Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has revealed that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 he collected to attend Fayose's 65th birthday celebration. The development comes after weeks of public tension between the two political figures.
The Birthday Celebration That Sparked Controversy
During his recent interview with AF24 News, Fayose narrated the sequence of events that led to the dramatic return of funds. The former governor explained that two weeks before his birthday celebration in Lagos, he decided to reconcile with several political figures he had previously fallen out with, including Obasanjo.
Fayose reached out to the former president through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, a former aviation minister who provided Obasanjo's contact details. However, the ex-governor was quick to clarify that his outreach was not an apology mission.
"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," Fayose stated emphatically during the interview.
Money Changed Hands Before Event
According to Fayose's account, Obasanjo welcomed him to his home days before the birthday celebration and assured him of his attendance despite having another engagement in Rwanda. At Obasanjo's request, Fayose arranged $20,000 for the former president's travel logistics.
"We took pictures together. All in good faith," Fayose recalled. "I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody's money and come and be spiting that person?"
The tension between the two politicians became public during the birthday ceremony when Obasanjo reflected on their long-running feud, describing Fayose as "not the best" of his protégés while acknowledging his political accomplishments.
Demand for Additional Refund
Fayose didn't stop at the $20,000 refund. He also demanded the return of N10 million that he claimed was compelled from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in 2005 as donations to the Obasanjo Presidential Library.
Now out of office, Fayose wants his share of the N10 million returned, stating: "I wrote to him, he did not publish that one, 'my money, you can't go with that money, baba.'"
The former governor expressed his determination to recover the funds, adding: "I wrote to him, with all humility, that since he has accepted at my birthday that he received that money through governors' forum, that means the one for me, he should return that money. Whatever, I just want my N10 million."
Fayose concluded with strong words: "The moment I get it today, I will confirm that I received it. You can't be disparaging people and be chopping their money, that is 419."
Confirming that the $20,000 had been successfully returned, Fayose revealed: "I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. And I thank him for returning it. It is in my possession now. I have changed it to naira."
When asked about his feelings regarding the refund, Fayose responded with satisfaction: "I am very happy. I will not allow such a man to carry my money away."
