According to a report by The Cable on Saturday, July 26, 2025, former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed that he was initially tempted to publicly criticise former President Muhammadu Buhari after his passing, but was restrained by his wife’s advice.
Fayose made this known during a live appearance on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television, on Friday.
The ex-governor, known for his strong political views and confrontational stance while Buhari was alive, admitted that he had planned to express negative sentiments about the late president shortly after his death.
Fayose revealed that he was initially moved to speak out against Buhari’s legacy after news of his death broke.
However, he was advised by his wife to hold back from making public remarks that might be considered inappropriate or insensitive at such a moment.
The former governor said he listened to his wife, who urged him to respect the dead despite his personal opinions about Buhari’s time in office.
According to Fayose, the culture of only praising the dead, regardless of their actions while alive, is one he does not believe in.
He questioned the sincerity of those who suddenly began praising Buhari after his demise, stating that he preferred to speak his truth while people are still alive.
Fayose further challenged Nigerians to reflect honestly on the condition of the country under Buhari’s leadership, rather than romanticise the past now that the former president is no more.
During the interview, he compared the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with that of Buhari.
Fayose argued that Tinubu, despite facing numerous challenges, is more accessible and transparent than his predecessor.
He pointed out that although Nigeria’s situation remains critical, he believes progress is being made and that the problems Tinubu inherited were severe and deeply rooted in the previous administration.
Fayose stated clearly that Nigeria’s economic troubles did not start with Tinubu and urged Nigerians to be more realistic with their expectations.
He described the country as being in a difficult condition that requires more time and consistent effort to fix.
He added that no miracle can transform Nigeria in just two years and that people should consider the massive challenges that had accumulated over time.
He said: “The people in Nigeria only praise the dead. When Buhari died, I wanted to come out and abuse him, but my wife called me not to say so.
“Would you say Buhari performed? I am not among those praising the dead. Don’t honour me when I die. When I die, I’m gone.
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