Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has recounted an intense moment of anger during his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, revealing that he felt so provoked by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks that he almost hit him with the microphone.
Okay News reports that during the event, Obasanjo addressed the audience and revisited the long-standing political feud between him and Fayose. The former president described Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés while simultaneously acknowledging his achievements in governance.
Fayose, in an interview with AF24 News published on its YouTube channel, explained the emotional impact of Obasanjo’s words. He said, “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.”
The former governor emphasized that he had sought reconciliation with political rivals two weeks prior to the celebration. “Whatever differences we have had in the past, let us put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he stated.
Fayose revealed that he contacted Obasanjo through a mutual friend, Osita Chidoka, but clarified that it was not an apology call. “I never called to go and apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” he said.
According to Fayose, Obasanjo welcomed him warmly at his residence days before the event and promised to attend despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose even provided $20,000 to cover the former president’s travel expenses. “We took pictures together. All in good faith. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spitting on that person?” he asked.
The tension escalated when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the celebration, requesting the moderator to call the Vice President before him. Fayose and his wife were asked to stand beside Obasanjo throughout his one-hour and fourteen-minute speech, which Fayose described as containing subtle jabs.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” Fayose questioned. Despite his anger, he maintained composure for the sake of respect and the Vice President’s presence. He concluded that his efforts at reconciliation were made in good conscience but acknowledged that Obasanjo had 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,” Fayose said.
