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

At the Lagos event, Obasanjo revisited their long-standing feud and described Fayose as “not the best” of his political protégés. Fayose later called the remarks “irresponsible.”

In an interview with AF24 News, Fayose said he had planned to reconcile with Obasanjo and even reached out through former minister Osita Chidoka. He noted that he did not apologise because “I didn’t offend him. He removed me from office.”

Fayose said Obasanjo welcomed him warmly before the event and assured him he would attend. According to Fayose, he provided $20,000 for Obasanjo’s travel arrangements.

Tension rose when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last and asked Fayose and his wife to stand beside him during a speech that lasted over an hour. Fayose said the speech was filled with subtle digs.

“How do you say such things on someone’s 65th birthday?” he said, adding that he stayed calm out of respect for the vice-president.

Fayose concluded that Obasanjo was not interested in peace.
“If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Do I need his validation? No,” he said.