Tag: Obasanjo

Former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose has confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 he had previously given him, following a renewed dispute between the two. Fayose said in an interview that the money was returned after he wrote to Obasanjo and has now been converted to naira and returned to him. Fayose explained that he had given Obasanjo the funds at the latter’s request, reportedly to cover travel logistics, during a period of reconciliation ahead of Obasanjo’s 65th birthday celebration. However, Obasanjo later made critical remarks about him at the event, which led Fayose to write to him. “I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. And I thank him for returning it,” Fayose said, expressing satisfaction at getting his money back.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has recounted a tense encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his 65th birthday, revealing he was so angered by the remarks that he briefly felt like hitting him with the microphone. During the Lagos celebration, Obasanjo addressed their long-standing political feud, calling Fayose “not the best” of his protégés while acknowledging his political accomplishments. In an interview with AF24 News posted on YouTube, Fayose said, “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.” Fayose explained that he had made efforts to reconcile with political rivals ahead of the event. “Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he said. He reached out to Obasanjo through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, but stressed that the call was not an apology. “I never called to apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” Fayose said. Obasanjo reportedly welcomed Fayose warmly before the celebration and confirmed his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose also arranged $20,000 for the former president’s travel logistics, questioning how someone could accept help and then make disparaging comments. The tension peaked when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, after the Vice President, and requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted one hour and 14 minutes, which Fayose described as filled with subtle jabs. “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked, adding that he restrained himself out of respect for the Vice President’s presence. Fayose said his attempts at reconciliation were sincere, but Obasanjo’s actions showed no interest in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he concluded.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has reignited his long-standing feud with former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. Obasanjo had attended the event and reportedly criticized Fayose for previous personal attacks, stating that he had forgiven him. The gesture was initially seen as a possible reconciliation between the two political figures. However, Fayose responded sharply in a message shared through Obasanjo’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Monday. Expressing outrage over the former president’s remarks, Fayose described them as “irresponsible” and attacked Obasanjo’s character. He wrote: “Dear Baba Obasanjo, I appreciate your presence at my birthday party, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low, but I am not surprised, because someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong. I remained silent at the function so the world could see the difference between a sane and a mad man. It is also clear that you have lost your sanity—or should I say it is the heightened stage of dementia. Not to worry, Baba. I shall set the records straight in due course.” The message signals that the supposed reconciliation may have collapsed, with tensions between the former governor and ex-president once again coming to the forefront.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, just days before celebrating his 65th birthday on November 15. The visit marked a rare moment of warmth between the two leaders, who have often been at odds politically. Photos shared on X by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesome Wike, show Fayose and Obasanjo sharing relaxed moments. In one image, Obasanjo, dressed in a white traditional outfit and green cap, is seen playing Ayo, the traditional Yoruba board game, with Fayose. The meeting comes amid a series of high-profile visits ahead of Fayose’s birthday, including a visit from former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo earlier in the week. Osinbajo said he chose to visit ahead of the celebration as he would be unavailable on the actual day. During the visit, Fayose and Obasanjo discussed national matters and exchanged friendly pleasantries. Osinbajo praised Fayose for his courage and consistency in public life, while Fayose described the visit as a sign of respect and friendship that transcends political differences. The photos of the gathering have caught public attention, highlighting a softer and more personal side of both political figures.