By Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
To hell with Erelu Fayemi!
Yes, that is the headline.
But before anyone collapses, raises an alarm, or calls a family meeting, let us ask a simple question:
Who is the unfortunate fellow saying that?
Definitely not me.
Not Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq.
I am not foolish enough to pick a fight with a woman whose presence melts anger like hot charcoal melts shea butter.
For Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is that rare woman who dissolves whatever resentment you have against her the moment she steps into a room. Her charm disarms. Her warmth reorganized your thoughts.
Her aura fixes the heart instantly. To borrow the forgiving power of ewe oriji, her presence rinses away whatever you thought you were holding against her. She is, indeed, a woman of clean hands, clean intentions, and a clean spirit.
My recent encounter with her at the Isan Unity Day celebration only sealed this truth further.
The atmosphere in Isan-Ekiti was electric — drums rolling, colours dancing, camaraderie flowing. And there was Erelu, radiant and cheerful, greeting guests with the natural elegance of one who carries royalty without weight and spreads warmth without effort. I was there as a guest of the brilliant London-based Train Engineer, Taju Adigun Omo Folake Folaranmi (TJ), who was to be conferred with the title of Atayese of Isan by the Onisan. Our section faced the table of the royal fathers, and I conversed freely with Prof. Olu Adejumo and his delegation from Oyo State while the festivities blossomed around us.
At a point, I rose to pay homage to Erelu. Trust her — the moment she sighted me, her face lit up with that signature smile that arrives before her words and lingers after she has spoken. She received me warmly and, in that gentle but firm tone of hers, said:
“Otunba, well done. I appreciate how passionately you are driving Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s tourism vision.”
Those words entered softly but settled deeply.
Later, when Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his elegant wife were ready to depart, they both did something exceptional — they stepped down from the high table and walked directly to where TJ and his guests sat, offering personal greetings and appreciation for honouring Isan Day. It was humility wearing royal apparel. Leadership without noise.
As Erelu turned to leave, she spotted me again. She paused, smiled with that familiar note of affectionate mischief, and called out:
“Otunba! Well done. I love your cap.”
Ah! Erelu Bam Bam!
Destroyer of stiffness.
Disperser of tension.
Queen of effortless charm.
Before the breeze could rearrange the moment, we captured it — a photograph full of joy, mutual respect, and years of shared service to Ekiti culture and tourism. And as she walked away, I whispered inwardly:
Thank you, Erelu, for loving Gov Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’ tourism”s vision..
Thank you for always adding grace to our cultural spaces.
Thank you for being the timeless, unstoppable, unforgettable Erelu Bam Bam — today, tomorrow, and always.