Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has recounted the tense moments that unfolded during his 65th birthday celebration, saying former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks provoked him to the point where he felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.
Fayose spoke in a recent interview where he narrated the events leading up to the Lagos ceremony.
At the event, Obasanjo had revisited their long-running political feud, describing Fayose as “not the best” of his protégés even while acknowledging his political achievements.
Fayose said that two weeks before the birthday, he decided to reconcile with several political associates with whom he had previously fallen out.
“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 explained that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend, Osita, who provided the former president’s phone number. He stressed, however, that the call 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.
Fayose said Obasanjo later received him warmly and assured him he would attend the celebration despite another engagement in Rwanda.
He added that he also arranged funds for Obasanjo’s travel logistics 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 sign of trouble at the event came when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last, ahead of the vice-president.
“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo later told the moderator to call the vice-president before him, before demanding that Fayose and his wife stand beside him while he delivered a lengthy address he described as laced with veiled attacks.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked.
Fayose said his anger peaked at that point.
“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 his reconciliation attempt was made “in good conscience”, but Obasanjo’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,” he said.