Luckiest Dudes Ever! President Buhari Saves Niyi Adebayo, Timi Alaibe From Oblivion

· How Ekiti ex-governor got his groove back, his amazing friendship with Aliko Dangote

Otunba Niyi Adebayo understands politics like the back of his hand thus rather than become a lackey to incumbent politicians and godfathers, he restrategised and pitched his tent with Africa’s richest billionaire, Aliko Dangote. The former governor of Ekiti State did what no one expected by bonding with the Chairman of Dangote Group.

In the end, he got his groove back. The ex-Ekiti governor has regained acclaim and political capital, following his recent appointment as Chairman of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by President Muhammadu Buhari FAAN chairman. While he waited for his comeback, he developed a highly rewarding and enviable friendship with Dangote who was reportedly very instrumental in resuscitating of his social capital.

Since his exit from the Ekiti State government house, Adebayo has been unable to land any plum role or position in politics. With  irredeemable oblivion looming hideously before him, Adebayo grabbed the only opportunity at maintaining his relevance in social and political circles – and that was the rare opportunity that presented for him to befriend Africa’s richest billionaire businessman.

Critics of Adebayo are however, of the opinion that even though he has once again been given a plum chunk of the national cake, he will forever remain indebted to Dangote. But Adebayo doesn’t give a hoot about what anyone thinks.

So influential is he with Dangote that businessmen or lobbyists seeking to gain the attention or favour of the billionaire still attempt to connect with the latter through Adebayo.
Add that to his recent appointment as FAAN chairman and you have a man enjoying a full blast of second chance.
But unlike Adebayo, Timi Alaibe, former Managing Director (MD) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), did not have to befriend any billionaire before he bounced back on to the social and political scene.
Although Alaibe stood the risk of fading out politically, friends and associates he had helped in the past rallied around him and supported him with several cash offerings and lifelines, to save his face and prevent him from extreme poverty.

Like most other politicians, Alaibe had developed a taste for a luxurious lifestyle but like Adebayo, he was too proud to become a lackey to any politician. Eventually, Alaibe also got his groove back at his appointment as Chairman of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority by President Buhari.

Whatever anyone thinks, Adebayo and Alaibe have gotten their second chances.