Oyebanji, who had made a similar call during the performance of a play titled, ‘Fajuyi for Nigeria’ in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, last month as part of activities marking his first year in office, said, “The heroic deed of the late Col. Fajuyi is an enduring legacy of patriotism, heroism and sacrifice that should be celebrated by all Nigerians.”
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the governor spoke at the MUSON Centre, Lagos on Sunday evening, during another command performance of the Fajuyi stage play re-enacting the heroic death of the late military governor.
Oyebanji said, “A Federal Government’s honour and recognition for the late hero would serve as a symbol of unity to inspire the future generations”, adding that Col. Fajuyi’s name deserved to be etched in the annals of Nigerian history.
The governor noted that the late Fajuyi, a native of Ado Ekiti, was best known for his act of selflessness during the Nigerian counter-coup of 1966, when he chose to protect the then Head of State, Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi, at the cost of his own life.
Oyebanji said, “This evening, we have once again seen history, taught by history, educated by history, encouraged by history, warned by history, encouraged to do what is right always no matter what the situation, taught us to be men and women of integrity, have moral values of consistent commitment to our place of birth, the highest level of patriotism for our nation.
“Lt. Col. Francis Adekule Fajuyi offered himself as a lamb our nation needed to preserve unity and oneness of this country. This is why I strongly feel that Nigeria has not celebrated this hero enough, this is why we also feel that the country has not shown appreciation that is commensurate to the level of Francis Adekunle Fajuyi’s sacrifice”.
He said that on behalf of the people of Ekiti State, “I hereby demand that one, national monument should be immediately named after him to honour him perpetually and further preserve his memory. Two, a posthumous national award be conferred on him and his family should benefit some annual financial assistance from the Nigeria Army”.
A major highlight of the performance witnessed by members of the Fajuyi and General Aguyi Ironsi family members was when the first sons of the slain military officers were invited to the stage for the proverbial handshake across Niger.
A pall of silence descended on the capacity-filled Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, the venue of the performance, the moment the two men shook hands and embraced each other.
Among dignitaries at the command performance were the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; two former first ladies of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Erelu Angela Adebayo; former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi; Mr Gbenga Oyebode; and Pastor Ituah Igodalo of the Trinity Church.
Some members of Ekiti State Executive Council were also in attendance at the stage play which was written and directed by their colleague, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
