Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has revealed how he nearly lost his cool during his 65thbirthday celebration in Lagos due to remarks by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo, speaking at the event, reflected on his long-standing feud with Fayose, describing him as “not the best” of his political protégés, while acknowledging his political accomplishments.
In a recent interview, Fayose said he had reached out to Obasanjo two weeks before the birthday to mend political fences, stressing it 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 explained.
Obasanjo welcomed him warmly and promised to attend the birthday despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose even arranged travel logistics and provided twenty thousand dollars for his expenses.
Tension arose at the celebration when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last, overriding the vice-president’s slot, and delivered a one-hour, fourteen-minute speech containing veiled criticisms.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” Fayose asked.
The former governor admitted he was so angry he felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting Obasanjo. Yet, out of maturity, self-respect, and the presence of the vice-president, he restrained himself.
Fayose concluded that his attempt at reconciliation had been sincere, but Obasanjo’s behavior revealed he was not interested in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for?” he reflected.
