Businessman Isaac Fayose claims former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose played a key role in Seyi Makinde’s rise, calls for reconciliation amid renewed political tensions

Businessman and political commentator Isaac Fayose has publicly called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to reconcile with former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, claiming the veteran politician played a significant role in Makinde’s emergence as governor and should be accorded greater respect.

Speaking in a video that has circulated widely on social media, Isaac Fayose alleged that he personally witnessed events surrounding the political relationship between both men and insisted that Makinde could not deny the role played by his elder brother in his political journey.

The businessman said there were still living witnesses who could corroborate his account.

According to Isaac Fayose, the relationship between Makinde and Ayo Fayose dates back to the period leading up to the Oyo governorship election.

Isaac claimed that one of the earliest celebrations and political gatherings held in support of Makinde’s gubernatorial ambition took place at his resort in Ibadan, where supporters gathered in anticipation of victory.

“My brother Ayo Fayose made you governor. Go and beg him,” Isaac Fayose said, maintaining that he was directly involved in several of the interactions that shaped the alliance between the two politicians.

The remarks come against the backdrop of a long-running political rivalry between the Fayose and Makinde camps within the Peoples Democratic Party, particularly over influence in the South-West region.

Political observers have for years linked disagreements between both leaders to wider struggles for control of party structures and strategic decisions in the zone.

Isaac Fayose further argued that Ayo Fayose’s ties to Oyo State run deeper than many people acknowledge. He noted that the former governor spent much of his formative years in the state and remains widely known across Oyo communities.

Historical records show that Ayo Fayose attended secondary school in Oyo State and spent a significant part of his early life there before his political rise in Ekiti State.

The latest intervention marks another public statement by Isaac Fayose on the relationship between his brother and Governor Makinde.

In recent weeks, Isaac has alternated between defending Makinde against criticism from Ayo Fayose and urging both men to settle their differences for the benefit of the party and the region.

Neither Governor Makinde nor Ayo Fayose had publicly responded to the latest claims as of the time of filing this report.

The renewed comments are likely to fuel fresh debate within PDP circles ahead of future political contests, especially as influential figures in the South-West continue to reposition themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.

While Isaac Fayose’s account remains his personal version of events, the remarks have again drawn attention to the complex political alliances and rivalries that have shaped opposition politics in the region over the past decade.