Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, says ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has refunded the $20,000 he gave him for travel arrangements during Fayose’s 65th birthday celebration — a gesture that has now become entangled in their long-running political rivalry.
A Two-Decade Tension Rekindled
Fayose and Obasanjo have had a turbulent relationship dating back nearly twenty years, punctuated by accusations, political clashes and brief moments of attempted reconciliation.
Their most recent effort at mending fences occurred during Fayose’s birthday, where Obasanjo was in attendance. But what was intended to be a cordial appearance quickly turned sour.
During his remarks at the event, Obasanjo praised some of Fayose’s political strides but added that the former governor was “not the best” among his mentees — a comment that Fayose considered dismissive and provocative.
‘I Didn’t Call to Apologise’ — Fayose
Speaking in an interview with AF24 News, Fayose explained how Obasanjo ended up at his birthday celebration.
According to him, he sent the invitation through former aviation minister Osita Chidoka, a mutual acquaintance. But he stressed that the outreach was not driven by remorse.
“I never called to go and apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one that removed me from office,” Fayose said. “If anybody should apologise, it is him.”
The $20,000 Controversy
Fayose said he provided Obasanjo with $20,000 to cover logistics and travel plans for the event, insisting the gesture was made “in good faith.”
However, after Obasanjo’s comments, he felt slighted.
“We took pictures together. All in good faith,” he said. “I changed $20,000 and gave it to him. How can you accept somebody’s money and come and be spiting that person?”
He said he later sent a strongly worded message to the former president — and soon after, the money was returned.
“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,” he said.
“I am very happy. I will not allow such a man to carry my money away.”
Fayose Demands Refund of 2005 Library Contribution
The former governor revived another issue dating back to 2005, when 30 PDP governors were reportedly asked to contribute ₦10 million each to the Obasanjo Presidential Library project in Abeokuta.
Fayose maintained he is due for a refund.
“I wrote to him — my money, you can’t go with that money, Baba,” he said.
He added that Obasanjo’s public acknowledgment of receiving the governors’ donations strengthens his claim.
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“With all humility, since he said at my birthday that he received that money through the governors’ forum, that means my own contribution should also be returned,” he insisted.
“Whatever happens, I just want my ₦10 million. The moment I get it today, I will confirm that I received it. You can’t be disparaging people and be chopping their money — that is 419.”
