I was so angry, I almost beat up Obasanjo at my birthday party — Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose says he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he even felt like hitting him with the microphone.

Recall that during Fayose’s birthday celebration in Lagos, Obasanjo touched on their long-standing feud between the two of them.

The former president had in his speech referred to Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés, while also acknowledging his political achievements.

Few days later, Fayose sent a message to Obasanjo, accusing him of making “irresponsible comments” at the event.

But Fayose, in an interview with AF24 News, posted on its YouTube channel on Monday, recalled the events that occurred at his birthday celebration.

The former governor stated that Obasanjo reflected on their political feud and again described him as “not the best” of his protégés, even while recognising his accomplishments.

“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.

According to Fayose, two weeks before his birthday ceremony, he had resolved 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 noted that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend, Osita Chidoka, who provided the former president’s contact.

Fayose stressed 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 who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” he said.

Fayose said Obasanjo received him warmly at his residence days before the event and assured him of his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda.

At Obasanjo’s request, Fayose arranged funds for his 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.

Fayose explained that tension arose when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, placing himself after the Vice-President.

“Baba said he would be the one to speak last. I became suspicious,” he said.

He said Obasanjo later directed the moderator to invite Vice President Kashim Shettima before him and requested that he (Fayose) and his wife stand beside him throughout a speech that lasted “one hour, 14 minutes.”

He said Obasanjo’s speech was filled with subtle jabs.

Fayose added, “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?

“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.”

Fayose said his efforts to reconcile with Obasanjo were made “in good conscience,” but the former president’s conduct demonstrated 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,” Fayose said.