Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has revealed the tense drama that played out at his 65th birthday celebration, saying he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks that he momentarily felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.
The clash happened in Lagos, where Obasanjo revisited their bitter political history and openly described Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés, even while acknowledging his achievements. The comments, first reported by PUNCH Online, immediately reignited their long-standing feud.
Days later, Fayose sent a message accusing Obasanjo of making “irresponsible comments,” but in a new interview with AF24 News, he provided a detailed account of what truly transpired.
Fayose said Obasanjo again referred to him as “not the best” of his protégés during the event, a statement that triggered a raw emotional reaction.
“I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere,” he said.
He explained that just two weeks earlier, he had decided to reconcile with several 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.
Fayose said he contacted Obasanjo through a mutual friend, Osita Chidoka, but stressed it 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,” he said.
He recounted visiting Obasanjo at home before the birthday, where the former president welcomed him warmly and assured him he would attend the celebration despite a scheduled trip to Rwanda.
Fayose said he even handled 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.
Suspicion grew, he added, when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event.
“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious,” he said.
Fayose claimed Obasanjo instructed the moderator to call Vice President Kashim Shettima before him and told Fayose and his wife to stand beside him throughout a speech that lasted “one hour, 14 minutes.” He described the speech as being filled with subtle jabs.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked.
Despite the provocation, Fayose said he maintained his composure.
“But to show maturity, not by age, but by self-respect and out of consideration for the vice-president’s presence, I kept my cool,” he added.
He noted that his reconciliation efforts were made in good faith, but 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,” he said.
