Drama as Fayemi, Fayose hug at public event

The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi and his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, provided one of the highlights at an event in honour of Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Babalola was honoured with the 2018 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership at the ceremony, which took place at Harbour Point, Victoria Island in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, former Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku; prominent traditional rulers and politicians, were some of those in attendance.

Fayemi, who delivered a speech, was walking to his seat when Fayose stood to greet him.

Responding, the Governor threw his arms wide open as both men got locked in a warm embrace.

Fayemi had taken veiled swipe at Fayose, taunting the man he succeeded last year over his “stomach infrastructure” policy.

“I am immensely proud that baba (Afe Babalola) is from Ekiti.

“You have restored our values for us. With you around, at least no one can accuse us of being the state of stomach infrastructure.

“They will definitely regard us as the fountain of knowledge,” he said.

But not minding the criticism, Fayose hugged his successor, as the hall erupted in applause and laughter.