Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has revealed that he was deeply angered by comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, admitting he briefly felt like seizing the microphone and hitting him with it.
At the event, Obasanjo revisited their long-standing political feud, describing Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés, though acknowledging his achievements. Days later, Fayose reportedly sent a message of thanks to Obasanjo, accusing him of making “irresponsible comments.” Obasanjo, in response, claimed he had returned the money Fayose provided for his attendance.
In an interview with AF24 News posted on its YouTube, Fayose recounted the incident, saying: “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 two weeks before the celebration, he had resolved to reconcile with political rivals. “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 noted that he contacted Obasanjo through former aviation minister Osita Chidoka, but stressed the call was not an apology. “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,” Fayose stated.
According to him, Obasanjo welcomed him warmly at his residence before the event and confirmed his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose said he arranged $20,000 for the former president’s 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 spitting on that person?” he asked.
Tension reportedly arose when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last, after Vice President Kashim Shettima, and directed that Fayose and his wife stand beside him throughout a speech that lasted over an hour. Fayose described the remarks as laced with subtle jabs. “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he queried.
He added that he restrained himself out of respect for the vice president’s presence. “To show maturity, not by age, but by self-respect and consideration, I kept my cool,” he said.
Reflecting on the episode, Fayose said his reconciliation efforts were made “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 the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he concluded.