has even deleted his brother’s number from his phone and has no intentions of calling him.

While Isaac enjoys a cordial relationship with other siblings, he revealed that even some of them have not communicated with Ayodele Fayose in the last five years. He added that his brother’s attitude of feeling “greater than all of us” because he once held office has driven a wedge between them. “You amount to nothing,” Isaac said, citing what he believes is his brother’s dismissive view of other family members.

Despite the personal rift, Isaac made it clear that he would still support his brother should he decide to run for president. “If my brother says he wants to become the president of Nigeria, I will support him,” he said, recalling how, despite not speaking for years, he still supported Fayose in the last election by helping fund his efforts.

Isaac also reflected on his brother’s tenure as governor, commending his performance in Ekiti State. “If we go to Ekiti today, all great projects that you can point at were executed by Fayose. When my brother was governor, he worked like there’s no tomorrow,” Isaac said, highlighting the construction of major infrastructure such as the first dualized road, the highest building, and the first overhead bridge.

Isaac also clarified that he did not benefit from any government contracts during Fayose’s administration, addressing public misconceptions. “When your brother is in the position, you have some friends that know how to build houses, some that know about road construction who will meet you to plead with your brother to give them contracts. If you now talk to your brother to consider such a man and he declined, you’d now become a bad character to your friends.”

Finally, Isaac declared that he would never pursue a political career, stating, “May God not let me become a politician, may I not become a governor, a president, a House of Representatives member, or a senator.” He also mentioned that his brother would not support him should he ever seek political office, as evidenced by past instances where Fayose did not back other siblings who ran for political positions.

Despite their differences, Isaac’s interview highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and the deep respect he still holds for his elder brother, despite their personal and ideological conflicts.