You’re Too Big for REA Chairmanship’ – Isaac Fayose Urges Ayo Fayose to Reject Tinubu’s Appointment
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has found himself at the centre of fresh political debate following his reported appointment as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The reported appointment, which has generated mixed reactions across political circles, is seen by some observers as another indication of the Tinubu administration’s willingness to work with influential politicians across party lines.
Although Ayo Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has in recent years maintained a cordial relationship with President Tinubu despite belonging to the opposition, the appointment has sparked discussions over whether the former governor should accept the role.
Adding a dramatic twist to the development, Isaac Fayose, the younger brother of the former governor and a businessman, publicly urged his elder brother to decline the appointment, insisting that the office is far below his political stature.
In a video shared on his social media platforms, Isaac Fayose congratulated his brother but argued that someone who had governed a state for eight years should not settle for the chairmanship of a federal agency.
According to him, Ayo Fayose remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable political figures and deserves a more strategic national assignment.
“My brother, congratulations, but I don’t think you should accept the REA chairmanship. You are too big for that position. You have been governor of Ekiti State for eight years. That office is too small for someone of your political standing,” Isaac said.
He further stated that while he appreciates President Tinubu for considering his brother for public service, he believes the former governor’s experience and political influence qualify him for a more significant national responsibility.
Isaac also noted that rejecting the appointment should not be interpreted as disrespect to the President but rather as a recognition of Ayo Fayose’s political pedigree.
The comments have triggered reactions on social media, with opinions sharply divided.
While some Nigerians agreed that the former governor deserves a higher office, others argued that no public service appointment is insignificant, stressing that effective leadership at the Rural Electrification Agency could positively impact millions of Nigerians through improved electricity access in rural communities.
As of the time of filing this report, Ayo Fayose has not publicly confirmed whether he has accepted or rejected the appointment, nor has he officially responded to his younger brother’s remarks.
The Presidency has also not issued any statement regarding the controversy surrounding the reported appointment.
Why the REA Matters
The Rural Electrification Agency is a strategic federal agency responsible for expanding electricity access to underserved and rural communities across Nigeria.
The agency plays a key role in implementing renewable energy projects, mini-grid development and other interventions aimed at improving electricity supply in areas outside the national grid.
Whether Ayo Fayose eventually accepts the appointment or declines it, the development has once again thrust the outspoken former governor into the national political spotlight and renewed conversations about political appointments, experience and the role of opposition figures in the Tinubu administration.
