I Was Enraged, I Almost Hit Obasanjo With Microphone at My Birthday – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has revealed that he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks at his 65th birthday party that he felt like grabbing the microphone and hitting him with it.

Fayose made the disclosure in a recent interview, where he narrated events leading up to the celebration held in Lagos.

‘You Are Not Omoluabi,’ Obasanjo Told Fayose and His Wife

At the birthday party, Obasanjo had revisited past disagreements between the two men, saying Fayose once abused him publicly before later sending emissaries, including former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, to broker peace.

“I told your wife, ‘Madam, you and your husband, you are not Omoluabi.’ She admitted and said ‘Baba, you are right. Please, forgive us.’… You have asked for forgiveness and as far as I’m concerned, you are forgiven,” Obasanjo said.

While the former president spoke, Fayose maintained his composure.

‘You Belong in the Zoo’ – Fayose’s Furious Text Message

Barely 48 hours after the event, Fayose sent Obasanjo a scathing message. A statement issued by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, quoted Fayose’s text:

“Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments. You went so low… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”

Fayose explained that two weeks before the celebration, he attempted to mend fences with political rivals, including Obasanjo, but insisted it was not an apology.

“I never called to 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 said.

He said Obasanjo welcomed him to his home before the event and assured him that he would attend despite an engagement in Rwanda.

Fayose also said he facilitated travel logistics for the former president.

“I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?”

‘I Became Suspicious When He Insisted on Speaking Last’

Fayose said he became uneasy when Obasanjo demanded to speak after the vice-president, insisting on having the final word at the ceremony.

He added that Obasanjo later asked that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted “one hour, 14 minutes,” which he described as filled with veiled attacks.

“How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked.

‘I Felt Like Hitting Him With the Mic’

The former governor said Obasanjo’s comments pushed him to the edge.

“I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head… But because of the vice-president and the love I have for myself, I kept my cool,” he said.

Fayose maintained that his overtures were made in “good conscience,” but Obasanjo’s behaviour showed he was uninterested in peace.

“If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting an election? Do I need his validation? No,” he added.