Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned the $20k he provided for the ex-president’s travel logistics during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration.
The repayment comes after fresh tensions erupted between the two politicians.
Long-Standing Feud Reignited
Fayose and Obasanjohave had a political estrangement lasting nearly two decades.
Although there was a brief attempt at reconciliation during Fayose’s birthday, Obasanjo’s remarks at the event reignited their feud.
The former president described Fayose as “not the best” of his mentees while acknowledging some of his political achievements, comments Fayose strongly objected to.
Money Given in Good Faith
In a recent interview with AF24 News, Fayose recounted that he reached out to Obasanjo via a mutual friend, former aviation minister Osita Chidoka, to invite him to the birthday celebration.
Although Fayose emphasized that his call was not an apology.
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 expressed frustration at the former president’s comments at the event, 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?”
He confirmed that after sending a firm message to Obasanjo, the money was returned, 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
Fayose also revisited an earlier political controversy, noting that 30 PDP governors had been asked to contribute N10 million each to the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta in 2005.
He insisted he is entitled to a refund of his contribution too: “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.”
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