The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has showered glowing birthday tributes on the former First Lady of the state, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, describing her as a trailblazer in gender advocacy and a worthy model for all.
In a statement signed by Babajide Agbeyo, his Special Adviser on Media, Aribasoye said the former First Lady has consistently shown herself as a woman of impact, with visible contributions in promoting gender rights, child protection, and support for vulnerable groups.
“Erelu Bisi Fayemi is a woman of value, courage, and vision. She has used her platform to fight for the rights of the voiceless, and her impact continues to be felt across Ekiti and Nigeria,” the Speaker said.
Political Force and Legislative Champion
Rt. Hon. Aribasoye also commended her political involvement, noting that her contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governance in Ekiti have helped shape progressive politics in the state.
He described her as a “tactician and icon of feminine excellence” whose inputs were instrumental to the political successes recorded during her husband’s tenure as governor.
“As a lawmaker, I remember with pride how Erelu Fayemi championed gender-friendly laws. The Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law in Ekiti is one of her lasting legacies. Her passion for defending the oppressed remains unmatched,” Aribasoye noted.
Beyond Politics
The Speaker also hailed her work beyond the corridors of power, highlighting her achievements as an author and co-founder of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), a pan-African grant-making foundation supporting women’s rights.
He encouraged young people, especially women, to learn from her life of courage, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
“Erelu Bisi Fayemi is not just a former First Lady—she is a role model, mentor, and advocate for a better society. We thank God for her life and pray for more grace for her to continue her selfless service to humanity,” Aribasoye added.