According to Fayose, Obasanjo’s remarks—where the former president described him as “not the best” among his political protégés—were unexpected, especially after he had reached out to him in what he described as a goodwill effort to reconcile. Fayose said that two weeks before the event, he decided to make peace with political figures with whom he previously had disagreements, including Obasanjo. He contacted him through a mutual associate known as Osita, but insisted he never apologised because he owed Obasanjo no apology.
“I did not offend him. He was the one that removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is him,” Fayose said.
He explained that Obasanjo invited him to his residence prior to the celebration and confirmed he would attend, despite having another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose added that the former president requested logistics support, and he provided $20,000. “How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?” he questioned.
Fayose further stated that he became uncomfortable when Obasanjo insisted on delivering the final remarks at the event instead of the vice-president. He said Obasanjo later instructed the moderator to call the vice-president before him, then asked that Fayose and his wife stand beside him throughout his speech, which lasted “one hour, 14 minutes.”
During the speech, Fayose claimed Obasanjo repeatedly threw indirect jabs that were inappropriate for a birthday gathering.
“At that point, I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head,” he said. “But because of the vice-president’s presence and for the sake of maturity, I kept my cool.”
Fayose added that the experience convinced him that Obasanjo was not genuinely interested in reconciliation.
“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.