Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has disclosed that he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he briefly considered grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.
In a recent interview, Fayose recounted the events leading up to his birthday party in Lagos, explaining that he had reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend in a bid to reconcile after past political differences. He insisted that the call was not an apology, noting, “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.”
Obasanjo had reportedly welcomed Fayose to his home days before the celebration and assured him he would attend the event despite a prior engagement in Rwanda. Fayose added that he personally assisted with Obasanjo’s travel logistics, providing $20,000 for the former president’s expenses.
Fayose said tensions arose at the party when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last, contrary to protocol with the vice-president present. The former president later demanded that Fayose and his wife stand beside him as he delivered a speech lasting “one hour, 14 minutes,” which Fayose described as containing veiled attacks.
“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” Fayose asked, recalling the moment his anger peaked. “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere. But to show maturity, not by age, and the love I have for myself and the presence of the vice-president, I just kept my cool.”
Fayose said his effort to reconcile was made “in good conscience,” but concluded that Obasanjo’s behaviour showed he was not interested in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting election? Do I need his validation? No,” he stated.