According to a report by Leadership News on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Ayo Fayose, former Ekiti State Governor, has said he was deeply provoked by comments made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his recent 65th birthday celebration in Lagos.
Fayose explained that Obasanjo’s remarks about their long-standing political disagreements created a moment of intense anger for him, forming the background of his account of the events leading to the celebration.
Fayose stated that the tension began when Obasanjo spoke openly about their history, describing him in an unfavourable manner while still acknowledging his political relevance.
He said the remarks were unexpected, especially because he believed both men had already settled their differences ahead of the event.
According to him, the comments caught him off guard and made him question the motive behind Obasanjo’s appearance at the occasion.
The former governor explained that before the celebration, he had taken deliberate steps to mend their fractured relationship.
He said he contacted the former president through a mutual acquaintance named Osita, who helped him obtain Obasanjo’s phone number.
Fayose recalled reaching out politely and expressing his desire to put their disagreements behind them, and he received a positive response.
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He revealed that Obasanjo later invited him to his home, where they held what he believed was a sincere reconciliation meeting.
During the visit, Fayose said Obasanjo assured him that he would attend the birthday celebration, even though he had a prior engagement in Rwanda around the same period, this assurance encouraged him to make the necessary arrangements to host him properly.
Fayose added that at Obasanjo’s request, he took responsibility for planning and supporting the travel logistics.
He explained that he converted funds to facilitate the arrangements, believing it was a gesture of goodwill to strengthen the reconciliation.
He said photographs were taken during the visit as a sign that the relationship had been restored, and he left the meeting confident that the tension between them had finally ended.
The former governor expressed disappointment that despite these efforts, the former president chose to make remarks at the birthday celebration that he felt were unkind and unworthy of the reconciliation they had agreed on.
He said the tone and nature of the comments made him question why such a gesture of peace was followed by what he considered an unnecessary public embarrassment.
Fayose noted that the situation left him feeling momentarily provoked because it contradicted the cordial atmosphere of their earlier meeting.
He stressed that his reaction was rooted in the belief that reconciliation should be genuine, especially after taking personal steps to show respect and goodwill.
Fayose said the incident served as a reminder of the complexities of political relationships and the expectations that often accompany attempts at resolving long-standing disputes.
He said: “We took pictures together. All in good faith. I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spitting on that person?. View, More,
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