Fayemi Congratulates Obasanjo On 89th Birthday

Abeokuta/Lagos – Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and immediate-past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has joined prominent Nigerians in celebrating former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the elder statesman marks his 89th birthday.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and widely reported across Nigerian media, Dr. Fayemi described Chief Obasanjo as one of Nigeria’s most consequential statesmen whose service to the nation remains unforgettable. The birthday fell on March 5, 2026, with celebrations including a thanksgiving service and a distinguished lecture at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, Dr. Fayemi paid glowing tribute to Obasanjo’s decades-long dedication to Nigeria’s unity, the advancement of democracy in Africa, and his steadfast commitment to national stability and progress.

“Chief Obasanjo remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s public life and a statesman whose commitment to the unity, stability and progress of our country has been steadfast over the years,” Fayemi stated in the congratulatory message signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head of Fayemi Media Office, Abuja.

The former Ekiti governor highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal leadership roles, first as military Head of State (1976–1979) and later as democratically elected President (1999–2007), noting that these periods helped shape Nigeria’s political and institutional trajectory during critical moments in the nation’s history.

Fayemi also emphasized Obasanjo’s continental influence, pointing to his consistent advocacy for peace, democratic values, and development across Africa. He praised the former President’s courage, forthrightness, and willingness to speak truth to power, which continue to enrich national discourse and strengthen democratic culture in Nigeria.

“As he marks his 89th birthday, I join family members, friends, associates and countless admirers across Nigeria and the world in celebrating a life devoted to service. We remain grateful for his sacrifices and his continuing role as a mentor to many within and outside public life,” Fayemi added.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings on the elder statesman, wishing him many more years in good health, wisdom, and strength in service to Nigeria and humanity.

The felicitation from Dr. Fayemi aligns with similar tributes from other notable figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, all of whom hailed Obasanjo’s enduring legacy of leadership, resilience, and patriotism.

Born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief Obasanjo celebrated his milestone with reflections on values-based governance and calls for stronger diaspora partnerships in Africa’s development. Despite his age, the former leader has remained active, dismissing death rumors and affirming his vitality with the popular phrase “I dey Kampe.”