Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed why he decided to attend the 65th birthday celebration of former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, despite warnings from people who reminded him of past disagreements between them.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo said many people had called him to discourage him from attending, saying Fayose once insulted him.
“I told them, thank you for reminding me,” he said.
The former president explained that in Yoruba culture, a bad child is never abandoned to be devoured by a leopard, adding that no matter the past, reconciliation and growth are more important.
“You are not the best of my political children, you are not,” Obasanjo said, addressing Fayose directly. “But you have made achievements that must not be ignored.”
Obasanjo added that even the process of inviting him had shown humility. According to him, Fayose did not approach him directly but sent Osita Chidoka, whom he also described as a political son.
“When Osita came to me and said ‘Ayo,’ I asked, ‘Ayo who?’ He said Ayo Fayose. I told him Fayose can come to me anytime,” Obasanjo said. “Everybody should learn a lesson from that.”
He concluded by confirming that Fayose had sought forgiveness over past issues.
“You have asked for forgiveness, and you are forgiven,” Obasanjo declared.
The reconciliation is striking considering past public exchanges between the two politicians. In 2018, Fayose described Obasanjo (and President Buhari) as “expired,” saying they no longer represented a modern Nigeria. He also accused Obasanjo of not being a true democrat, claiming he used security agencies to intimidate opponents. In another controversial jab, Fayose said it was a “shame” that Obasanjo had failed to honour the late MKO Abiola on June 12, suggesting it reflected ego rather than respect for democracy.
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