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Ayodele Fayose warned Siminalayi Fubara in 2023 about clashing with Nyesom Wike, predicting a tough battle. A year later, Rivers State plunged into crisis, leading to Fubara’s suspension. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, appointing a new administrator as political tensions escalated between Fubara and Wike.

In May 2023, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose offered a stark warning to Siminalayi Fubara, cautioning him against clashing with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Speaking at a state banquet held in Wike’s honor, Fayose advised Fubara to tread carefully, emphasizing that Wike was not one to back down from a fight. His words, seemingly prophetic, have now gained renewed relevance as Rivers State descends into political chaos.

Months after Fayose’s remarks, tensions between Fubara and Wike escalated, splitting the state assembly into rival factions. By October 2023, an attempt to impeach Fubara resulted in the controversial demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The crisis peaked when the Supreme Court, in February 2025, upheld a ruling blocking federal allocations to the state, further fueling unrest.

In response, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the entire assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has since been appointed to oversee the state. With the National Assembly endorsing the emergency measures, Rivers’ political future remains uncertain—just as Fayose forewarned nearly two years ago.