Former Governor Ayodele Fayose Directs Ekiti Government to Bury His Body Within Four Weeks of Death

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose marked his 65th birthday today, Saturday, November 15, 2025, with a dramatic and detailed public declaration regarding his final wishes. In a six-minute video message that quickly went viral, Fayose outlined precise instructions for his burial, emphatically stating that his body “must be buried within four weeks” of his death.

The highly outspoken political figure emphasized that the instruction was designed to prevent a lengthy, drawn-out funeral process.

“When I die, let me say this. Death is inevitable. My body belongs to the Ekiti state government,” Fayose stated in the video, confirming that he has already delivered a formal letter to the incumbent governor regarding his wishes.

He reasoned that the four-week window would give the government ample time to organize the state funeral required for a former governor. “The Ekiti state government takes over my body, and I must be buried within four weeks. Because the state might not be ready within two, three days, we allow them four weeks,” he explained.

No Post-Burial Visits

Fayose’s directives went beyond the timing. He specified that his final resting place should be a garden he had personally prepared at his paternal grandmother’s home. He delivered a poignant message to his family and well-wishers, stressing the finality of his departure.

“After my departure, nobody must come there again. Allow me to go,” he insisted. “If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now.” He also directed his children to shun elaborate dressing during the funeral, instructing them to simply wear their own clothes and cooperate with the government.

The former governor’s statement is being viewed as an extension of his long-held public stance against the often excessive societal fanfare and hypocrisy that accompanies the death of prominent Nigerian political figures.