Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has publicly expressed his intense anger towards former President Olusegun Obasanjo following controversial remarks made during Fayose's 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. The political clash has exposed deep-seated tensions between the two prominent figures despite recent reconciliation efforts.
The Birthday Confrontation
During an interview with AF24 News posted on YouTube on Monday, Fayose revealed shocking details about the November 15th event that left him feeling humiliated. Obasanjo's speech, which lasted one hour and fourteen minutes, included comments describing Fayose as "not the best" of his political protégés, despite acknowledging some of his achievements.
"I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo's hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere," Fayose confessed during the emotional interview. The former governor emphasized that he maintained composure only out of respect for Vice President Kashim Shettima's presence at the event.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
Fayose disclosed that he had initiated reconciliation efforts two weeks before the birthday celebration, reaching out to several political rivals including Obasanjo. Through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, Fayose obtained Obasanjo's contact information and arranged a meeting at the former president's residence.
According to Fayose, the initial meeting appeared positive, with Obasanjo warmly receiving him and confirming his attendance despite having another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose even provided $20,000 for Obasanjo's travel logistics at the former president's request, making the subsequent public criticism particularly painful.
"How can you accept somebody's money and come and be spitting on that person?" Fayose questioned during the interview.
Growing Suspicion During the Event
Tensions began mounting during the birthday celebration when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last, positioning himself after Vice President Shettima. Fayose described becoming suspicious of Obasanjo's intentions at this point.
The situation escalated when Obasanjo requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him throughout the lengthy speech, which the former governor characterized as filled with "subtle jabs" and inappropriate comments for a birthday celebration.
"How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?" Fayose lamented, questioning the timing and nature of Obasanjo's critical remarks.
Aftermath and Political Implications
Following the event, Fayose sent a controversial message to Obasanjo, accusing him of making "irresponsible comments" and suggesting the former president belonged "in the zoo." Obasanjo's special assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed receipt of this message in a statement to Legit.ng on November 17.
Fayose now questions the entire reconciliation effort, stating: "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."
The public clash highlights the unresolved tensions in Nigerian political relationships and raises questions about the sustainability of political reconciliations among the country's elite. The incident has sparked discussions about political mentorship, respect among leaders, and the complexities of power dynamics in Nigeria's political landscape.
