The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, says Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration provoked him so intensely that he briefly considered grabbing the microphone from the former president and striking him with it.
Fayose shared this in a new interview where he recounted the events leading up to his recent birthday ceremony.
During the celebration in Lagos, Obasanjo revisited their long-standing disagreements, referring to the ex-governor as “not the best” among his political protégés — while still acknowledging his political achievements.
Fayose explained that about two weeks before the event, he made a personal decision to reconcile with several individuals with whom he had previously clashed politically.
“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 narrated that he contacted Obasanjo through a mutual acquaintance, Osita, who gave him the former president’s phone number.
However, Fayose emphasised that reaching out 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,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo received him at his residence days before the event and assured him of his presence despite having another commitment in Rwanda.
Fayose also said he provided funds for Obasanjo’s travel arrangements at the former president’s request.
“We took pictures together. All in good faith,” he said.
“I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?”
According to him, the first indication that things might go wrong came when Obasanjo insisted on delivering the last speech at the event instead of the vice-president.
“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo later instructed the moderator to call the vice-president before him, after which he requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him while he delivered a speech lasting “one hour, 14 minutes”.
Fayose said the speech contained subtle jabs.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked.
He said this was when his anger reached its height.
“I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere,” he narrated.
“But 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 he made the reconciliation effort “in good conscience”, but Obasanjo’s conduct showed he had no interest 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,” he said.