$20,000 Returned: Obasanjo Settles Birthday Fund Dispute with Fayose

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 ahead of Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration. The refund follows a fresh clash between the two political figures, who have had a long-standing estrangement spanning nearly two decades.

In an interview with AF24 News monitored by Legit.ng, Fayose explained that he reached out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend, former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, to invite him to the birthday event. Although Obasanjo attended, he made remarks that Fayose described as critical and unwelcoming. Fayose insisted that his initial call was not an apology, stating, “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.”

The former governor said he provided $20,000 to cover Obasanjo’s logistics at the former president’s request, adding, “How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?” Following a text message from Fayose, Obasanjo returned the money, which Fayose converted to naira and confirmed is now in his possession.

Fayose also raised a separate issue regarding N10 million he and other PDP governors had donated to the Obasanjo Presidential Library in 2005, stating that he now seeks the return of his personal contribution. He stressed that public figures should not disparage those who provide support, warning against misappropriation.

The controversy has reignited political tensions between the two, with Fayose publicly criticizing Obasanjo’s remarks at his birthday while affirming that he was pleased to recover the funds.