Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has revealed that he was so angered by former President Olusegun Obasanjos remarks at his 65th birthday celebration that he momentarily felt like grabbing the microphone from him and striking him with it. Fayose made the disclosure in a new interview where he recounted the events leading to the gathering in Lagos. During the ceremony, Obasanjo had described Fayose as not the best of his political protgs while acknowledging the former governors achievements. Fayose said that two weeks before his birthday, he decided to reconcile with people he had previously fallen out with politically, reaching out to Obasanjo through a mutual friend identified as Osita. He stressed that the call was not an apology, insisting, I did not offend him. He was the one that removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is him. Fayose said Obasanjo invited him to his home before the event and assured him that he would attend despite having another engagement in Rwanda. According to him, Obasanjo also requested travel logistics, and he provided $20,000. How can you accept somebodys money and come and be spiting that person? Fayose said. He explained that he became uneasy when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event instead of the vice-president. According to him, Obasanjo later directed the moderator to call the vice-president before him, then demanded that Fayose and his wife stand beside him while he delivered a speech that lasted one hour, 14 minutes. Fayose said the speech contained indirect attacks on him, which he considered inappropriate for a celebratory occasion. At that point, I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjos hand and hitting it on his head, Fayose said. But because of the vice-presidents presence and for the sake of maturity, I kept my cool. Fayose said he had made the effort to reconcile in good faith but that Obasanjos behaviour showed he was not interested in peace. 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 said.
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