Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has revealed that he became extremely angry during his 65th birthday celebration after comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to the point where he momentarily felt like striking him with a microphone.
Fayose made the revelation in a new interview where he recounted the tense moments surrounding the ceremony and the behind-the-scenes exchanges that led up to it.
According to him, the former president used the celebration, held in Lagos, to revisit their long-standing political rift, describing him as “not the best” among his protégés despite acknowledging his political achievements.
Fayose explained that two weeks before the event, he took a personal decision to reconcile with individuals he had clashed with over the years.
“Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put it behind. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind”, he said.
He revealed that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual associate, Osita, who shared the former president’s phone number with him.
However, he clarified that the call to Obasanjo was not an apology.
“I never called to go and apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one that removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is him.”
Fayose said Obasanjo welcomed him warmly ahead of the birthday, adding that the ex-president agreed to attend even though he had another engagement in Rwanda. He also requested assistance with travel logistics.
“We took pictures together. All in good faith.” “I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?”
Fayose said he first sensed trouble when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event instead of allowing the vice-president to take the final slot.
“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious.”
According to him, Obasanjo later instructed the programme moderator to invite the vice-president before him, after which he asked Fayose and his wife to stand by his side.
The former president then delivered a speech that lasted “one hour, 14 minutes,” which Fayose described as filled with subtle criticisms.
Fayose said the remarks deeply embarrassed him on what should have been a celebratory day.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?”
He admitted that his anger reached a breaking point.
“I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.”
However, he said he controlled himself out of respect for the office of the vice-president and his desire to maintain maturity.
“To show maturity, not by age, and the love I have for myself and the presence of the vice-president, I just kept my cool.”
Fayose said his attempt at reconciliation was made in good faith, but the former president’s conduct showed he was not interested in peace.
“If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting election? Do I need his validation? No.”
His comments have since ignited nationwide debate, reopening discussions about the long and complicated relationship between the two political figures.