The controversy surrounding the appointment of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Board has taken a new twist after his younger brother, Isaac Fayose, weighed in on the debate with a fiery response that has further ignited conversations across social media.
Reacting to claims that the REA appointment was too insignificant for the former governor, Isaac Fayose dismissed the criticism, declaring in a viral social media video that anyone who considered the office too small should “give it to your son.”
His remarks have since generated hundreds of reactions, with Nigerians sharply divided over whether the position matches the political stature of the former Ekiti governor.
A significant number of social media users defended the appointment, insisting that the REA is one of the Federal Government’s strategic agencies.
Nkereuwem Akpan urged critics to stop belittling the agency, writing: “Just congratulate your brother respectfully and move on. Only 61 per cent of households have electricity, while 39 per cent—mostly in rural areas—remain off-grid. The work of the Rural Electrification Agency is huge and demanding. Stop this petty envy. No one is bigger than Nigeria. He will make a huge difference.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Asiwaju Owolabi said, “To Isaac Fayose, the National Rural Electrification Agency is small, right? I laugh. This is a very relevant and juicy agency. If you know, you know.”
Akioya Emmanuel maintained that public service should not be measured by the size of an office, stating, “If it is for service to the people, no office should be regarded as big or small.”
Peter Tersugh added, “Nobody is too big to serve,” while Akinnawo Oluwaseun wrote that “the way up is down,” stressing that REA remains a major federal parastatal and that service should always take precedence over status.
Providing further context on the agency’s significance, Ogunsemi Bamidele argued that the REA Board Chairmanship is far from a minor appointment. According to him, the agency has a proposed budget of about ₦170 billion, including ₦100 billion earmarked for the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative, with the balance expected to fund more than 500 rural electrification projects across Nigeria.
Some contributors also highlighted the distinction between the roles of Board Chairman and Director-General.
Adebisi Adeyemi noted that while the Director-General oversees the day-to-day administration and execution of projects, the Board Chairman provides policy oversight, evaluates performance, and offers strategic direction for the agency.
Others viewed the controversy through a political lens.
Omega Omega remarked that “If Peter Obi appoints you as REA Chairman, you can reject it. After all, your elder brother did not complain.”
Olawumi Akinola described the development as an example of democratic tolerance, observing that while Ayo Fayose accepted an appointment under the APC-led Federal Government, Isaac Fayose has openly supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
“The beauty of democracy,” the commenter wrote, adding that political differences need not divide families.
However, some comments were less sympathetic.
Eagle Ken suggested that the appointment was what Isaac Fayose had been seeking all along, while Ola Fatai Adeosun jokingly claimed that “anything that will put food on his brother’s table would do.”
Madaki Zuti Yasman also mocked the development, alleging that the former governor was determined to remain politically relevant.
Others defended Ayo Fayose’s competence regardless of the office he occupies.
Jide Ojaomo wrote that even if appointed as a personal assistant, the former governor would distinguish himself and outperform many senior government officials.
Kolawole Fagbuyi dismissed Isaac Fayose’s criticism, sarcastically suggesting that he should create a different appointment for his elder brother if he was dissatisfied.
The online exchanges also exposed shifting political loyalties.
Gbolahan Adegboye observed that some individuals who criticised Isaac Fayose after his recent comments on Peter Obi were now applauding his latest remarks, describing the changing reactions as surprising.
As of Tuesday, discussions surrounding Ayo Fayose’s appointment continued to trend across Facebook, X, Instagram, and other social media platforms, with many Nigerians arguing that the true measure of the appointment will ultimately be determined by the former governor’s performance and the impact of the REA on electricity access in rural communities rather than the perceived status of the office.
