Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), months after publicly stating that he would not accept any position in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

President Bola Tinubu approved Fayose’s appointment on Monday as part of 26 appointments to the boards of 10 federal government agencies and commissions. The announcement was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the appointments took immediate effect.

The appointment marks a notable shift from Fayose’s position expressed during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television in October 2025. At the time, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain disclosed that Tinubu had offered him a government appointment, which he declined.

“At 65, I would rather stay at home and focus on other responsibilities. I have served my state well as a two-term governor and I am satisfied with my contributions,” Fayose had said.

He also maintained that his personal relationship with Tinubu did not translate into political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his opinions on national issues were based on conviction rather than the pursuit of political office.

Fayose’s acceptance of the REA board chairmanship has since attracted public attention, with many observers noting the contrast between his earlier remarks and his decision to take up the federal appointment.