Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has narrated how a gesture he thought was made in good faith ended in what he describes as “public humiliation” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking in a fresh interview, Fayose detailed the events that occurred before and during Obasanjo’s 65th birthday celebration in Lagos, where tensions between both men resurfaced.
According to Fayose, days before the birthday event, he visited Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence to pay his respects and reaffirm his intention to attend the celebration.
During the visit, Obasanjo reportedly informed him that he had another engagement in Rwanda but would still try to make it to Lagos for the birthday ceremony.
Fayose explained that their interaction was warm, and they even took photographs together before the former president made a request that led to the exchange of $20,000.
Fayose said he provided the money to support Obasanjo’s travel logistics and ensure the former president would be present for the birthday milestone.
However, rather than appreciation, he said the entire situation “flipped” at the event when Obasanjo appeared to mock him publicly.
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The former president later acknowledged receiving the funds, adding that he had returned the money — intact and unopened — through Foluso Adeagbo, the same person who brought it.
The former governor said he was stunned by Obasanjo’s conduct at the event. He claimed the former president insisted on giving the final speech, even ahead of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was also in attendance.
Fayose alleged that Obasanjo used the opportunity to deliver a lengthy and provocative address that included subtle jabs and remarks directed at him.
Fayose admitted the public slight angered him deeply, saying the humiliation was so intense that, for a moment, he felt like confronting Obasanjo.
However, he restrained himself out of respect for the Vice President and to avoid creating a scene that could escalate.
He added that the incident made it clear to him that Obasanjo’s earlier overtures toward reconciliation were insincere.
Reflecting on the episode, Fayose said he regretted his efforts to mend their relationship and would not have made such gestures if he had foreseen how things would unfold.
He emphasised that he has no political ambitions that require Obasanjo’s support, noting, “I don’t need Obasanjo for anything — I’m not contesting any election.”
