Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo refunded the $20,000 he had earlier given to support the former leader’s travel arrangements and logistics for Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration, a development that has further intensified public interest in their long-running political rivalry.
The return of the cash followed a renewed fallout between the two influential figures, coming shortly after what many had hoped would be a moment of reconciliation at the birthday event.
Long-Standing Feud Reignited
Fayose and Obasanjo [/b]have been locked in a political standoff that has stretched for nearly 20 years, rooted in past political disagreements and unresolved grievances.
Although Fayose had attempted to extend an olive branch by inviting Obasanjo to his milestone birthday celebration, the fragile truce quickly collapsed due to comments made by the former president during his speech at the event.
Obasanjo reportedly remarked that Fayose was “not the best” among his political mentees, even while conceding that he had recorded some notable achievements in office—statements Fayose publicly rejected as demeaning and unfair.
Money Given in Good Faith
In an interview with AF24 News, Fayose explained that he personally reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual contact, former aviation minister Osita Chidoka, to communicate his invitation to the former president.
He stressed that the phone call was not meant as an apology or an attempt to plead for favour but rather as a respectful gesture suitable for a significant personal occasion.
He said: “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”
Repayment After Criticism
Fayose admitted that he felt disrespected by Obasanjo’s comments during the birthday ceremony, noting that the moment initially appeared cordial, as both men posed for photographs and exchanged pleasantries.
He revealed that his decision to give the money was done sincerely and without expecting anything in return, saying:
“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 spiting that person?”
According to Fayose, he later sent a strongly worded message to Obasanjo to express his displeasure, after which the money was swiftly returned.
He confirmed the refund in clear terms, adding:
“I have written to him, and he has returned my $20,000. And I thank him for returning it. It is in my possession now. I have changed it to naira.”
“I am very happy. I will not allow such a man to carry my money away.”
Demand for N10 Million Refund
Beyond the immediate issue of the birthday refund, Fayose also revived memories of an older controversy surrounding financial contributions made by PDP governors during Obasanjo’s time in office.
He recalled that in 2005, about 30 PDP governors were allegedly asked to contribute N10 million each to support the Obasanjo Presidential Library project in Abeokuta.
Fayose insisted that he deserves a refund of his own contribution, maintaining that it was wrong to retain funds from someone while speaking negatively about them in public.
He stated firmly: “I wrote to him, he (Obasanjo) did not publish that one, ‘my money, you can’t go with that money, baba.’
“I wrote to him, with all humility, that since he has accepted at my birthday that he received that money through governors’ forum, that means the one for me, he should return that money.
“Whatever, I just want my N10 million. The moment I get it today, I will confirm that I received it. You can’t be disparaging people and be chopping (sic) their money, that is 419.”
See below;