Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has confirmed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20,000 he provided for Obasanjo’s travel logistics for Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration. The refund comes after tensions flared between the two political figures, who have had a strained relationship spanning nearly two decades.
In a recent interview with AF24 News monitored by Legit.ng, Fayose detailed the sequence of events leading up to his milestone birthday. He explained that he reached out to Obasanjo through former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka to invite the ex-president to the celebration. While Obasanjo agreed to attend despite prior commitments in Rwanda, his remarks at the event drew criticism from Fayose, who described them as dismissive and disparaging.
Fayose clarified that his outreach to Obasanjo was not an apology, saying, “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.” He added that the $20,000 he provided was given at Obasanjo’s request to cover his logistics and expressed surprise at the former president’s critical comments after accepting the money.
Following a firm text message from Fayose, Obasanjo returned the funds, which Fayose converted to naira. “I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. I am very happy. I will not allow such a man to carry my money away,” he said.
Fayose also raised concerns regarding N10 million contributed by PDP governors to the Obasanjo Presidential Library in 2005, insisting that his personal share should be refunded. The former governor warned that public figures should not disparage those who support them financially.
This development has reignited political tensions between the two, as Fayose publicly criticized Obasanjo’s remarks while affirming satisfaction over the recovery of the funds.
